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- Tasks: Join a global incubator programme to innovate in advanced energy and sustainability.
- Company: Innovate UK partners with NYU's Urban Future Lab to support climate tech startups.
- Benefits: Fully funded support, flexible workspace, mentoring, and access to industry experts.
- Why this job: Accelerate your growth in a vibrant community focused on climate solutions and global partnerships.
- Qualifications: Seeking innovative companies with traction and a strong leadership team ready to scale.
- Other info: Commitment fee of £2,000 required, refundable upon completion of the programme.
Note: this opportunity is fully funded support and not monetary funding.
Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme is an acceleration programme for innovative companies to work with world-leading incubators abroad.
We are currently accepting applications for up to 8 high potential Advanced Energy companies to join our Programme. The Programme is delivered in partnership with the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, a leading innovation hub in Brooklyn with a focus on advanced energy and sustainable urban infrastructure solutions.
We are committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of this programme. As such we welcome applications from those under-represented in the energy and sustainability sectors.
In partnership with Urban Future Lab
The Urban Future Lab (UFL) at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering is an innovation hub for best-in-class climate tech startups with a focus on clean energy and sustainable urban infrastructure solutions. It provides startups with the support and resources to scale up their solutions. UFL is currently home to ACRE, New York’s longest-running climate tech incubator; Clean Start, an advanced certificate from NYU for people pivoting into climate tech; the Carbon to Value Initiative and Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, which bring innovative technologies and solutions to industry leaders; and the Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme, which supports market entry in the US for UK-based energy and sustainability startups. Through its five programs, Urban Future Lab supports innovators on their journey to scaling up and commercialising climate solutions.
- We are looking for businesses with the ambition and commitment to scale globally. The programme best suits businesses that already have some traction and sales in the UK that are now looking to innovate their products and services through building global partnerships and collaborations to accelerate their growth and scaling journey.
Required
The Global Incubator Programme operates on a competitive basis and businesses selected against the criteria listed in this application are required to actively participate in all three stages. The three stages of the Programme are as follows:
Prepare
A preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.
Pursue
During the 6-month programme, the Urban Future Lab will support companies as they undertake intensive Customer Discovery work. A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning of the 6 months, providing the opportunity to explore hypotheses around technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players. This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, in-market mentors, and industry experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market. At the end of the 6 months, companies will undertake a second sponsored visit to the market, culminating in a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, and to continue to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.
Exploit
Work with your innovation and growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained. You will be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.
- Getting ready for the market: Work with an Innovate UK Innovation & Growth Specialist to develop a Strategic Action Plan for the Programme.
- Market Analysis: Guided support for the 6-month intensive US customer discovery process.
- Workspace: Flexible workspace that can scale with company needs.
- Masterclasses, workshops and panel speakers: Online group learning insight sessions to assist in all aspects of US business formation and scaleup.
- Connections and Access: Gain access to world class researchers and talent at NYU, and key connections within New York State and beyond via the Urban Future Lab team.
- Mentoring: Receive country-specific mentoring from trusted industry experts.
- Innovation community: Participate in a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
- Pitching opportunities: Access to investor, corporate and strategic partner networks in the US during the Programme and at a Final Showcase event in New York in March 2026.
- Market visits: Two intensive market visits to New York are planned as part of this initiative in September 2025 and March 2026.
- New York remains one of the most ambitious and supportive environments for energy and sustainability innovation in the United States. As a global hub for finance, policy leadership, and startup activity, New York offers unparalleled access to demonstration sites, public-private partnerships, and commercialization pathways. Both the City and State continue to deploy clean technologies at scale; from electrified transportation and building decarbonization pilots to major investments in offshore wind and grid modernization.
New York City and State are actively building a robust ecosystem where international climate-focused companies can pilot, scale, and thrive. This momentum reflects a broader national trend: across the country, more than 20 states remain committed to energy innovation and climate action and are driving forward incentives, policy, and infrastructure investments. These regional leaders are defining the next chapter of climate progress in the U.S.
