RDSW Climate Tech Day 2026

April 20, 2026 · Plant Science Building, NCSU Centennial Campus

Carolina Climate is partnering with Raleigh-Durham Startup Week (RDSW) to produce Climate Tech Day as part of the 2026 RDSW event.

Through this partnership, we’ve added an entirely new day and track to RDSW focused exclusively on climate tech — to bring together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders building the future of climate innovation in the Triangle.

While this event stands on its own, it also serves as a first step toward NC Climate Week in Fall 2026 — a larger, multi-day gathering designed to bring the ecosystem together at scale.

Sessions and Registration

Sessions run from noon to 6:30pm on Monday April 20th, 2026. RSVP required for each session you plan to attend — please click on the tiles below to register.

A facilitated, high-trust conversation bringing together founders and ecosystem leaders to align around a shared vision for a thriving NC climate tech ecosystem — building real relationships that extend beyond the room.

A facilitated, high-trust conversation bringing together founders and ecosystem leaders to align around a shared vision for a thriving NC climate tech ecosystem — building real relationships that extend beyond the room.

Keynote from Cotopaxi Founder Stephan Jacob, followed by a fireside chat with Keel Labs exploring how sustainable materials and supply chain innovation are reshaping the future of textiles and apparel.

Keynote from Cotopaxi Founder Stephan Jacob, followed by a fireside chat with Keel Labs exploring how sustainable materials and supply chain innovation are reshaping the future of textiles and apparel.

A live recording of the Supercool podcast with Josh Dorfman (Plantd) and Kathryn Polkoff (Hoofprint Biome) — two of the Triangle’s leading climate tech founders — sharing candid insights on scaling companies in this space.

A live recording of the Supercool podcast with Josh Dorfman (Plantd) and Kathryn Polkoff (Hoofprint Biome) — two of the Triangle’s leading climate tech founders — sharing candid insights on scaling companies in this space.

Live founder pitches followed by real-time investor feedback and a candid discussion on the climate funding landscape — what works, what doesn’t, and how to build momentum in the Southeast.

Live founder pitches followed by real-time investor feedback and a candid discussion on the climate funding landscape — what works, what doesn’t, and how to build momentum in the Southeast.

Wrap the day with drinks, conversations, and connections with the people building the climate tech ecosystem in North Carolina.

Wrap the day with drinks, conversations, and connections with the people building the climate tech ecosystem in North Carolina.

Full Session Details

Shaping the Future of Climate Tech in NC

Time: noon-1pm (over lunch)

Description: To build a strong, resilient climate tech ecosystem in North Carolina, trust and connection are critical. This facilitated lunch is designed to spark meaningful conversations from the start—bringing founders and ecosystem leaders together to quickly get to know each other, surface shared priorities, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The format is dynamic and come-and-go friendly, allowing participants to join, connect, and engage in conversations that matter in real time. Professionally facilitated by Noa Ronen.

Threads of Impact: From Breakthrough Materials to Global Brands

Time: 1-2pm

Description: What does it take to build a globally recognized brand rooted in sustainability from day one? In this session, Cotopaxi Founder Stephan Jacob shares the story behind building a mission-driven outdoor company that has scaled globally while staying committed to circularity, ethical sourcing, and impact.

The keynote will be followed by a fireside chat with Aleks Gosiewski, Founder and CEO of Keel Labs — an NC-based seaweed textile startup — to explore the future of sustainable materials and textiles. From national brand-building to local deep-tech innovation, this conversation connects brand, science, and commercialization—highlighting how founders can turn climate intent into scalable, market-ready solutions.

Supercool Podcast Live: Climate Tech Success Stories from the Triangle

Time: 2-3pm

Description: Be part of a live audience for a special recording of Supercool, the nationally recognized climate tech podcast hosted by Josh Dorfman, co-founder of Plantd - a carbon-negative building materials company that has raised over $40M and reached Series B.

In this session, Josh will lead a candid conversation with Kathryn Polkoff, CEO of Hoofprint Biome. Hoofprint Biome is developing cattle feed additives that radically reduce methane emissions, and recently raised a ~$15M Series A backed by Breakthrough Energy.

This dialogue brings together two of the Triangle’s more successful, high-profile climate tech startups to explore their journeys and the realities of scaling climate companies.

Pitching Climate: Founders and Funders

Time: 3:30-5pm

Description: What does it take to get investors to lean in? In this session, founders will pitch live, followed by candid feedback from leading climate investors on what stands out, what doesn’t, and what actually drives interest and investment.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at how investors evaluate early-stage climate companies—and what founders can do to move conversations forward.

Investor Panel:

Climate Tech Networking Happy Hour

Time: 5-6:30pm

Description: Cap off Climate Tech Day with drinks, conversations, and connections. After a day of workshops, pitches, and insights, wind down with fellow founders, investors, and climate leaders who are actually building solutions.

Make the connections that matter — whether you're looking for co-founders, advisors, partners, or just want to compare notes with people solving similar problems. Celebrate what you've learned and the progress being made across the climate tech ecosystem.