About the ClimaTech Innovation Challenge
Event Summary
The ClimaTech Innovation Challenge is an event where early and late-stage climate and energy companies can compete to win prizes and connect with customers and partners. The event is held in coordination with ClimaTech in Boston, but it is global in nature. Any company from around the world can participate. The competition leverage AI tools throughout the whole process to make it easy for companies, sponsors, and partners to participate and benefit from ongoing connections. Finalists will present their solutions on stage at ClimaTech and get exposure and connections in addition to cash and in-kind prizes.
Date and Location
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Location: Boston (Conference venue)
- Format: Hybrid (initial screening online, finals in-person at conference)
Objectives
- Identify promising climate and energy companies and solutions
- Provide funding to accelerate climate innovation
- Create valuable connections between companies, investors, customers, and partners
- Showcase cutting-edge climate solutions at ClimaTech 2025
- Raise awareness about economic opportunities in climate and energy
Competition Structure
Competition Tracks
- Early-Stage: For companies that have raised less than $1 million of equity or with 2024 revenue below $1 million.
- Mid-Stage: For companies that have raised $1-20 million of equity or with 2024 revenue between $1-$10 million.
- Late-Stage: For companies that have raised over $20 million of equity or with 2024 revenue over $10 million.
Selection Phases
- Application Phase: Open call for startups and teams (March-April 2025)
- Screening Phase: AI-facilitated ranking of applications based on criteria (April 2025)
- Semi-Final Phase: AI and human judges review applications and select finalists. (April 2025)
- Final Phase: In-person presentations at ClimaTech 2025 conference for 6 finalists (May 13-14, 2025)
Finalists
6 finalist teams across the three tracks will present at the conference:
- 2 Early-Stage finalists
- 2 Mid-Stage finalists
- 2 Late-Stage finalists
AI Technology Integration
As part of the ClimaTech Innovation Challenge, we leverage advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assess and score each startup on several key dimensions. This process supports a fair, consistent, and comprehensive evaluation of all applicants.
- AI screening of initial applications using specialized models
- AI mentoring available to teams to help prepare pitches
- AI judge for semi-finals and finals to provide unbiased evaluations
- Transcription of pitches and Q&A for AI analysis
The AI will utilize a range of tools and techniques, including and machine learning models and platforms such as OpenAI, Stack AI and potentially additional AI models from Anthropic, Meta, Google, Perplexity, and/or HuggingFace, to analyze applications based on the judging criteria.
Meet Our Team
The people behind the ClimaTech Innovation Challenge
Daniel Capelin brings expertise in climate technology and innovation, leveraging his background in engineering and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As a Co-Organizer in the judging process, he combines his technical understanding with strategic insights to support sustainable ventures. His experience fosters impactful collaborations at the intersection of climate tech and entrepreneurship, driving innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.
Daniela Gorza is an investor and entrepreneur with extensive experience in climate technology, innovation, and sustainability. She has worked in project finance with the World Bank and IDB Invest, developing strong expertise in structuring deals for large-scale sustainable projects. Daniela has also been deeply involved in AI-driven innovation at Clymate Studios, where she explored how AI can enhance productivity and streamline workflows in climate tech. Additionally, she co-founded Women Who AI, a global community empowering women in technology and sustainability sectors, highlighting her commitment to inclusive innovation and sustainable development. Her global experience and multidisciplinary background equip her to effectively co-organize initiatives advancing climate solutions and innovation.
Jennifer Turliuk is a climate tech investor, entrepreneur, and MIT-affiliated technologist specializing in AI applications for energy and sustainability. As Practice Leader for Climate & Energy AI at MIT's Martin Trust Center, she focuses on innovations to accelerate the clean energy transition and optimize grid efficiency through machine learning. She brings expertise in climate tech entrepreneurship, venture funding, and scalable solutions for decarbonization, with prior experience co-founding, scaling, and exiting an education technology company.
Tod Hynes is a distinguished expert in climate technology and innovation, serving as a Senior Lecturer at MIT and co-organizer of initiatives such as the MIT Climate & Energy Prize. He brings extensive experience in founding and advising numerous climate and energy companies, fostering entrepreneurship in the sustainability sector. With a background in entrepreneurship and climate action, Tod is well-versed in climate-related ventures and investment strategies.
Wes Sonnenreich is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and Co-CEO/Co-Founder of Practera, an experiential education technology company. With over 20 years of experience in education, AI, and cybersecurity, Wes helps organizations navigate the rapidly changing landscape of technology. He's a frequent speaker and author on AI and education technology topics.
Competition Timeline
Applications Open
March 25th, 2025
Submit your innovative climate tech solution.
Application Deadline
April 29th, 2025
Last day to submit and edit your application.
Finalists Announced
May 2nd, 2025
Selected finalists notified and announced.
Matchmaking Event
May 9th, 2025 and beyond
Applicants get connected with potential customers and service providers leading up to, during, and after the finals event.
Final Competition & Awards
May 13-14th, 2025
Live pitch event, judging, matching and awards ceremony.