Apply Now: Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 | Climate Innovators Can Access Up to $500,000
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Applications are now open for the Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Cohort 7, a global programme supporting scientists, engineers and innovators developing breakthrough technologies to address climate change.
The programme is designed for very early-stage climate technology companies with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at scale or meaningfully address climate adaptation.
Selected Innovator Fellows can receive up to $500,000 in catalytic investment through a SAFE to support research and development, alongside technical project management, mentorship, a global network and other in-kind support.
Applications for the 2027 Innovator Fellowship close on November 2, 2026.
About the Breakthrough Energy Fellows Programme
Breakthrough Energy Fellows is part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, an early-stage platform focused on advancing climate technologies from the research and development stage towards commercialization.
The programme has three pathways:
- Innovator Fellowship: For early-stage climate technology innovators building companies.
- Business Fellowship: For experienced business professionals who can support Innovator Fellows with commercialization.
- Explorer Programme: For earlier-stage, higher-risk climate research, typically led through universities or research institutions.
The current application window is specifically for the 2027 Innovator Fellowship. Business Fellows are recruited on an as-needed basis, while Explorer applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Who Can Apply?
The Innovator Fellowship is open to innovators around the world working on very early-stage hard-tech climate companies.
Applicants will typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Their technology is approximately at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–4.
- Their technology has the potential, at scale, to reduce or capture at least 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, or meaningfully address climate adaptation.
- Their team or company has typically raised less than $2 million in dilutive funding, excluding grants.
- They are prepared to commit full-time to developing and commercializing the technology.
- If selected, they must have a legally incorporated company before the programme begins in September 2027.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have incorporated a company before applying.
What Areas of Innovation Are Eligible?
Breakthrough Energy is looking for technologies capable of delivering significant climate impact rather than incremental improvements to existing solutions.
The programme’s major focus areas include:
- Manufacturing
- Electricity
- Transportation
- Food and agriculture
- Buildings
Innovations outside these categories may also be considered if they meet the programme’s climate-impact threshold.
What Selected Fellows Will Receive
Up to $500,000 in Catalytic Investment
Selected Innovator Fellows can receive up to $500,000 through a SAFE to support research and development expenses.
The funding can support areas including:
- Laboratory and office space
- Equipment
- Supplies
- Technical consultants
- Staffing
- Other approved research and development expenses linked to technical milestones.
This should be understood as catalytic investment rather than a conventional grant.
Technical Project Management
Fellows receive support from Breakthrough Energy’s technology experts to help them work towards defined technical milestones and reduce technical and execution risks.
Mentorship and Learning
Participants receive curriculum and one-on-one mentorship designed to strengthen their technical, entrepreneurial and commercialization capabilities.
Global Network
Fellows gain access to a network spanning technology, finance, government, policy and business.
Additional In-Kind Support
The programme also provides support in areas including communications, policy, legal services, techno-economics and recruitment.
Full-Time Commitment Required
The Innovator Fellowship is designed as a full-time programme.
Selected Innovator Fellows are expected to dedicate themselves to developing and commercializing their climate technology and should not maintain external employment, consulting commitments or academic programmes outside their startup during the Fellowship.
The 2027 Cohort 7 programme is scheduled to begin in September 2027.
International Applicants Can Apply
The Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme is global and accepts applications from around the world.
The programme currently delivers its communication and curriculum in English.
Selected Innovator Fellows are not required to relocate from their current location, although the programme may organize in-person cohort activities.
Can Teams Apply?
Yes.
Teams with co-founders can apply together, although Breakthrough Energy advises teams to submit one application per team.
Applicants who already have an existing company can also apply, provided they meet the programme’s requirements.
How the Application Process Works
The 2027 Innovator Fellowship application process begins with a Concept Paper.
The process includes:
Step 1: Submit a Concept Paper and preliminary information.
Step 2: Selected applicants are invited to submit a Full Application.
Step 3: Selected applicants proceed to a Deep-Dive interview.
Step 4: Successful applicants join Cohort 7, beginning in September 2027.
Applications are reviewed by technical experts based on factors including technical innovation and feasibility, breakthrough potential and the proposed project plan. Business and legal due diligence are also part of the selection process.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Innovator Fellowship is November 2, 2026.
The programme is expected to begin in September 2027.
How to Apply
Interested climate innovators can submit their Concept Paper through the official Breakthrough Energy Fellows application portal.
Applicants should use the official application platform and be cautious of scams. Breakthrough Energy states that it does not conduct official business through social media or request payments through cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Application portal: Click Here
Opportunity Details
Programme: Breakthrough Energy Fellows
Cohort: 2027 Cohort 7
Pathway: Innovator Fellowship
Focus: Climate and clean-energy technology
Eligibility: Global
Technology stage: Typically TRL 1–4
Funding: Up to $500,000 through a SAFE
Commitment: Full-time
Programme start: September 2027
Relocation: Not required
Application stage: Concept Paper
Deadline: November 2, 2026
