United States climatetech - Canadian Technology Accelerator

Are you looking to grow your climatetech business in the United States (U.S.)? There is a significant demand for climatetech solutions in the U.S. driven by both policy and market forces. The Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) for climatetech will help you find venture investors and customers in four of the largest climatetech markets in the U.S.:

• Boston
• New York
• Denver
• San Francisco

Investors, partners, and customers are looking for high impact solutions to help combat climate change and meet the emerging needs of the market and consumers across the following categories:

• Buildings, materials, and construction
• Transportation and infrastructure
• Energy storage
• Renewable energy
• And many more!

Apply now

Important dates

Benefits of joining

The climatetech CTA will give you:

• tangible feedback on investment strategies
• connections to valuable climatetech networks in the U.S.
• investment pitch opportunities
• U.S.-specific market intelligence with legal professionals
• market intelligence and mentorship

Who should apply

We are seeking innovative Canadian climatetech companies who:

• are looking to raise a series A round of funding either currently or within the next 12 months
• have a differentiated technology with a focus on artificial intelligence and climate-related solutions
• have market traction through existing sales or investment in Canada or in the U.S.
• have a strong, passionate, and committed team with specific market-entry goals

Your company must have:

• Commercialized solutions
• Artificial intelligence as a component of the solution
• Investment targets in the near future
• Solutions with a focus on sustainability and/or GHG reduction
• The ability to commit to virtual and in person programming

We use a broad definition of climatetech and are interested in working with a wide range of technologies, particularly those that mitigate the impacts of climate change, drive efficiency, or reduce a sector's carbon impact. While we encourage all companies in all climatetech subsectors to apply, companies with a focus on water, wastewater, and agri-food might find the limited benefits from this program.

The Trade Commissioner Service supports equity and diversity in trade. We strongly encourage companies led by Canadians of all backgrounds and orientations to apply.

What you need to apply

How the program works

Upon acceptance, your business will participate in:

• curated introductions to prominent U.S. climatetech venture capitalists (VCs), angel investors, family offices, corporate strategic venture groups, and other potential investors, partners, and customers
• brokered introductions to sector exports and key players in four vibrant U.S. climatetech markets
• opportunities to pitch to U.S.-based investors and buyers
• extensive background intelligence on local markets including:
  • regulatory environments
  • financing
  • customer acquisition
  • investor attraction
• access to dedicated sector experts who will help with targeted introductions and other program initiatives
• review and edits to your pitch deck by an experienced graphic designer
• dedicated space in the widely distributed CTA Climatetech Dealbook

This program will begin in August 2024 and will take between 1-2 hours each week virtually. You will have access to customized support including:

• matching with a mentor and/or sector expert with wide-ranging industry experience from the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), which will help you prepare to scale your business and attract customers and investors in the U.S. and worldwide
• individual deep dive sessions by the Cleantech trade commissioners in New York, San Francisco, Denver, and Boston to identify areas where market barriers can be reduced to promote exporting your technology or raising funds in the U.S.
• an opportunity to pitch directly to the researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with up to two cohort companies receiving feedback from third-party validation or technical problem solving

The program will culminate with in-person sessions in San Francisco, New York, and Boston. This non-equity program is at no cost to Canadian companies beyond any individual travel costs they incur. Participants should plan to spend a minimum of 10 days in the country. Anticipated dates of in-person program will be end of October or early November.

Testimonial

"A fantastic and well designed program that is a must have for early stage climatetech companies. Thanks to the support of the CTA program, we are now in discussions with several VCs as a result of the events and investor introductions."

"The CTA program not only gives Canadian start-ups exposure to American innovation hotspots, but it also provides invaluable training and access to tools to ensure success in this very competitive ecosystem. We really appreciated Axine's inclusion and fully encourage other companies to explore and apply to this initiative."

Contact us

Learn more about this program by contacting:

Andrew Maker
Trade Commissioner - Boston
Canadian Technology Accelerator for Climatetech
andrew.maker@international.gc.ca

Élodie Masson Vidal
Trade Commissioner - San Francisco
Canadian Technology Accelerator for Climatetech
elodie.massonvidal@international.gc.ca

Anne LaFleur
Trade Commissioner - Denver
Canadian Technology Accelerator for Climatetech
anne.lafleur@international.gc.ca

Robert Mitchell
Trade Commissioner - New York
Canadian Technology Accelerator for Climatetech
robert.mitchell@international.gc.ca