Tsai CITY, ClimateHaven, and Yale Partners launch intensive to help student innovators bring technologies to market

round table discussion

The Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY) and ClimateHaven have launched a new program designed to help student founders translate advanced technologies into viable businesses. 

The initiative is also supported by partners across Yale’s innovation ecosystem, including Yale Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY) and Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science, strengthening connections between technical research, climate innovation, and venture development. 

The Launching Transformative Tech from Campus to Market (C2M) Intensive is a five-week program that equips founders with the tools, frameworks, and mentorship needed to move research and early innovations toward real-world impact. Through expert-led workshops, hands-on deliverables, and direct engagement with the ClimateHaven team, participants will pressure-test their ideas and build a clearer pathway from campus innovation to market-ready ventures. 

Beginning March 24, the program will bring together student founders working on advanced technologies for weekly sessions focused on the foundations of startup development. Using ClimateHaven’s 4P Framework (Problem, Product, People, and Profit) participants will evaluate the viability of their ventures, refine go-to-market strategies, and develop operational and financial plans to support commercialization. 

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to helping founders navigate one of the most difficult moments in innovation: translating promising technology into impactful ventures that can grow beyond campus,” said Kassie Tucker, Executive Director at Tsai CITY.

“Yale’s dynamic campus produces extraordinary ideas and breakthrough technologies. Turning this rich fountain of innovation into real companies requires a unique set of tools,” said Ryan Dings, CEO of ClimateHaven and lead instructor for the intensive. “This program helps founders challenge their assumptions, strengthen their business models, and prepare to bring transformative technologies to market.”

The program is led by ClimateHaven’s team, including Ryan Dings, Casey Pickett (YSE ’11, SOM ’11), Aishwarya Kuruttukulam (GRD ’22), and Kiko Wong (YC ’22), and culminates in a capstone presentation where founders present their venture strategy to mentors and ecosystem leaders. 

Participants will also gain access to ClimateHaven’s broader startup ecosystem, including partners, investors, and incubator resources in New Haven’s growing climate and tough-tech innovation community. 

Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are open to Yale students through March 17.