Catalyzing the Climate and Clean Tech Ecosystem in North Carolina
We believe North Carolina is well-positioned to be a global leader in climate and clean tech innovation, technologies, and solutions.
The push toward decarbonization and low-impact industry creates an unprecedented opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization in our state.
Building a Community
We are building an entrepreneurial community in North Carolina, centered in the Research Triangle, that supports and attracts startups focused on climate, sustainability, and clean technology innovation.
Climate Founders Circle
In fall 2025, we are launching our pilot initiative - the Carolina Climate Founders Circle - a community-building series for clean and climate tech entrepreneurs across North Carolina. This intimate, founder-led initiative is designed to spark connection, peer support, and shared ownership in shaping the future of our climate tech ecosystem.
Climate tech represented over 20% of venture investment in 2022 and 2023, second only to AI
North Carolina’s world-class universities, high concentration of talent, business friendly environment, and thriving startup ecosystem make it an ideal place to capitalize on and drive climate tech innovation.
Join our newsletter and stay up-to-date on future Carolina Climate Founders Forum updates and announcements.
Interested in applying to our Founders Circle pilot initiative? Please fill out this form.
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.
-
![]()
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.
-
![]()
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.
-
![]()
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.
-
![]()
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.
