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Breakthrough Energy Fellowship Expands Globally, Prioritizes Economic Viability for Climate Tech Startups
Breakthrough Energy, the climate-focused investment firm founded by Bill Gates, is announcing its latest cohort of fellows today. This group of 45 innovators,spread across 22 startups,signals a significant evolution in the program’s strategy – one driven by both internal learnings adn the urgent realities of a changing world.
The program has become incredibly competitive, surpassing the selectivity of even the most prestigious universities, sifting through approximately 1,500 applications and referrals. This reflects the growing interest in climate tech and Breakthrough Energy’s rising profile as a key player in the space.
A Truly Global Focus
A defining characteristic of this cohort is its international scope. For the first time, 50% of the participating teams are based outside the United States. This represents a intentional shift towards recognizing that climate solutions require a global viewpoint.
Hear’s a breakdown of the geographic distribution:
United States: 11 teams
Asia: 6 teams
Canada: Multiple teams
Germany: Multiple teams
United Kingdom: Multiple teams
South Africa: Multiple teams
This expansion is partly fueled by the recent launch of a new breakthrough Energy hub in Singapore, established in August 2024 in partnership with Temasek and Enterprise Singapore. however, the move is rooted in a fundamental understanding: climate change is a global challenge demanding solutions tailored to local contexts.”What are local needs,right? What are the local challenges?” explains Ashley Grosh,Vice President at breakthrough Energy. “You need to understand the specific hurdles and opportunities in each region to develop truly impactful technologies.”
Regional Priorities: Hydrogen & Circularity in Asia
The program is already seeing this play out.For example, several fellows are concentrating on hydrogen technologies, a field experiencing significant momentum in Asia.
The region is also prioritizing circularity – the process of recycling materials back into usable forms – driven by its role as a global manufacturing hub and the associated waste streams. This focus highlights the program’s commitment to supporting solutions that address regional challenges.
Beyond these areas, the cohort includes startups tackling critical minerals, agricultural innovation, and grid modernization – all vital components of a sustainable future.
From Tech to Market: A New Emphasis on Economics
Beyond geographic expansion, Breakthrough Energy is refining its curriculum. Based on feedback from previous cohorts, the program is now placing a stronger emphasis on the economic viability of the technologies being developed.
This means fellows are encouraged to think critically about product-market fit from the outset. They’ll utilize a framework called techno-economic analysis,working alongside experienced ”business fellows” – often seasoned entrepreneurs - to assess the commercial potential of their ideas.
If an initial concept proves unsustainable, the program will actively encourage a pivot. “We were seeing a lot of companies come in thinking that they’re going to do one thing, and then they pivot,” Grosh notes. “They’re more venture bankable once we’ve helped them through that pivot and validated it.”
Proven Track Record & Future Outlook
The program’s approach appears to be working. Nearly all teams from the previous four cohorts have successfully secured follow-on funding. Notably, one portfolio company, Holocene, was recently acquired by Occidental, demonstrating the potential for significant returns and real-world impact.
“That’s a huge measure of success for us,” Grosh states.
This latest cohort reinforces Breakthrough Energy’s commitment to fostering a diverse and impactful ecosystem of climate tech innovators. By prioritizing both global perspectives and economic realities, the program is positioning its fellows – and the planet – for success.
