Applications are open for Cohort 6 of Breakthrough Energy Fellows. The BE Fellows program is more than funding—it’s a launchpad. Over the past five years, Fellows have turned early-stage science into technologies reshaping how we power the world. They’ve built companies, secured major partnerships, and moved from lab breakthroughs to industrial pilots—faster than they thought possible. Breakthrough Energy provides the foundation that makes this possible—combining capital, mentorship, technical expertise, and connections across our global network. By surrounding innovators with the tools and partners they need, we help them move faster from idea to impact. We’re looking for the next wave of builders ready to do the same. If you’re a scientist, engineer, or entrepreneur developing an early-stage, high-impact climate technology—this program is built to help you succeed. Fellows receive: ▪️ Up to $500K in philanthropic funding for research & development ▪️ Deep technical and entrepreneurial mentorship ▪️ Access to a global network of investors, partners, and industry leaders ▪️ Significant in-kind resources ▪️ A community of peers advancing solutions across manufacturing, electricity, agriculture, transportation, and buildings If you’re ready to turn bold ideas into real impact—apply now through November 10th. https://lnkd.in/gvtuwbKh
It’s great to see programs like this empowering talented, driven people who want to make a real impact on our planet. Quick question - what if a team is already at TRL 6–8, with a global patent, a validated prototype, and an ongoing collaboration with a major technical university? Would that still fit within the Fellows framework, or would it align more with the Catalyst program?
The fellowship is a nice program for students and doctoral candidates. But otherwise, it's pointless and more of a show. Even a one-year break doesn't make sense. So, all in all: a nice party and a useful way to motivate people. Nothing more.
Founder @ocane, Engineer, Water Geek, Informed Dreamer
21hThis is highly misleading: What I have seen is on offer: $500k in in-kind contribution, i.e. mentorship, probably MS products, travel, event fees, etc. - all useful and part of any project budget, but that is not cash for paying the team, equipment and facilities, i.e. the tech work to hit your milestone inflexion points. $500k in equity investment via SAFE. What this is not: Philantropic cash, which in my definition book means non-dilutive, which a SAFE is NOT. Open questions: Is this valuation capped and what are the discounts? But nevertheless, the network and the getting through a technically focussed early stage tech due dilligence process like this successfully, adds to whatever you are developing and will bring you to the attention of many other investors. This is not a waste, just don't expect to enter your next funding round without damage done to your CapTable. The biggest unresolved challenge is how you can apply without IP already filed as they want to see detailed data, but also tell you not to post any sensitive information. Asked those questions as well as for the detailled term sheet.