Following a competitive application process, 15 seed-stage startups have been selected for the Spring 2026 cohort of our Aspire Climatetech program. These companies were chosen for innovations that demonstrate a compelling value proposition, sustainable solutions, and the potential to make a positive impact. The startups will participate in five weeks of tailored training, working closely with experienced investor-mentors and diving into the due diligence process to develop deal room materials and create a viable fundraising plan.
Discover the companies of the Spring 2026 cohort, which includes two startups that recently completed VentureWell’s E-Team Program. Selected teams are working on important solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, like advancing next-generation turbines for geothermal power generation; creating more resilient agricultural systems through reduced reliance on chemical pesticides; and lowering emissions, water waste, and resource inefficiency in oil and gas operations.
Bootbox
Boston, Massachusetts
Bootbox is a compact, high-efficiency window heat pump that electrifies space heating, cooling, dehumidification, and air filtration for multi-family buildings, reducing operating costs, improving tenant comfort, and lowering carbon emissions.
Distributed Materials
Reading, Pennsylvania
Distributed Materials processes basalt into a carbon-sequestering fly ash replacement to use in place of cement, which is responsible for 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
Encore CO₂
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Encore CO₂ converts captured carbon dioxide emissions into valuable fuels, chemicals, and materials such as coatings and packaging using renewable energy, turning greenhouse gases into a sustainable resource.
eSki
Somerville, Massachusetts
eSki decarbonizes recreational marine transport through high-performance electric watercraft that eliminate fuel spills, emissions, and noise pollution.
HeatFlow
Albuquerque, New Mexico
HeatFlow is building next-generation two-phase turbines for geothermal plants that eliminate the boiler and gearbox, cutting capital expenditure costs by 40% and boosting power by 20%.
Impetra Metals
Detroit, Michigan
Impetra Metals is commercializing a modular bioleaching technology that uses specialized microorganisms to efficiently extract critical metals from low-grade ores and industrial residues, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing hazardous waste.
KP Labs
Houston, Texas
KP Labs builds modular units that bio-extract critical metals from e-waste and wastewater on-site at low capital expenditure and operating costs, delivering raw metal sulfides at a fraction of conventional recycling costs.
LiBAMA Power Corporation
Binghamton, New York
LiBAMA Power Corporation is pioneering next-generation batteries with its patented Advanced Metal Anode (AMA) platform technology, doubling energy density and lowering production costs by over 30% compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Loop CO₂
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Loop CO₂ transforms carbon dioxide into green lactones, creating a cost-effective, non-toxic alternative to traditional UV coatings.
New Gas and Oil
Spring, Texas
New Gas and Oil is developing a waste-to-value solution for produced water, converting oilfield-produced water into reusable water and energy.
Novo Blades
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Novo Blades is advancing a patented wind-turbine blade innovation that boosts annual energy production by 2% through geometric modifications.
PHAXTEC, INC.
Aurora, Colorado
Phaxtec is commercializing proprietary biogas-based natural coatings that make paper food packaging recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable, while cutting raw material costs by up to 50%.
Rise Reforming
Chicago, Illinois
Rise Reforming is commercializing a modular process to produce a suite of cost-competitive, low-carbon chemicals from stranded biogas, with the goal of a resilient and fossil-free chemical industry.
Varada Agriculture
Berkeley, California
Varada Agriculture develops RNA-based biopesticides that provide targeted, effective crop protection while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and protecting non-target organisms.
Zernike Precision Optics
Bloomington, Indiana
Zernike builds AI-driven manufacturing for custom optics, making complex lenses faster, cheaper, and easier to order.
Access to a Dynamic Team of Investor-Mentors
Aspire Climatetech employs a hybrid model, with virtual convenings beginning May 11 and culminating in a two-day, in-person workshop June 10-11 at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Massachusetts. Greentown Labs is one of the leading climatetech startup incubators in North America, providing entrepreneurs with resources, networking opportunities, equipment, and lab space to accelerate their ventures.
Participating startups are paired with a carefully selected group of investor-mentors who bring decades of experience in angel investing, venture capital, climatetech, and entrepreneurship. These mentors serve as trusted advisors throughout the program, offering strategic insights and feedback to help teams sharpen their value propositions, business models, and investment readiness.
We are proud to welcome the following confirmed investor-mentors for Aspire Climatetech 2026: Andrea Course, managing director, Course Investments; Ellington Ellis, angel investor and entrepreneur, Catalyst Angels; Andrew Granatstein, investor and advisor, Blueridge Climate Ventures; Terri Jordan, owner, Pranergy LLC; Deb Kemper, managing partner, Golden Seeds and Clean Energy Venture Group; Brian Kerns, angel investor and cleantech sector advisor, and technical due diligence lead, SWAN; Anne Maghas, serial entrepreneur, investor, and mentor; Sheila Narayan, managing director, Golden Seeds; Domineca Neal, investor, entrepreneur, and mentor, Commune Angels; DC Palter, angel investor and executive committee, TCA Venture Group and Chemical Angel Network; Nassir Patel, mentor, investor, and entrepreneur; Shaima Sharif, former global head of innovation, Amazon; and C.J. Whelan, CEO and founder.
These investor-mentors are joined by guest speakers, pitch coaches, and subject matter experts who offer additional support throughout the program, ensuring that each team receives cross-disciplinary guidance and multiple touchpoints for growth.
Meet the Aspire Climatetech Partners and Sponsors
Greentown Labs contributes to this program annually, with support from VentureWell’s legacy funding partner, The Lemelson Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the power of invention to improve lives. We are also supported by Cooley LLP, an international law firm spurring the power of innovation through working with clients in the technology, life sciences, and high-growth industries.
We are grateful to the program partners, sponsors, and investors for offering their time and resources to support these startups.
Learn More About the Aspire Program
Since its launch in 2015, Aspire has driven measurable impact for 236 seed-stage startups; since participating, these teams have raised more than $601 million in follow-on funding, with an 83% venture persistence rate. Aspire startups that are also E-Team Program grantees are eligible to receive matching investment from VentureWell.