Climate

Our planet’s most pressing crisis needs its most talented people.

Introducing Entrepreneur First Climate.
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Next cohort starts in London Autumn 2023 Deadline 9th May 2023

We’re paying 40 of the world’s most talented people to quit their jobs and build companies tackling climate change.

Over 3 months, they’ll find co-founders; identify problems in the climate space they’re uniquely positioned to solve; and build startups from scratch. We’ll invest in those that we believe have the potential to make a genuine, global impact.

We’re looking for ultra-ambitious, smart and driven people with a conviction to build a startup addressing climate change, now.

Why start a company?

Building a company is the fastest and most powerful way for talented people to make an impact on climate change.

To meet global emissions targets and build a sustainable future, we need groundbreaking technological innovation and huge changes in the way that industry operates. 

With a curated community of exceptional people committed to the same mission, and a network of expert advisors and investors, EF is the best place to do it.

man smiling
What can I build?

We don’t dictate what you build on the programme. We want you to deploy your talent and skills where you’ll be most impactful.

We expect founders on EF Climate to build in clean energy production and decarbonisation; sustainable materials; synthetic biology; and the circular economy.

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Why EF?

We have a track record of building companies innovating in climate and sustainability, that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

Now, we’re doubling down with our first dedicated cohort, to ensure that the world’s most talented people have the co-founder, time, and network to drive the change the planet needs.

Apply to EF Climate

Featured Companies

DiviGas
Industrial hydrogen purification and recovery at refineries and plants.
Seed Energy
FabricNano
A sustainable future, powered by enzymes.
Series A Biotechnology
GenoMines
New update
Efficient plant-based mining
Pre-Seed Biotechnology
Green Li-ion
New update
World-first deep-clean technology to fully rejuvenate lithium-Ion batteries.
Series A Energy
Optimal Labs
Building technology for autonomous greenhouses by combining AI with the latest research in plant sciences
Seed Food, Agriculture or Farming
SEPPURE
SEPPURE is revolutionizing chemical separation and purification.
Series A Manufacturing or Industrial

Frequently Asked Questions

Q
How does financial support work during the cohort?
A

For the first three months of the programme, we pay you a stipend of £2000 per month.

Q
What’s the deal if you decide to invest in my company?
A

If you are successful at the Investment Committee, at the start of Launch, we will make our first investment in your company. We invest £80,000, along with the stipends paid in the first part of the programme, for 10% of your company.

Q
Can I still work on climate on EF’s other programmes?
A

Yes, you can – all participants on our Core programmes around the world are able to build in sustainability if they decide to. 

If you’ve got a strong conviction that you want to build in climate, and are able to take part in the programme in person in London, we recommend applying to EF Climate.

If you are currently open-minded about the space you want to apply your skills to, or are unlikely to be able to relocate to London, we recommend applying to our Core programme.

Q
Do I need to be in London during the cohort?
A

Yes – EF Climate will take place in person in London.

Q
Can I work on something else while doing EF Climate, or could I do the programme part-time?
A

No. When taking part in our programme, we ask you to commit full time so that you can move as fast as possible, and focus your energy on working with your co-founder.

We provide a monthly stipend to enable everyone to focus on our platform without the need to work elsewhere.

Q
Can I get a visa to take part?
A

We are considering candidates from around the world for EF Climate. 

If you secure a place on the programme, we, as an Endorsing Body, might be able to endorse you for a Start-up Visa depending on your circumstances and the ability to satisfy certain criteria. Alternative visas are available – please speak to your dedicated Talent Associate and they will be able to provide you with more details and introduce you to an immigration advisor who can assist you. 

Q
Do I need to speak a particular language?
A

The programme is run in English, therefore you will need to be comfortable speaking and working in English.