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 State. 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 ‘Deploy Now’ Energy Storage Program?
This program is laser-focused on helping you deploy your solution and scale up in New York State. 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 tailored benefits, including: no equity stake taken; business development with leading customer partners and developers, matchmaking with capital providers, and eligibility to apply for grant funding up to $100k to facilitate demonstration projects in New York State; and assistance navigating the New York market from top regulators, utilities and industry experts. 8-10 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 $100k to support demonstration projects in New York State. 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.
What kinds of companies can apply?
We welcome applications from companies already based in New York State looking to scale further, along with those based in the U.S. or internationally. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@thecleanfight.com for questions about eligibility.
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 exhibit a genuine interest in doing business and establishing a presence in New York State.
What do you mean by ‘deploy now’?
When we refer to ‘deploy now’ solutions, we mean solutions that turn regulatory, spatial, and economic constraints into a competitive advantage enabling immediate deployment. New York State’s dynamic market rewards solutions that simplify deployment through design, performance, certification readiness, affordability, or optimization of existing assets. Innovative solutions that break into New York have the opportunity to secure their foothold in a market poised for enormous growth and rapidly scale. Examples include, but are not limited to: solutions designed for dense, urban environments; safety-forward, regulation-optimized solutions, and affordable solutions, capable of doing more with less. We know that many different factors contribute to ease of deployment. We want to learn why your solution is deployable by design – tell us.
What solution types are you seeking?
We are seeking hardware and software solutions able to modernize New York State’s grid. Examples include but are not limited to: Thermal and alternative storage (e.g., thermal storage; geothermal systems; safer designs, chemistries, supercapacitors; fail-safe battery solutions), mobile + modular deployment (e.g., mobile storage systems; modular storage systems; plug-in systems; battery-backed charging solutions; storage-integrated appliances), and grid integration + market enablement (e.g., Virtual power plants; software platforms to reduce Behind-the-Meter and Front-of-Meter soft costs; behind-the-Meter controls, monitoring, and flexibility solutions; integrated or co-located solar + storage solution).
If you have solutions outside of these areas, we encourage you to apply if you meet our other criteria.
What stage company are you looking for?
Growth stage companies with proven technologies and impact, along with clear signs of market adoption (i.e., successful demonstrations with customers). You must have $1 million in Annual Revenue, and a Technology Readiness Level of 7+. You must also have sufficient runway to participate in our program from June 2026 - November 2026.
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 State
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 30, 2026: Application Deadline
April - May 2026: Application Evaluation
May 2026: Finalist Interviews and Selection
June 2026: Program Start
July 2026: In-person Kick-off Summit
July 2026 - December 2026: Core Programming + Tailored Deployment Support
November 2026: Concluding Summit
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.