We believe North Carolina can be a global leader in clean and climate tech innovation.

Why We Exist

INCREDIBLE POTENTIAL

The Research Triangle is an exceptional hub for research, technology, and entrepreneurship—home to one of the nation’s highest concentrations of research institutions and talent, and nationally competitive strengths in manufacturing, biotech, textiles, power electronics, and agtech.

A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

The raw materials for a thriving climate tech ecosystem are here. Yet, the climate tech community remains fragmented—spread across institutions, sectors, and cities without a clear center of gravity. In a market like ours, we can’t afford to stay siloed. We need to build a critical mass of climate tech leaders who can support one another, attract capital, and act as a unified force on the national stage.

BUILDING A CENTER OF GRAVITY

That’s why we created the Carolina Climate Founders Forum—to bring this community together and to put North Carolina’s climate tech ecosystem on the map.

Our Vision

  • Build a place-based community that supports and attracts climate tech, clean tech, sustainability, and environmentally focused technology startups.

  • Catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establish North Carolina as one of the leading U.S. regions for climate and clean tech innovation.

  • Leverage the unique assets of our state to accelerate climate tech solutions locally and globally.

Meet the Team

We are a volunteer-driven team of entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, consultants, and engineers working to create a critical mass of climate and clean tech startups in North Carolina.

Our Partners and Sponsors

  • First Flight Venture Center

    First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) is a non-profit, deep tech incubator located in RTP. First Flight supports early stage deep tech startups with access to lab space, equipment, and programming. First Flight is the fiscal sponsor for the NC Climate Hub initiative and will be hosting our Founders Circle sessions.

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  • Center for Entrepreneurial Development

    The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a nonprofit that accelerates the growth of tech and life science startups across North Carolina. Since 1984, CED has connected founders with a trusted network of peers, mentors, and partners. Through curated programs and direct access to capital, talent, and customers, CED helps startups navigate key milestones from early traction to scale, with a vision to catalyze $20 billion in new enterprise value.

    Website

  • Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster

    The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together a diverse network of industry, academic, government, and nonprofit partners to advance cleantech innovation and adoption in the Research Triangle and beyond and ensure that cutting-edge solutions reach the industries, communities, and governments that need them.

    Website

  • Hutchison Law

    Hutchison Law is a boutique firm specializing in startup, venture capital, and intellectual property law, guiding tech and life sciences entrepreneurs through every stage of growth. Based in Raleigh, they are a major supporter of North Carolina’s startup ecosystem. Their firm has generously provided financial sponsorship to the NC Climate Hub initiative as well as in-kind services to the Founders Circle.

    Website

  • Blueridge Climate Ventures

    Blueridge Climate Ventures invests in early stage startups developing innovative climate technologies in North Carolina and the surrounding region. We seek to form long-term relationships with founders where we leverage our network and expertise, and help companies grow and reach their next set of milestones.

    Website