New Berkeley Climate Action Proof-of-Concept Program

UC Berkeley is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and its academic excellence, creating an ecosystem where groundbreaking research seamlessly merges with entrepreneurial innovation to drive real-world solutions for global challenges. In this spirit, the Berkeley Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office and Bakar Climate Labs, a new campus climate technology incubator supported by QB3, are excited to announce the launch of the Berkeley Climate Action Proof-of-Concept Program (BCAPP). This new initiative, launched at the University of California Office of the President by the President’s Entrepreneurship Network Council, provides UC Berkeley faculty with the opportunity to accelerate climate-focused technologies and translate their research into commercial solutions that can make a lasting environmental impact.

Many promising inventions emerging from UC Berkeley’s world-class research struggle to reach their commercialization potential, often due to a lack of sufficient funding and mentorship. This is a critical challenge, particularly for early-stage, high-risk innovations that require targeted support to move from academia to the marketplace. BCAPP aims to change that.

This program will award four to six grants of up to $100,000 per year. Innovations in all areas relevant to climate change in STEM and social science disciplines are eligible for consideration. Proposed projects must meet a Technology Readiness Level of 5 or higher and have intellectual property protection in place. These innovations should be positioned at a critical stage where they are ready for further development, market analysis, and prototype refinement, but still require additional resources to take them over the finish line.

The program’s funding can be used for a variety of purposes that will help accelerate commercialization. This includes conducting necessary research, developing prototypes, demonstrating the efficacy of a product, or gathering data to attract commercial interest. In addition to funding, awardees will gain access to invaluable mentorship that will help them take advantage of the UC Berkeley entrepreneurship network. Benefits include support with business plan and pitch development, market research, financial and legal guidance, and connections with top industry partners. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops, training sessions, and other tailored activities designed to help them refine their innovations for market readiness.

With BCAPP, UC Berkeley is empowering its researchers to push beyond traditional barriers, turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions with the support they need to succeed. This is more than just funding—it’s about creating a clear, actionable path for the next generation of climate-focused technologies to thrive. 

For more information, visit https://bakarclimate.berkeley.edu/bcapp.