Green Chemistry Catalyzer Fellow
Problem: Finding Climate Solutions to Accelerate
Humanity does not yet have all the technological solutions required to decarbonize the global economy by 2050. Still more basic and translational research is required. And to bend the curve on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, we need to commercialize much of that research through industry partnerships and new ventures. These new technologies need to move out of the lab and into use in industry, commerce, and in people’s lives.
ClimateHaven identifies promising technological climate solutions and recruit the leaders developing them into our incubator. We provide a peer group, educational programming, a network of mentors, resource partners, and investors, and the physical space to build their prototypes, hold meetings, and develop their company.
Currently, we have 20 member startups from pre-seed to series A stages (or technology readiness levels (TRL) 2-6. These companies are building solutions in renewable energy, green chemistry, water, electrification/mobility, materials recovery, carbon capture, and the built environment.
In summer 2025, we will be developing a major concentration on green chemistry-focused climate tech startups:
The Green Chemistry Catalyzer
ClimateHaven won a $1MM grant from the US Dept. of Energy to build a green chemistry startup playbook (resources, workshops, guides, & materials for building a green chemistry company), develop our network of green chemistry industry experts to advise and support our companies, and create partnerships with larger companies for pilot projects and early customer relationships to enable startups to build the commercial traction required to attract larger investors and more customers.
The Bekenstein Climate Leader will play an important role in building out this key strategic direction for the organization. The fellow will have the opportunity to work in several areas of this initiative, including:
Industry Landscape Report:
- Author a green chemistry industry analysis and report to understand and clarify the structure of the industry, the drivers of its technology development and investment, its supply chains, and likely partnership opportunities for startups in the space.
Startup Development:
-
Bring on new climate tech startups to ClimateHaven by preparing onboarding materials and orientation sessions for new startups
-
Coordinate, participate in, and follow-up on one-on-one check ins with startups in the portfolio to monitor venture development progress and to provide growth support
- Assist Director of Community and Marketing and Senior Ecosystem Engagement Manager with delivering on startup needs, including mentor, investor, and partner matching.
Other:
-
Perform ad-hoc projects and tasks as required
-
Support ClimateHaven events, some of which occur in the evening. This role will occasionally require lifting and moving weighty objects, such as packages, chairs, and tables.
Qualifications
THE RIGHT PERSON: You are a motivated, high-energy, creative problem solver with high standards for quality and an interest in working in environmental innovation. The right candidate has the following eight attributes and skills:
-
Passion for Climate Technology and entrepreneurship: Demonstrated interest in climate tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Knowledge in business administration, economics, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
-
Analytical and Technical Skills: Experience analyzing industry structure, trends, and data preferred. Ability to evaluate startup applications and pitch decks for startup promise. Skill with tools such as Excel, Powerpoint, and Airtable a plus.
-
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively reach out to and engage with industry experts, startup candidates and other stakeholders. And comfort asking for help.
-
Networking and Interpersonal Skills: An ability to build relationships with startup founders, industry experts, and partners in-person, by phone, and by video conference.
-
Proactive and Self-Motivated: Ability to take initiative and work independently to move projects ahead during gaps in oversight. Exceptional follow-through on tasks and projects. Also, ability to work well as well as part of a team. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle unexpected challenges.
-
Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
-
Dedication to diversity and accessibility within the ClimateHaven community.
-
A sense of humor and a willingness to take feedback from startup members, partners, and investors to improve our service routinely, and to make participation in the ClimateHaven community a source of inspiration, value, and even joy.
Timeline
In the interview and post-interview process, based on candidate experience and skills, we will refine the Fellow’s summer focus and work out a timeline with clear deliverables.
Background
ClimateHaven is a climate tech incubator for world-class innovators and entrepreneurs. The ClimateHaven hub offers workspace and prototyping support, targeted programming, and best-in-class professional guidance to dedicated entrepreneurs tackling climate challenges through commercial ventures. Located in Connecticut’s downtown New Haven, ClimateHaven startups benefit from partnerships with some of the brightest minds from the Northeast and greater New Haven academic ecosystem, and from proximity to our deep network of investors and strategic partners in New York City and Boston.
