LabStart

Program Type: Hybrid (In-person & Online)
Location: Oakland, US
Investment: $100,000
Equity Taken: None
Program Fee: $0
Program Duration: 4 to 16 months
Stage: Early Stage, Seed

Industry of Focus

• Climate Tech
• Energy
• Biotech
• Sustainability
• Cleantech

Key Highlights

Program Overview

LabStart is a climate tech accelerator based in Oakland, USA. The program helps U.S.-based entrepreneurs launch climate technology companies by facilitating lab technology licensing, funding, and robust networking support. With a focus on women, non-binary, and BIPOC entrepreneurs, LabStart aims to transform innovations into startups addressing climate change. It consists of two phases: a part-time Phase Zero and a year-long fellowship with up to $100k in funding.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Exclusion

LabStart emphasizes supporting non-traditional entrepreneurs, including women, BIPOC individuals, and first-time founders. Its mission is geared toward creating inclusive opportunities for those underrepresented in climate innovation.

Investment Details

• Up to $106k in grants during the program.
• $100k milestone-based funding during the year-long fellowship.
• Monthly stipend of $1500 during the Phase Zero program.
• No cost to participate.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Comprehensive 12-month training in climate tech and intellectual property essentials.
• Access to networks of peers, industry leaders, and investors.
• Support from lab scientists and technology transfer offices to navigate licensing and commercialization.
• Financial aid for initial licensing agreements and consultations.
• Mentorship from experienced climate founders and FRACTAL-designed curriculum.
• Exposure to premiere research labs, universities, and U.S. tech transfer offices.

Program Format

• Phase Zero: Runs part-time (~10 hours/week) from September to December 2025.
• Year-Long LabStart Fellowship: Full-time program with milestones-based structure.
• Weekly programming and events.

Location or Relocation Requirements

The program is open to U.S.-based entrepreneurs, and no explicit relocation requirements are mentioned.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

• Cohort size: 25 people funded per year.
• Program runs annually.

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:
Applicants can have raised minimal to no capital and don't necessarily need prior users or revenue.

Post-Program Engagement

The program positions fellows for subsequent opportunities with top incubators, accelerators, and funding rounds.

Company Types Requirements

Applicants should aim to form and launch climate technology companies, leveraging licensable lab technologies for market problems.

Founding Team Preferences

• Individuals or teams who are eager to commit full-time to their venture during the program.
• First-time founders, with or without prior entrepreneurial experience.
• Preference for candidates with scientific literacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and a collaborative mindset.

Up to $106k grant

$0 cost
25 people funded per year
4 to 16 month climate startup studio to help you move climate technologies from lab to market
Thank you for considering an entrepreneurial path with LabStart!

Open to any U.S. based entrepreneur keen to form and launch a climate technology company, LabStart's program is centered on assisting entrepreneurs who would not have the opportunity to launch a climate tech company otherwise! We accelerate and streamline paths to commercialization through lab licensing, funding, and access to key market networks.

The LabStart Fellowship is broken up into two parts, Phase Zero and the year-long LabStart Fellowship. Phase Zero is a ~10 hour a week, part-time program that helps fellows learn basic climate tech entrepreneurship skills, identify real market problems, and vet licensable intellectual property that can solve those problems. Phase 0 will run from September to December 2025 and fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $1500.

A select number of Phase Zero fellows will then move on to the year-long LabStart Fellowship. Selected fellows will receive dedicated mentorship, curriculum, networking opportunities, and a $100k investment over the duration of the program.