Third Derivative’s Global Climate Tech Accelerator

Third Derivative is here to help you accelerate the path to commercialization and bridge the gaps to access the financing and resources you need to succeed. They do so by connecting the world’s most promising climate tech startups—like yours—with Third Derivative’s network of committed investors, corporate partners, market experts, and mentors.

Do you focus on a particular climate technology?

• Third Derivative focuses on hardtech climate innovations including the following (and more):
  • Efficient building cooling, heating, and envelope
  • Efficient building lighting and appliances
  • Advanced construction for more efficient buildings (prefab, 3D printing, etc.)
  • Batteries (new chemistry, BMS, manufacturing, etc.)
  • Electric transportation
  • Vehicle efficiency technologies
  • Long-duration energy storage
  • Renewable power generation
  • Power electronics and hardware for a low carbon electricity grid
  • Carbon capture and utilization
  • Carbon markets
  • Methane capture
  • Green hydrogen
  • Renewable process heat
  • Biofuels, synfuels, and low carbon chemicals
  • Low carbon steel and cement
  • Other low carbon materials
  • Computing and communication technology efficiency
  • Financing and project development innovation that expands or accelerates adoption of climate technologies
  • Enabling software (e.g.: building energy management, grid management) that expands or accelerates adoption of climate technologies
• Please apply even if your technology wasn’t.

Why join Third Derivative’s global climate tech accelerator?

• Remote, flexible, tailored programming
  • Third Derivative is not a one-size-fits-all accelerator program. The program is designed to meet your startup’s current growth stage head-on with tailor-made programming based on your needs. Your experience in the accelerator will be as light-touch or involved as you desire.
• Accelerated pathways to scale with Third Derivative’s strategic corporate partners
  • Third Derivative’s dynamic network of corporate partners help you fast-track your pathway to commercial deal-making. The corporate partners are fully invested in your success.
• Unparalleled market experts and techno-economic analysis powered by RMI
  • Gain access to RMI’s 700+ energy professionals’ expertise and network. RMI works across power, transport, buildings, and industrial sectors on six continents and has deep connections to all parts of the energy value chain including government, corporates, and NGOs.
• Dial into focused capital mobilization
  • Each startup selected for the accelerator receives an optional $100k convertible note. They also bring a variety of follow-on funding opportunities from Third Derivative’s investor partners.

How does the program support early to late-stage startups?

• For early-stage startups, Third Derivative offers an optional $100K USD convertible note, helps you to refine your product-market fit, connects you with strategic corporate partners, capital partners, and mentors, and prepares you for your next funding round.
• For later-stage startup (Series A or later), they encourage you to apply if you think they can help you grow. The program focuses on helping you deploy with corporate partners (from within the program and beyond), getting the funding you need to grow, and coaching you through your growth process.

What is expected of startups as part of the program?

Third Derivative (D3) is a highly-tailored accelerator program. By taking part in the program you commit to:

• Participating in regular check-in calls with your D3 Account Manager
• Being a productive member of the global D3 ecosystem
• Actively updating D3’s ecosystem platforms to keep information current for the partners
• Completing a quarterly survey gathering Net Promoter Score (NPS), program feedback, and company growth metrics (e.g. revenue, pilot progress, capital raised, headcount, etc.)
• Accessing an array of programming—although it’s up to you how much you’d like to attend. Think of this as a choose-your-own-adventure experience.

Geographical Focus

• As a global accelerator program, they welcome applicants from all over the world.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have a minimum of two full-time employees (no upper limit)
• You must have a working prototype i.e. achieved a Technology Readiness Level of 4
• Your startup is a for-profit company
• No basic science risk
• The program is in English, so professional proficiency is required.

For more information, visit Third Derivative.