Intensive: Climate Innovation

The Climate Innovation Intensive offers Yale students the opportunity to broaden the scope of their entrepreneurship and innovation within climate technologies through a cohort-based program.

Panel of experts

Overview

Eager to contribute to climate change solutions but unsure where to begin? The 'Climate Innovation Intensive,' is a 6-week program designed to deepen your understanding of climate entrepreneurship and innovation. In its third iteration, this intensive unites startups, investors, and partners in a cohort-based format, focusing on innovations in the across different sectors of climate tech.

Sessions are scheduled every Monday, requiring a 4-hour weekly commitment. The program's core is to equip students with structured tools and frameworks to navigate climate innovation. This is achieved through workshops and insightful conversations, highlighting the diverse entrepreneurial perspectives within environmental innovation. Engaging discussions with startup founders, investors, and key ecosystem stakeholders will offer a comprehensive view of the financing and scaling of these innovations.

The program will accommodate 35-40 students. Teams of 2-3 will brainstorm and evaluate entrepreneurial ideas within climate tech sectors throughout the intensive. The finale in the sixth week will see teams presenting their ideas, with successful pitches potentially joining the fall Launchpad program.

Program selection criteria 

  • Interest in climate innovation and a desire to gain real-world experiences by interacting with startups and investors in this field.
  • Possession of basic knowledge about startups and Venture Capital (VCs) but no required experience working with these entities.
  • A curiosity to understand different perspectives within a specific climate tech sector.
  • An aspiration to engage with industry experts and startups in the field of interest.

Program Structure 

  • Cohort Size: 35-40 students.
  • Team Formation: Students will work in teams of 2-3.
  • Program Phases:
    • First Half: Idea exploration within specific sectors.
    • Second Half: Evaluation of the identified idea for entrepreneurial potential.

Program Schedule

  • Week 1: Orientation and Think Like a Climate Innovator 
  • Week 2: Climate Entrepreneurship 101 
  • Week 3: Corporate Innovation 
  • Week 4: Founder Spotlight 
  • Week 5: Founder Spotlight 
  • Week 6: Final Showcase 

Additionally, participants will obtain access to unique networking opportunities to interact with upcoming startups, industry players, and others in climate innovation. For more information, email Josie Jayworth (Tsai CITY and CBEY Environmental Innovation Fellow) at josie.jayworth@yale.edu.

*The application process for the Climate Innovation Intensive has ended. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates about this and other programs/events happening at Tsai CITY.