Requirements
Helping build a smarter tomorrow.
Applications are now open through May 1st.
The Urban Future Prize Competition is a set of two $50K prizes, funded by The New York Community Trust and MUFG Bank. The prizes will go to two promising climatetech startups selected by an esteemed group of climate solutions experts. Winners are granted admission to the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab, New York City’s longest-running climatetech incubator.
The Competition
The Process
01.
Apply
Applications should be submitted through Airtable here no later than Sunday, May 1st, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
02.
Finalists Selected
Track finalists will be announced August 14th, 2024.
03.
Pitch Day and Showcase
Finalists will pitch at our Urban Future Summit on October 24th, 2024.
Competition
The Requirements
Applicants should be early-stage startups generating revenue that have raised under $5M and are able to clearly articulate the potential sustainability impact from their core product or service.
Companies may be internationally based, however, we ask winners to maintain at least one full-time startup employee and one desk at our incubator in New York City. Founders derive the most value from being physically present when industry, investor office hours or events occur.
01. Submit an Application
Applications must be submitted via Airtable no later than Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Emailed and late entries will not be considered.
02. Semifinalists
Once selected, Future Solutions and Future Resilience Prize semi-finalists will be invited to interview with the Urban Future Prize Selection Committee.
03. Finalists
If selected as a finalist, applicants must designate one person from their team to pitch at the Urban Future Summit. Finalists will be informed no later than mid-August 2024.
04. Pitch Practice Sessions
Finalists will be coached by experts in advance of the pitch day event.
05. Conditions
Winners of the Prizes commit to participation in the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab in Downtown Brooklyn for a minimum six-month incubation period. Relocation and program membership costs are not covered. Prizes will be administered in two tranches over the course of a minimum six-month incubation period based on program milestones created by ACRE staff and agreed upon by the awardee.
For any additional questions, please reach out to austin.evarts@nyu.edu.
Competition Timeline
Competition Sponsors
Join a community of innovators.
Past winners, competitors, and finalists - all changing the climatetech world, one innovation at a time.
“Winning the Urban Future Prize has greatly benefited Amperon. The money is obviously helpful for an early stage company, but acceptance into Urban Future Lab has been significantly more valuable. They have provided us with great connections with utilities around the globe and aided us throughout the fundraising process. UFL is an excellent resource for any company!” – Sean Kelly, CEO, Amperon, 2019 Winner
“The Urban Future Lab has been instrumental in helping me build Dollaride as a business and mobility service. Besides office space at ACRE, I’ve received help/guidance in structuring our pilot programs and intros to potential investors and partners. The UFL is a true advocate for Dollaride’s success.” – Su Sanni, CEO, Dollaride, 2018 Winner
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