LabStart, a nonprofit climate tech fellowship, is recruiting its 2027 cohort of founders who will build companies around technologies developed at U.S. research institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Fellows receive $100K in milestone-based funding over a 12-month program. Applications close October 9, 2026.
At a glance
| Deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| Who can apply | Aspiring climate tech founders ready to work full-time on a new company for the year; first-time, women, BIPOC and nontraditional founders encouraged |
| Funding | $100K milestone-based funding, plus support for initial licensing agreements and consultations |
| Duration | 12 months, with 6 to 8 hours per week of LabStart programming |
| Focus | Startups built on frontier climate technologies from national labs and U.S. research institutions |
| Official link | LabStart application page |
What is LabStart looking for?
LabStart says it looks for undercapitalized founders driven to create climate solutions. On its application page it lists the qualities it screens for: scientific literacy, entrepreneurial spirit, grit, motivation to work with technology, coachability and a collaborative mindset.
Who’s eligible?
- You must commit to working full-time on launching your company for the whole program year.
- You must complete the curriculum and attend programming.
- Prior startup experience is not required. LabStart explicitly encourages first-time, women, BIPOC and nontraditional founders.
- The program is built around U.S. research institutions and their licensable technologies. International applicants should confirm residency and work-authorization requirements on the application form before applying.
What do fellows get?
According to the LabStart program page, fellows receive:
- $100K milestone-based funding so they can work on the startup full-time, plus help paying for initial licensing agreements and consultations.
- A climate tech entrepreneurship curriculum developed by FRACTAL, covering market evaluation, building a profitable business and scaling.
- Mentorship from climate founders.
- Access to lab scientists and technology transfer offices, with guidance through the licensing process.
- Introductions to incubators, accelerators, investors and industry partners.
LabStart points to past results. One fellow licensed a technology from NREL and went on to join programs including Greentown Labs, Prime Coalition and Breakthrough Energy.
How do you apply?
- Review the program terms on the program page, especially the full-time commitment.
- Optionally join the final information webinar on October 6, 2026 (Pacific Time), listed on the application page.
- Submit your application through the LabStart portal before October 9, 2026.
Key dates
- Information webinar: October 6, 2026 (Pacific Time)
- Application deadline: October 9, 2026
- Program length: 12 months once the cohort starts
FAQ
Do I need a technology already?
No. LabStart matches fellows with climate technologies from national labs and research institutions and supports them through licensing.
Can I keep my job during the fellowship?
No. Fellows must work full-time on launching their company during the program year.
Is the $100K paid upfront?
LabStart describes it as milestone-based funding, so payments are tied to progress during the program.
Is it open to founders outside the United States?
The program is anchored in U.S. research institutions. Check the eligibility questions on the application form for residency and work-authorization rules.
More opportunities on Impact DOTS: Tara’s Circle 2026 and Climate Resilience Awards for Business 2026.
Sources: LabStart, Apply, LabStart, Program.
