LabStart 2027-28 Fellowship

LabStart is a 501(c)(3) that unlocks breakthrough climate technologies with America's entrepreneurs. The LabStart Fellowship is open to any U.S. based entrepreneur keen to form and launch a climate technology company. LabStart recruits undercapitalized founders, matches them with frontier climate technologies from labs and universities, and helps them secure licenses and launch their startups. Fellows get milestone-based funding (up to $125k per team on F6S), 12 months of training in climate tech entrepreneurship and IP fundamentals, and access to lab scientists and technology transfer offices. Applications for Cohort 2027 are open until October 9.

Key Benefits

• Milestone-based funding: $100K on labstart.co, up to $125k per team on F6S; full-time funding during the program to focus on your startup
• 12 months of training in climate tech entrepreneurship and IP fundamentals
• Expert mentorship by successful climate founders and a supportive peer cohort
• Introductions to industry leaders, investors, potential partners, and top incubators and accelerators
• Access to lab scientists and technology transfer offices, and help to navigate the licensing process
• Financial aid for initial licensing agreements and consultations

Eligibility

• Open to any U.S. based entrepreneur keen to form and launch a climate technology company
• U.S. National Labs restrict licensing to U.S. citizens; applicants who are not identify a non-National Lab technology (e.g. university technology)
• Passionate about climate and entrepreneurship, and willing and ready to launch a company full time
• Nontraditional, woman, BIPOC, or even a first-time founder
• A cofounder is not required or expected

Program Structure

• 2027-2028 fellowship: 12 months of training
• You commit to work full-time on launching your company for the year and attend 6-8 hrs/week of LabStart programming and events (the application asks about ~10 hours a week for the Discover Phase)
• Curriculum developed and delivered by FRACTAL: evaluate the market potential of emerging lab technologies; build a profitable business with a positive climate impact; grow and scale a climate tech company sustainably
• Information session: October 6 at 3pm PT
• Application on F6S in 5 sections: Contact Info, Demographics, Past Experience, Self Pitch, Technology Review and Pitch (Section 4 may need 1-2 hours of pre-work)
• Apply by October 9