Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator
Accelerating breakthrough Yale innovations to solve the most urgent planetary challenges.
The Yale Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator (PSIA) is a new initiative designed to fast-track the development of transformative solutions to planetary challenges. A new addition to Yale Planetary Solutions’ core programming, and powered by Yale Ventures, it mobilizes the breadth of Yale’s research enterprise.
The initial focus of the accelerator is on commercializing scalable technologies that directly address root-causes, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change, rather than adaptation or resilience strategies.
Through milestone-based funding of $100,000-$250,000 from the Yale Planetary Solutions Grant Program, 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
Application Information
APPLICATIONS
Faculty interested in participating in the PSIA are invited to apply for a Constellation Grant through the YPS Grant Program application on InfoReady; select the “Commercialization Pathway + Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator” option. For more details, see the Request for Proposals.
Proposals must be submitted by January 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM, and include a completed budget template (link is available in the RFP).
Information Sessions
Please join us for any of the following virtual info sessions or office hours, which will also provide information about the broader YPS Grant Program:
Info Session, December 10 from 4:00-4:30 PM
Office Hours, January 7 from 3:00-4:00 PM
Info Session, January 12 from 12:00-12:30 PM
Office Hours, January 22 from 12:00-1:00 PM
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Faculty from across the university whose research or innovations drive progress in the key technical areas below. Software-based innovations and AI may be included as part of proposals, however, the solution must fundamentally be “hard tech": a technology relying on physical components.
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.
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