Breakthrough Energy Fellows Cohort 7 (2027): Up to $500,000 for Climate Technology Innovators Worldwide
Overview
The Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program is a global initiative led by Breakthrough Energy Discovery designed to support scientists, entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups working on climate technologies. The programme helps move early-stage innovations from scientific research toward commercialization by focusing on technologies capable of delivering significant greenhouse gas reductions at scale. It offers multiple pathways for participants at different stages, including the Innovator Fellowship for startups and researchers preparing technologies for commercialization, the Explorer Program for earlier-stage university and institutional research, and the Business Fellowship for experienced professionals supporting commercialization.
Who can apply
The programme is open to applicants worldwide, with all communication and curriculum delivered in English and no relocation required. The Innovator Fellowship is aimed at early-stage startups and researchers with technologies generally at Technology Readiness Levels 1 through 4 that have typically raised less than $2 million in investment funding excluding grants. Innovator Fellows must establish a legal entity before the programme begins and commit full-time to developing their startups. The Explorer Program supports researchers and innovators whose technologies are generally at Technology Readiness Levels 0 through 2, allowing participants to retain their existing academic or professional positions. The Business Fellowship considers experienced professionals worldwide with expertise in business development, commercialization, markets, and technology scaling, who must commit full-time to supporting Innovator teams.
What you get
Innovator Fellows receive up to $500,000 in catalytic investment through a SAFE, alongside technical project management support, commercialization assistance, mentorship, training, business development guidance, and access to investors, policymakers, and industry specialists across approximately 12 months of development support and three months of close-out and evaluation. Explorer participants receive grant funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for research, equipment, personnel, and technical development, plus mentorship, industry connections, and event access. Business Fellows receive an industry-competitive living stipend, professional development opportunities, global networking, and access to leading climate technology organizations and experts. Specialized regional opportunities include the Southeast Asia Innovator Fellowship with additional local commercialization resources, and the Weston Breakthrough Fellowship providing Canadian innovators in agriculture with specialized networks and $500,000 in total funding.
Key dates
The Innovator Fellowship application deadline is 2 November 2026, with the fellowship scheduled to begin in September 2027. Explorer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during 2027.