Urban Future Lab

Urban Future Lab is a non-profit innovation hub and part of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, operating since 2009. It focuses on cleantech startups, sustainable urban infrastructure, and clean energy solutions. The organization runs five specialized programs including the ACRE incubator, Carbon to Value Initiative, Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme, and Clean Start. Its mission is to scale up and commercialize climate solutions by connecting people, capital, and purpose.

The lab is located at 370 Jay Street, 7th Floor in Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201, within the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. It serves as a center for cleantech innovation and is accessible via the A/C/F subway lines to Jay St./Metrotech station. This central Brooklyn location places it in the heart of the city's startup ecosystem, allowing direct access to government, corporate, and non-profit networks.

The ACRE program is the flagship incubator and the longest-running climatetech incubator in New York City, with companies typically dedicating 2-3 years to the experience. Other specialized programs include the Carbon to Value Initiative, Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme, and Clean Start, an advanced diploma from NYU for career transitions. These programs collectively support innovators from pre-seed to series A stages.

Since its founding in 2009, the organization has supported over 200 startups and helped create more than 5,700 jobs. The collective portfolio has raised over $4.2 billion in venture capital, project finance, and grants. The lab maintains an 88% survival rate for its member companies, which is significantly higher than the national average of 20%.

The lab operates on a founder-first culture that does not take equity from the startups it supports. This approach focuses entirely on the growth and scaling of the companies. Additionally, the organization provides a full suite of services ranging from legal and design support to marketing and capital raising assistance.

The Carbon to Value Initiative is a specific program focused on carbontech solutions. The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub targets clean energy infrastructure. The Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme connects startups with international opportunities. Clean Start offers an advanced diploma to help people transition into the cleantech sector. These distinct programs address various aspects of the climate economy.

The lab has launched several notable competitions and challenges, including the Urban Future Prize Competition in 2016 and the NYPA Innovation Challenge in 2019. The H2 Refuel accelerator was launched in 2018 and later evolved into the C2V Initiative. These events aim to attract startups, provide cash awards, and offer strategic advice to accelerate business growth.

The Clean Start program is an educational certificate offered in partnership with NYU, designed to assist entrepreneurs and professionals in transitioning into the climatech industry. This program complements the incubator and accelerator tracks by providing professional development and advanced diploma training for career changers.

The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub is a dedicated proof-of-concept center that commercializes research from local universities. It focuses specifically on advancing offshore wind technologies and integrating them into the urban grid to make cities more resilient and efficient.

The Carbon to Value Initiative (C2V) is a specialized track within the lab's portfolio that focuses on carbontech solutions. It was established to help startups scale up and commercialize transformative solutions related to carbon capture and utilization.

The Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme is one of the specialized tracks available to founders. It provides access to global incubator networks and resources to help startups scale their innovations beyond the local market.

The Urban Future Prize Competition was launched to attract climatetech startups by offering cash awards, exposure, and strategic advice. Winning companies like Air Company, Amperon, Dollaride, NineDot Energy, and Olokun Minerals have been highlighted as examples of successful participants.

The lab collaborates with New York Power Authority (NYPA) to source and select startups for piloting innovative technologies in electric vehicle charging and energy storage. This partnership helps bridge the gap between research and real-world deployment in the city's infrastructure.

The lab has a history of launching new initiatives, such as the H2 Refuel accelerator in 2018 and the C2V Initiative in 2020. These recent developments show the organization's ongoing commitment to evolving its programs to meet emerging climate challenges.

Reviewers consistently praise the team's high skill level, professionalism, and dedication to delivering tailored solutions. Many clients highlight the team's ability to understand specific needs and provide valuable insights that help achieve organizational goals. The overall Trustburn rating is 4.1 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.