Requirements
Helping build a smarter tomorrow.
Applications for the 2025 Urban Future Prize Competition are now open.
The Urban Future Prize Competition is a set of two $50K prizes, funded by MUFG Bank. The prizes will go to two promising climatetech startups selected by an esteemed group of climate solutions experts. Winners are granted admission to the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab, New York City’s longest-running climatetech incubator.
The Competition
The Process
01.
Apply
Applications should be submitted through Airtable here no later than Monday, April 28th, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
02.
Finalists Selected
Track finalists will be announced Tuesday, August 12th, 2025.
03.
Pitch Day and Showcase
Finalists will pitch at our Urban Future Summit on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.
Competition
The Requirements
Applicants should be early-stage, market-ready startups that have raised under $5M and can clearly articulate the potential sustainability impact of their core product or service.
Startups do not need to be based in New York, but we look for companies whose solutions will have a meaningful impact on the New York market and who intend to spend significant time here.
Founders derive the most value from being physically present for industry connections, investor office hours, and events.
01. Submit an Application
Applications must be submitted via Airtable no later than Monday, April 28th 2025 at 11:59pm ET. Emailed and late entries will not be considered.
02. Semifinalists
Once selected, Climate Mitigation Prize and Climate Adaptation semi-finalists will be invited to interview with the Urban Future Prize Selection Committee.
03. Finalists
If selected as a finalist, applicants must designate one person from their team to pitch at the Urban Future Summit. Finalists will be informed no later than mid-August 2025.
04. Pitch Practice Sessions
Finalists will be coached by experts in advance of the pitch day event.
05. Conditions
Winners of the Prizes commit to active participation in the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab for a minimum six-month incubation period. While physical relocation is not required, companies are expected to engage meaningfully in program activities and spend time in New York as needed to maximize opportunities. Relocation and program membership costs are not covered. Prizes will be distributed in two tranches over the course of the incubation period, based on program milestones set by ACRE staff and agreed upon by the awardee.
For any additional questions, please reach out to austin.evarts@nyu.edu.
Competition Timeline
Competition Sponsors
Join a community of innovators.
Past winners, competitors, and finalists - all changing the climatetech world, one innovation at a time.
“Winning the Urban Future Prize has greatly benefited Amperon. The money is obviously helpful for an early stage company, but acceptance into Urban Future Lab has been significantly more valuable. They have provided us with great connections with utilities around the globe and aided us throughout the fundraising process. UFL is an excellent resource for any company!” – Sean Kelly, CEO, Amperon, 2019 Winner
“The Urban Future Lab has been instrumental in helping me build Dollaride as a business and mobility service. Besides office space at ACRE, I’ve received help/guidance in structuring our pilot programs and intros to potential investors and partners. The UFL is a true advocate for Dollaride’s success.” – Su Sanni, CEO, Dollaride, 2018 Winner
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