Explorer Grants
Grants for scientists and researchers worldwide to test high-risk, early-stage climate technologies while remaining in their current university, laboratory or research role.
Deze mogelijkheid is momenteel in het Engels beschikbaar.
Explorer Grants fund proof-of-concept research that needs further technical work before it can spin out of a university, laboratory or research institution. The grant can cover research and development costs such as lab and office space, equipment, supplies, technical consultants and personnel.
Explorers work towards technical milestones agreed with the programme, usually for about one year. They also receive access to Breakthrough Energy's network and selected events.
Eligibility
You can apply from anywhere in the world and do not have to relocate. The programme communicates in English.
This route is for scientists and researchers with an applied research project or early-stage technology, typically based at a university lab or research entity. You may keep your current professional position while working on the project.
Your project should:
- be a high-risk, novel proof-of-concept idea that needs more technical exploration before a possible spinout;
- be at technology readiness level 0–2;
- either have the potential at scale to reduce or capture at least 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, or meaningfully address adaptation to climate change.
Overhead and indirect costs are limited to 10% of the grant.
If selected, you must meet the milestones and deadlines agreed before the grant starts. You must also contribute to the field by sharing or publishing research findings, but you do not have to disclose proprietary technology.
How to apply
- Status
- Datums niet bekendgemaakt
Applications are currently closed. Open the application portal and use its interest form to request a notification when Cohort 7 opens. Breakthrough Energy expects applications to reopen in fall 2026 but has not published an exact date.
Explorer submissions are considered on a rolling basis. The most recently published process starts with a concept paper and pitch deck; selected applicants are then invited to a full application and interview. Check the portal for the process that applies when applications reopen.