Requirements
Helping build a smarter tomorrow.
Applications for the 2026 Urban Future Prize Competition are now open.
The Urban Future Prize Competition is a set of two $50K prizes and two $10K prizes, funded by MUFG Bank and The New York Community Trust. The prizes will go to four promising climatetech startups selected by an esteemed group of climate solutions experts. Winners and runners-up 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 Monday, April 27th, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
02.
Finalists Selected
Track finalists will be announced Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.
03.
Pitch Day and Showcase
Finalists will pitch at our Urban Future Summit on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026.
Competition
The Requirements
Applicants should be early-stage, market-ready startups that have raised under $5M, and can clearly articulate the potential sustainability impact of their core product or service.
Startups do not need to be based in New York, but we look for companies whose solutions will have a meaningful impact on the New York market and who intend to spend significant time here.
Founders derive the most value from being physically present for industry connections, investor office hours, and events.
01. Submit an Application
Applications must be submitted via Airtable no later than Monday, April 27th 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Emailed and late entries will not be considered.
02. Semifinalists
Once selected, Climate Mitigation Prize and Climate Adaptation 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 2026.
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 active participation in the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab for a minimum six-month incubation period. While physical relocation is not required, companies are expected to engage meaningfully in program activities and spend time in New York as needed to maximize opportunities. Relocation and program membership costs are not covered. Prizes will be distributed in two tranches over the course of the incubation period, based on program milestones set 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.
“Now is the time to focus on implementation of climate solutions and Urban Future Lab has an incredible track record in supporting the do-ers at the leading edge. We’re honored to join UFL’s portcos and excited to fast-forward our part in creating a just transition.” – Bomee Jung, CEO & Co-Founder, Cadence OneFive, 2023 Winner
“Winning the Future Vision Prize brings LimeLoop one step closer to delivering a world without single-use packaging. The prize will support our buildout of the logistics infrastructure necessary to accelerate the scale of reusable smart packaging, speeding up when you can expect to find a LimeLoop package on a doorstep near you.” – Chantal Emmanuel, CTO & Co-Founder, LimeLoop, 2022 Winner
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