Carbontech Development Initiative Launches Round 3 Project Funding Opportunity
Applications Open for Third Round of Carbontech Development Initiative Research and Commercialization Grants
NEW YORK CITY — The Carbontech Development Initiative (CDI) is pleased to announce the opening of its third solicitation round welcoming applications for two Research Programs to accelerate technology from labs toward commercialization and one Commercialization Program which supports startups at mid- and late-stage development through project funding and training support. Up to $2.66 million of project funding is available in Round 3 of this solicitation. To date, CDI has awarded over $5.75 million to 28 teams; to learn more about Round 1 & 2 awardee teams, please read the press releases here and here.
Interested researchers and startups can apply here.
Applicants focused in the following technology topic areas will be considered for funding:
- CO2 Capture Technology:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC)
- Point Source CO2 Capture
- Cross-cutting solutions to enable carbon capture (direct air and point source) and utilization
- CO2-to-Building Materials:
- Carbon mineralization of waste
- CO2 curing of concretes
- Low carbon replacement materials
- CO2-to-Chemicals/ Fuels and Dual-Functional Materials:
- Electrochemical conversion of CO2
- Dual-functional materials
Key Dates
Applications are due by 5:00pm ET on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. CDI anticipates selecting awardees in May 2025. Six optional virtual information sessions to present program details and answer questions will be held (REGISTER HERE). Key dates for CDI’s Round 3 application process are listed below:
- Thursday, January 30 (10am ET): Application portal opens
- Wednesday, February 5 (11am ET): Virtual info session (External programs) #1
- Thursday, February 6 (12pm ET): Virtual info session (Internal programs) #1
- Thursday, February 13 (3pm ET): Virtual info session (External programs) #2
- Friday, February 14 (2pm ET): Virtual info session (Internal programs) #2
- Tuesday, February 25 (10am ET): Virtual info session (Internal programs) #3
- Thursday, March 6 (3pm ET): Virtual info session (External programs) #3
- Wednesday, March 12 (5:00pm ET): Application portal closes
- July 2025: Public award announcements
Eligibility
Research Programs
- Propel Carbontech (External to Columbia)
- Technology Readiness Level: 2 – 3
- Individual project awards: $50,000 - $150,000
- Project Duration: 12 – 18 months
- Open to applicants who are external to Columbia University
- Carbontech Leap (Columbia University Only)
- Technology Readiness Level: 2 – 3
- Individual project awards: up to $250,000
- Project Duration: up to 24 months
- Open to applicants who are faculty at Columbia University
Commercialization Programs (Startups only)
- Bridge Carbontech
- Technology Readiness Level: 4 – 9
- Individual project awards: $287,500 - $375,000
- Project Duration: up to 24 months
- Open to startups at mid – late stages of technology development
About CDI
Based out of Columbia Technology Ventures, CDI is a carbontech market transformation and grant-seeding commercialization hub. CDI connects a global ecosystem of academic, philanthropic, business, and government actors to fill related incubation, personnel, and financial gaps within the carbontech sector. CDI leverages Columbia University’s leadership in carbontech research for over 20 years, pioneering scientific concepts and leading the way in legal and policy initiatives. CDI’s grant-making program is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with the aim of transforming New York State into a hub for the carbontech industry. To achieve this, CDI is providing support to researchers and entrepreneurs, facilitating the transfer of technology, and promoting the commercialization of new carbontech innovations.
To learn more about CDI’s past awards and Round 3 solicitation, please visit the CDI website or email [email protected].