For Global Innovators, New York Is More Than An Entry Point. It Is a Launchpad Full Of Opportunities To Grow, Pilot, And Scale Your Company. The Opportunities Include
- 10th largest economy in the world
- Global centre of financial services
- USA’s third-busiest port
- Large manufacturing and agriculture sectors
- Close proximity to demand centre on the US East Coast, including 20 million New York residents
- Most aggressive zero-emissions electricity target in the USA (100% by 2040)
- We would welcome applications from innovative companies who could be developing technologies across a broad range of use cases including (but not limited to):
- Next-gen energy storage (e.g., thermal, long-duration, mechanical, hydrogen, and hybrid systems)
- Geothermal and hydropower innovations
- Distributed energy resources (DERs)
- AI/ML for energy forecasting, optimization, and fault detection
- Grid reliability solutions
- Grid modernization & transmission technologies
- Advanced buildings (e.g., decarbonization and electrification)
- Sustainable mobility and urban transportation solutions
- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
- Low-carbon industrial processes (e.g., process heat)
- Maritime and ocean-tech solutions
- Resilience-as-a-service platforms (e.g., critical facility backup, microgrid resilience)
- Agritech
- Climate Finance
- This Programme is aimed at Advanced Energy companies that have:
- A novel / innovative solution with some traction (such as climate impact data or reference customers).
- A strong leadership team ready to dedicate time in New York at Urban Future Lab to build relationships with advisors, investors, potential customers and decision makers.
- A willingness to adapt and openness to incorporate the feedback and guidance provided by experts in our network.
- An initial US value proposition and a hypothesis about how to enter the US market.
- Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation and group airport transfer fees for successful applicants. One representative from each company will be funded.
On acceptance of the offer, a commitment fee of £2,000 will be obtained from each delegate. It will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed work plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fees.
- To learn more about the Programme, including hearing how this has worked for previous participants, register for the Applicant Briefing event on Wednesday 18th June 2025 at 4pm.
Key Dates
- Applicant briefing: Wednesday 18th June 2025 at 4pm (GMT)
- Closing date for applications: 2025 at 5pm (GMT)
- Shortlist Interviews: 28th July to 1st August 2025
- Successful Applicants notified: Tuesday 5th August 2025
- Market Visit: Immersion Week: 15th – 19th September 2025 (7th – 13th September with travel)
- Incubation Programme (Virtual): September 2025 to March 2026
- Market Visit: Showcase Week: 9th – 13th March 2026 (8th – 14th March with travel)
Innovate UK Business Growth
Innovate UK Business Growth is a key part of the UK innovation agency’s investment in the innovative businesses that drive economic growth.
Read more
For more information about the Programme or to discuss accessibility needs, please contact Ian Fletcher. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Global Incubator Programme: USA (New York) - Advanced Energy and Sustainability Innovations employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Incubator Programme: USA (New York) - Advanced Energy and Sustainability Innovations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Urban Future Lab and its initiatives. Understanding their focus areas and past successes can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how your company aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with industry professionals and previous participants of the programme. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the application process and what to expect during the programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to articulate your value proposition clearly. Be ready to discuss how your innovative solution addresses specific challenges in the advanced energy sector, as this will be crucial during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends and developments in the US energy market. Demonstrating knowledge of current policies, technologies, and market needs will show your commitment and readiness to engage with the US ecosystem.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Incubator Programme: USA (New York) - Advanced Energy and Sustainability Innovations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Programme: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and understand the goals of the Global Incubator Programme. Highlight how your company aligns with their focus on advanced energy and sustainability innovations.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the programme. Emphasise your innovative solutions, traction in the UK market, and readiness to engage with mentors and industry experts in New York.
Highlight Your Team's Strengths: Clearly outline the strengths and experience of your leadership team. Showcase their commitment to participating in the programme and their ability to adapt based on feedback from experts.
Prepare a Strong Value Proposition: Develop a clear and compelling value proposition for your product or service. Explain how it addresses market needs and how you plan to enter the US market, as this will be crucial for your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand the Programme's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the objectives of the Global Incubator Programme. Be prepared to discuss how your company aligns with their mission of advancing energy and sustainability innovations, and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Traction
Highlight any existing traction your business has in the UK market. Be ready to present data or case studies that demonstrate your impact and potential for growth, as this will be crucial in proving your readiness for the programme.
✨Prepare for Customer Discovery Insights
Since the programme involves intensive customer discovery, think about your hypotheses regarding technology and market fit. Prepare to discuss how you plan to validate these assumptions during the programme and what insights you hope to gain.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The ability to adapt based on feedback is essential. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully pivoted or adjusted your strategies in the past, showing that you are open to guidance from mentors and experts.
