Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator
Accelerating breakthrough Yale innovations to solve the most urgent planetary challenges.
The Yale Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator (PSIA) is a faculty accelerator fund that mobilizes the breadth of Yale’s research enterprise to generate scalable, sustainable, resilient solutions. It is a new addition to Yale Planetary Solutions’ core programming and is powered by Yale Ventures.
The initial focus of the accelerator is on commercializing scalable technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the root cause of climate change.
Through milestone-based funding, expert mentorship, and commercialization guidance, this accelerator harnesses Yale’s research strengths—and its global networks of investors, nonprofits, and policymakers—to translate bold ideas into scalable innovations with lasting planetary impacts.
The accelerator is made possible by a generous gift from Eleanor and Chad Laurans, both graduates of the Yale College Class of 2000 and co-founders of the home security company SimpliSafe, with additional support from Beth Birnbaum ˊ94 and Barney Harford.
“We are launching the Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator to transform Yale’s world-class research into applied innovations with measurable planetary benefit. By supporting bold ideas, we aim to scale solutions from campus to New Haven and out into the world.”
—Julie Zimmerman, PSIA Lead PI; Vice Provost for Planetary Solutions;
Professor, Yale School of the Environment and the School of Engineering & Applied Science
Yale is actively recruiting for the founding director of the accelerator. People with experience and expertise building climate tech companies and/or investing in climate-related technology who enjoy coaching and mentoring scientific founders are encouraged to apply.
Application Information
APPLICATIONS
Applications will launch late 2025. Sign up for the Yale Ventures newsletter to receive the latest news about the application launch and related information sessions about PSIA.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Faculty from across the university whose research or innovations drive progress in key technical areas below.
Focus Areas
Key Features
Carbon Management & Energy Systems
Low-Carbon Industry & Built Environment
Biosystems, Food & Agriculture
Water & Ecosystem Technologies
Receive $100K–$250K in non-dilutive grants to advance high-potential climate solutions from the lab toward commercialization.
Work closely with domain-specific Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) and industry experts to refine your technology, market strategy, and go-to-market plan.
Access tailored coaching in IP strategy, regulatory pathways, product development, and customer discovery—designed specifically for Yale faculty innovators.
Connect with a global network of climate investors, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders through pitch events and curated introductions.
Leverage Yale’s profound strengths in the arts, humanities, and social sciences and its excellence in the physical, natural, and applied sciences to shape comprehensive, systems-based solutions.
Collaborate with a select cohort of graduate and undergraduate students who bring analytical, technical, and business skills to help accelerate your venture.
