The Carbon to Value Initiative (C2V Initiative) has officially opened applications for the sixth edition of its accelerator program, inviting innovative carbon technology startups to compete for funding, industry connections, and commercialization support.
The initiative is jointly led by the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Greentown Labs, and Fraunhofer USA, with the goal of advancing technologies that reduce carbon emissions while creating valuable products and scalable climate solutions.
Accelerator Continues to Strengthen the Carbontech Ecosystem
Entering its sixth year, the accelerator has established itself as a major platform for helping emerging carbontech companies move from promising research to commercial deployment.
Since its launch in 2020, the program has cultivated an extensive innovation network, facilitating more than 600 introductions between startup founders, corporate leaders, investors, and technical experts.
Its impact has also been reflected in the financial success of participating companies.
Collectively, the initiative’s 45 alumni startups have secured more than $700 million in investment during and after completing the accelerator.
Many participants have also launched pilot projects, formed strategic joint ventures, secured purchase agreements, and contributed to the rapid growth of the global carbon technology sector.
Startups Developing Carbon Solutions Invited to Apply
Applications are now being accepted from startups operating at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 through 7.
Organizers are seeking companies developing breakthrough technologies capable of accelerating decarbonization across multiple industries.
The accelerator welcomes innovations focused on carbon conversion, carbon capture, and long-term carbon removal, while remaining open to additional emerging technologies that fit within the broader carbontech landscape.
Wide Range of Carbon Conversion Technologies Eligible
One of the primary focus areas includes technologies that transform carbon dioxide and other carbon-rich feedstocks into commercially valuable products.
Eligible projects include systems that convert captured carbon into sustainable aviation fuels, e-fuels, methanol, liquefied petroleum gas, renewable natural gas, industrial chemicals, polymers, fertilizers, carbon-based materials, and other high-value products.
Technologies that process waste biomass, municipal waste, industrial residues, and similar carbon-rich materials through gasification, fermentation, pyrolysis, or related methods are also encouraged.
The initiative is equally interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that improve catalyst development, reactor performance, materials discovery, process optimization, energy integration, separation technologies, and industrial scale-up.
Carbon Capture Innovations Also Targeted
The Year 6 program is seeking startups developing advanced carbon capture technologies capable of reducing emissions from industrial and energy facilities.
Eligible solutions include point-source carbon capture systems, direct air capture (DAC), direct ocean capture (DOC), and advanced gas separation technologies for purification and biogas upgrading.
Artificial intelligence applications that improve capture efficiency, membrane performance, solvent development, automation, monitoring systems, and operational controls are also considered strong candidates for the accelerator.
Carbon Removal and Storage Technologies Encouraged
The accelerator also aims to support companies working on permanent carbon sequestration and removal technologies.
Areas of interest include marine carbon dioxide removal, blue carbon projects, biomass carbon removal and storage, biochar production, biomass burial, enhanced mineralization, and accelerated rock weathering.
AI-powered platforms that improve project design, deployment planning, monitoring, modeling, risk assessment, and performance prediction for carbon removal systems are also eligible, provided they are directly connected to physical carbon storage or sequestration pathways.
Organizers emphasized that these technology categories are intended as examples rather than a complete list, with additional eligibility details outlined in the official application guidance.
Selected Companies Receive Funding and Industry Support
Companies selected for the sixth cohort may receive up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding alongside customized business programming designed to accelerate commercialization.
Participants will also gain access to the Carbontech Leadership Council (CLC), an invitation-only network of corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations that provide strategic mentorship, technical expertise, partnership opportunities, and introductions to potential customers and investors.
The council plays an important role in helping startups reduce commercialization risks while identifying viable routes to market for emerging climate technologies.
Industry Leaders Continue Backing the Initiative
The Carbontech Leadership Council for Year 6 includes organizations spanning industry, finance, government, and climate advocacy.
Supporting members include Carbon180, CO2 Value Europe, Energy Impact Partners, Fluor, Johnson Matthey, L’Oréal, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Shell, TotalEnergies, and Veolia.
Their participation provides startups with direct engagement opportunities across sectors that are actively investing in carbon management and industrial decarbonization.
Key Dates for the Sixth Cohort
Applications for the sixth accelerator cohort will remain open until August 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Successful applicants will join a six-month program beginning in December 2026, combining virtual sessions with in-person events scheduled in Boston, New York, and Houston.
Throughout the program, participating startups will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical support aimed at helping innovative carbon technologies reach commercial markets more quickly.
