Yale Innovators Shine at Climate Week NYC

Every September, Climate Week brings together leaders, thinkers, and doers from around the world to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time: climate change. This year, thanks to the leading efforts of Yale Planetary Solutions, Tsai CITY and Yale innovators were right in the mix—sharing big ideas, leading critical conversations, and showcasing the ventures they’ve been building.

From regenerative agriculture to climate tech startups, our alumni and students are shaping the future of climate solutions:

Nick Callegari (YC ’25), Bianca Taya (YC ’25), and Konstantinos Markopoulos (YC ’25): Verustruct, Summer Fellowship alumna

Demoed at the NY Tech Meetup – Climate Tech Edition, Verustruct is developing 3D printing technology to create sustainable, affordable housing for people experiencing housing insecurity. Their patent-pending system routes electrical, insulation, and plumbing directly within load-bearing walls—while using upcycled materials in the cementitious base—showcasing how Yale students are pushing climate tech into real-world impact.

Rahul Shah (YSE ’26): Campus Climate Tech Launchpad Co-Founder

Helped bring together founders, investors, and innovators at the NY Tech Meetup – Climate Tech Edition, a Climate Week event co-hosted by Campus Climate Tech Launchpad. As a Yale student and co-founder, Rahul is building platforms that connect academic innovators with industry leaders to accelerate climate solutions.

Ariana Day Yuen (SOM ’19): Forested Foods, Summer Fellowship alumna

Took the stage at global convenings like the World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Meetings and REGEN HOUSE, highlighting the role of regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions in building resilience.

Ben Soltoff (SOM ’19, YSE ’19): former Tsai CITY Innovation Fellow

Helped bring together founders, investors, and climate leaders at the MIT Climate & Energy Founders & Funders event, accelerating conversations around entrepreneurship in the energy transition.

Neil Yeoh (YSE ’20): OnePointFive, Summer Fellowship alumnus

Led an interactive strategy workshop with industry executives on how evolving regulations, greenwashing litigation, and shareholder activism are reshaping business approaches to climate.

Ben Christensen (YSE ’20): Cambium Carbon, Summer Fellowship alumnus

Showcased his team’s carbon-negative solutions at the NY Tech Meetup – Climate Tech Edition and co-hosted a memorable one-on-one conversation with climber Alex Honnold about grit, focus, and staying the course in both athletics and climate innovation.

Tsai CITY staff—including Josie Jayworth, Kassie Tucker, Sade Owoye, and Matt Gira—were on the ground in New York, supporting events alongside our partners at Campus Climate Tech Launchpad, Yale Planetary Solutions, and the UN’s Young Champions of the Earth Awards—spotlighting student and alumni ideas, hosting workshops, and connecting innovators with global leaders.

Why it matters

When the world gathers to talk about climate change, Yale and Tsai CITY innovators show up. From classrooms and fellowships to global stages, they’re proving that big ideas can scale into ventures and movements that make a difference.