Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Clean Fight?
The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit helping growth-stage climate tech companies from around the world scale in New York. Helping to meet future energy and efficiency needs, while boosting economic opportunity and building a cleaner, more resilient future for all. Supported by NYSERDA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What are the benefits of participating in the International Landing Pad program?
This program is laser-focused on helping you scale your business in New York City. We do this by helping you to build deep relationships with customers and capital partners who can facilitate your entry into, and growth in New York. We’ve designed the program to be as efficient and effective as possible, offering the following tailored benefits: no equity stake taken; hands-on matchmaking with industry-leading customer and capital partners in a time-efficient format; eligibility to apply for up-to $250k per company to support demonstration projects in New York City; participation in virtual events to increase visibility; assistance navigating the New York market from top regulators, utilities and industry experts; and access to co-working space in midtown Manhattan. A minimum of 10 companies will be selected for the cohort. Find out more about how to apply here.
What financial support does The Clean Fight provide?
Companies accepted into the program are eligible to apply for up to $250k to support demonstration projects in New York City. No funds are guaranteed. Specific details of how to apply and the evaluation criteria will be provided during the program.
Does The Clean Fight take an equity stake?
We do not take an equity stake in the companies accepted to the program, and there is no cost to participate.
Is there any exclusivity associated with the program?
No. You're free to work with other accelerators, customers or investors. We want you to be able to keep your options open so you can be as successful as possible. Our only ask is that if you are accepted into the program, you are able to dedicate the required time to get the most out of it.
Can U.S. companies apply?
No, applicants must be headquartered outside of the U.S. International companies with some projects and customers located within the U.S. are eligible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@thecleanfight.com for questions about eligibility. And if you are a U.S.-headquartered company, stay tuned – in February we’ll be opening applications for our next program, focused on energy storage deployment, which will accept U.S. and international companies.
Do I need to move to New York?
No, the program does not require relocation. If you’re selected to participate, either the CEO, COO, and/or President of your company are required to attend the in-person summits in New York. More information about summit timing can be found here. Additionally, you must have an interest in seriously exploring establishing a principal place for business, manufacturing, or research and development in New York City.
What sectors are you looking for for this program?
This program is focused on the Built Environment, the buildings and infrastructure where New Yorkers live, work, and move. This includes buildings, construction, transportation, energy storage, public spaces, data centers, and much more. Please feel free to reach out to our team for any eligibility questions at hello@thecleanfight.com.
What solution types are you seeking?
We are seeking both hardware and software solutions that directly or indirectly reduce greenhouse gases in the built environment. For example, solutions targeting: Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation; Heat Recovery & Thermal Storage; Envelope & Weatherization; Building Management & Monitoring; On-site Renewables & Energy Storage; Mobile, Modular or Plug-in Energy Storage; Low/Negative Carbon Materials; EV Charging, and more.
What stage company are you looking for?
We are seeking growth-stage international companies with proven technologies and products in market. You must have $5 million in Annual Revenue, or the ability to grow 5+ employees in 2+ years. To evaluate your ability to hire, we will look at the size of the team in your home market and try to understand your expansion plans. You must also have sufficient runway to participate in our program from June 2026 - May 2027.
What else does The Clean Fight consider?
The Clean Fight is looking for companies with solutions that are ready to scale: products or services with proven efficacy, impact, and adoption that can quickly support a far bigger customer base. GHG impact, job creation, affordability, and speed of implementation are a few of our favorite things. Solutions that can ensure a just transition to a clean economy, ensuring the needs of underserved communities are met, are of particular interest.
How will my application be evaluated?
All applications are reviewed by our Evaluation Committee, which is composed of The Clean Fight team, technical experts, program collaborators, and capital partners. We assess your application based on the following criteria:
GHG Impact: Potential to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gases at a scale
Program Fit: Growth-stage company with the goals and needs that align with the goals and services provided by the program
Job Creation Potential: Potential to significantly and equitably create job opportunities in New York City
Product Offerings: Best-in-class product or service that addresses an important market need
Talent: Experienced team with deep knowledge and a proven track record
Proven Demand: Companies with proven, best-in-class solutions operating in a market with deep demand and sufficient private capital interest
Energy Affordability: Solutions that open up access to and/or meet the needs of underserved and undercapitalized communities
How will my confidential information be protected?
The Clean Fight will treat all application data as confidential information. In your application, please do not disclose any proprietary information but be as clear as possible about your competitive advantage and differentiation.
What is the timeline for the application and program?
March 23, 2026: Application Deadline
April 8, 2026: Supplemental Questions Due
April - May 2026: Application Evaluation
May - June 2026: Finalist Interviews and Selection
June - Aug 2026: Program Kick-off, Needs Assessment, and Virtual Market Orientation
September 2026: In-person Kick-off Summit
September 2026 - March 2027: Virtual Engagement and Support
December 2026 - January 2027: Concluding Event (TBC)
January - May 2027: Deployment Support
May 2027:Program Wrap-Up
What if my company isn't a good fit?
The Clean Fight is part of New Energy Nexus, which provides programming for climate tech startups around the world. If this program isn’t the best fit for you, we encourage you to join the New Energy Network open Slack community. You can find out about other programs and opportunities, and meet with thousands of clean energy entrepreneurs and supporters of clean energy innovation from around the world, eager to learn and share.
Is there more information on The Clean Fight program and application?
For more details on how to apply, program details, selection criteria and evaluation timeline, please read our applicant guide. If you have any additional questions, email us at hello@thecleanfight.com.