A global competition for energy and climate academic technologies
Academic researchers worldwide: Principal Investigators, Postdocs & PhD candidates – apply now for a chance to win from different prizes and bring your innovations to life!
Bold academic technologies for a greener tomorrow
The Labs4Climate Competition is designed to identify promising lower carbon tech solutions developed by researchers at academic institutions worldwide, with the potential to be commercialized and matched with strong entrepreneurs for a greener tomorrow.
Innovate and Win Big
Cash Prizes: US$ 25K for Principal Investigators | US$ 10K for Postdocs & PhD candidates
A direct monetary reward, no strings attached!
We are offering two cash prize categories:
a) Principal Investigators are eligible for a US$ 25K cash prize.
b) Postdocs & PhD candidates are eligible for a US$ 10K cash prize.
Up to US$ 1.5M Investment Opportunity
An investment offer from NetZero Tech Ventures to establish a commercial venture in Israel to commercialize and develop your innovation and bring it to the market*
*Subject to the Terms & Conditions of this competition, and the approval of the Israel Innovation Authority, as part of the Incubators 4 Program. Applicants may opt-out from this prize offer.
Gain global exposure
Pitch live at the final event and gain recognition from global industry experts & investors
Have questions?
Focus Areas
Next Energy
Renewable energy solutions, energy storage, smart grid technologies, hydrogen, nuclear, geothermal, energy-efficient infrastructure and more.
Carbon Tech
CO2 removal, capture and utilization (conversion of CO₂ and other off gases into valuable end products or services).
Lower-Carbon Intensity Materials & Circularity
Materials and processes that minimize environmental impact and promote a closed-loop system, including materials that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable, with a focus on applications in plastics, chemicals, construction materials, fuels and more.
Other technologies for a lower carbon future – surprise us!
Who Should Apply?
Academic Researchers associated with academic and research institutions worldwide – we are offering two prize categories:
a) Principal Investigators
b) Postdocs & PhD candidates starting in their 3rd year of studies
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 1-4.
We encourage the submission of breakthrough solutions that are earlier stage, higher technical risk, and may not yet be ready to incorporate. These research projects are typically in a university lab or research entity and are overseen by professors.
If the core technology of the submission has been commercialized (e.g., licensed) by a commercial company or entity outside the relevant academic institution, the total dilutive funding raised by this company must not exceed US$ 2,000,000.
Timeline
March 6th, 2025
Applications open
May 1st, 2025
Applications close
May 8th, 2025
Finalists announced
June 3rd, 2025
Live pitch event at the launch of the Energy Prototype Labs, Israel
Led by
In partnership with
In collaboration with
Judges and Screening Committee
Dr. Gideon Friedmann
NetZero Tech Ventures
Chief Technology Officer
Sindhu Balan
Chevron
Venture Investor
Abhishek Ramanan
Delek US Holdings
Venture Partner, DKI
Andrea Siciliani
TechEnergy
Principal
Ron Gonen
Cloosed Loop Partners
Chief Executive Officer
Joshua Posamentier
Congruent Ventures
Managing Partner
San Bursten
Energy Impact Partners
Principal
Dr. James Lyons
Capricorn Investment Group
Chief Technologist
Lynn Rouse
Chevron
Strategic Relationships Manager
Gilles Cochevelou
Total Energies
Senior Advisor Science and Technology to OneTech President
Brian Steinberg
At One Ventures
Senior Associate
Asi Shalgi
Other Sources Energy Group
Chief Executive Officer
Madelyn Evans
DOE Loan Programs Office
Senior Federal Project Engineer – Carbon Management
Nadav Douani
ScienceAbroad
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Khalil Abu Rabeah
ICL Group
VP R&D Commodity Fertilizers and Product Innovation
Dr. Gideon Friedmann
NetZero Tech Ventures
Chief Technology Officer
Sindhu Balan
Chevron
Venture Investor
Abhishek Ramanan
Delek US Holdings
Venture Partner, DKI
Andrea Siciliani
TechEnergy
Principal
Ron Gonen
Cloosed Loop Partners
Chief Executive Officer
Joshua Posamentier
Congruent Ventures
Managing Partner
Sam Bursten
Energy Impact Partners
Principal
Dr. James Lyons
Capricorn Investment Group
Chief Technologist
Lynn Rouse
Chevron
Strategic Relationships Manager
Gilles Cochevelou
Total Energies
Senior Advisor Science and Technology to OneTech President
Brian Steinberg
At One Ventures
Senior Associate
Asi Shalgi
Other Sources Energy Group
Chief Executive Officer
Madelyn Evans
DOE Loan Programs Office
Senior Federal Project Engineer – Carbon Management
Nadav Douani
ScienceAbroad
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Khalil Abu Rabeah
ICL Group
VP R&D Commodity Fertilizers and Product Innovation
Dr. Khalil Abu Rabeah
ICL Group
VP R&D Commodity Fertilizers and Product Innovation
Final Event
Pitch at the Launch of the Energy Prototype Labs!
Selected applicants will pitch live before international investors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs at the grand launch of The Energy Prototype Labs of NetZero Tech Ventures and the National Energy Storage Center Labs, in Israel on June 3rd.
FAQs
Do I need to be Israeli or associated with an academic institute in Israel in order to apply?
We welcome applications from individuals associated with any academic or research institution, in Israel and around the globe.
Do I need to attend the pitch event in person in Israel, if selected as a Finalist?
If selected as a Finalist, you will be invited to pitch live at the final event. Selected Finalists that reside outside of Israel, may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary traveling expenses actually incurred for their arrival, with up to US$ 1,000. If you are unable to attend the pitch event, you might be disqualified, but NetZero maintains a right to approach you with an investment offer outside of the Competition context.
Can I waive the right to be considered for the Investment Offer and still be eligible to win the Cash Prize?
Yes. The application form includes an option to waive any of the prizes that do not apply to you.
Is it mandatory to establish a commercial company in Israel to move forward with the Investment Offer?
The funding amounts concerning the Investment Offer will be granted jointly by NetZero and the Israel Innovation Authority, according to the terms of Program 4 Technology Incubators of the Authority. These terms determine, among other, that the commercial entity that will receive the license for the Innovation to develop it into a commercial product should be established in Israel. Please read the Terms of the Competition for more details.
How will my application be evaluated?
Your application will be evaluated by members of a Screening Committee established by the Organizers. Finalists will be invited to pitch at a live in-person event in Israel, where the Judges will decide and announce the Winner(s).
Where do I go if I have a question?
Check out the Competition Terms in this website or send an email to info@net-zero.vc
For more detailed
information
Who are we?
NetZero Tech Ventures is the most active early-stage investor and venture builder in Israeli energy and climate tech. We are at the forefront of commercializing technologies originating in the academia, and we are backed by top-tier corporate and financial investors. NetZero operates as an ‘incubator’ in partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA).
ScienceAbroad is an Israel-based nonprofit network that connects Israeli scientists and medical professionals worldwide. It fosters international collaboration while maintaining their ties to Israel.
Ignite Academia, powered by Ignite the Spark, is a dedicated platform for academics in the energy field, including researchers, faculty, and students. Our mission is to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry while empowering individuals to thrive in the evolving world of energy technology.