Climate Piloting Opportunities
The Trust for Governors Island offers the unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs to test climate solutions that address climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and environmental justice. Selected projects utilize the Island’s built, social, and natural environments — including a 2.2‑mile waterfront, 43-acre climate-resilient park, 7 miles of car-free streets, 50+ historic buildings, and sewer and water infrastructure — allowing them to accelerate climate innovation, economic opportunity, and social impact in diverse urban communities.
All piloting projects on Governors Island address one or more of the following:
- Climate Mitigation: Does your product or service reduce harmful emissions that cause climate change?
- Climate Adaptation: Does your product or service maintain a safe, comfortable environment for everyday life in a changing climate?
- Environmental Justice: Does your product or service address adaptation or mitigation while centering human health, the environment, or climate change in frontline communities?
Projects are all temporary and intended to support product or service development through testing and solutions validation.
How to Apply
- Apply to the annual Climate Solutions Challenge: Win a $10,000 prize and access to supplemental grants generally not to exceed $20,000 to support project design and deployment. All program funding is non-dilutive and grant amounts will be based on demonstrated need. Selected teams can access opportunities with the Trust’s network of climate partners, including the New York Climate Exchange, regulatory agencies, and content area experts such as Closed Loop Partners. Applications for the 2025 Climate Solutions Challenge (Circular Economy) were due on December 5, 2024.
- Submit a General Application on your own schedule: A year-round rolling application is open to all climate sectors. Project teams are responsible for all costs.