Breakthrough Energy Fellows is part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, the early-stage innovation arm of Breakthrough Energy, founded in 2015. The program aims to accelerate breakthrough climate technologies that can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions or support climate adaptation.

For Cohort 7 (2027), applications are open for the Innovator Fellowship. The Business Fellowship and the Explorer Program follow different selection processes.

Program pathways:

• Innovator Fellowship: the flagship pathway, full-time for 12 months followed by about 3 months of close-out and evaluation.
• Business Fellowship: for experienced professionals who help innovators with commercialization and business development; recruited as needed rather than through an open application.
• Explorer Program: for even earlier technologies (TRL 0–2); participants may keep their existing research or academic positions.

Application stages for the Innovator Fellowship:

• Submit a Concept Paper and preliminary information by November 2, 2026.
• Full application for selected Concept Papers.
• Deep-Dive interview for selected applications.
• Selection of Fellows, expected in mid-2027.
• Cohort 7 begins in September 2027.

Applications are reviewed by technical experts based on technical innovation and feasibility, breakthrough potential, and project plan, and also undergo business and legal due diligence. Communication and curriculum are in English.

Focus areas: manufacturing, electricity, transportation, food and agriculture, and buildings. Applicants are not restricted to these if the technology meets the impact threshold.

Warning: the organization warns about scams; it does not conduct official business through social media and will not ask for payments in cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Innovator Fellowship requirements:

• Developing a very early-stage hard-tech climate technology, typically at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–4, with data supporting progress toward practical application.
• Potential to reduce or capture at least 500 million tons of greenhouse-gas emissions per year at scale, or to meaningfully address climate adaptation.
• Typically having raised less than $2 million in dilutive funding (equity, notes, SAFEs); grant funding does not count toward this limit.
• A legally incorporated company before the program begins in September 2027; a company is not required at the time of application.
• Full-time commitment to the venture, with no external employment, consulting commitments, or enrollment in academic programs outside the startup. Professors and researchers may apply but cannot keep their existing positions during the Fellowship; those who need to may consider the Explorer pathway.
• Ability to take part in an English-language program.
• Co-founders are encouraged to apply as a team with one application per team; creating a team solely to apply is discouraged.

Eligible countries: open to applicants from around the world, with no citizenship requirement.

• Up to $500,000 in catalytic investment through a SAFE, to cover R&D expenses such as laboratory and office space, equipment, supplies, technical consultants, and staff.
• Active technology project management, including monthly meetings to review milestones and budgets and a formal semi-annual review.
• Access to a global network of professionals and organizations in business, policy, government, technology, and finance.
• Curriculum and one-on-one mentorship.
• Possible in-kind support in communications, policy, legal matters, techno-economics, and recruitment.
• No relocation required, with periodic in-person events; financial support may be provided to help offset travel costs.
• Membership in the program's alumni community after completion, with access to the resource portal, curriculum, events, and mentors.
• Under the Explorer Program: approximately $50,000–$250,000 in funding.