Startup Programs
We help startups develop their technologies, secure funding and financing, access new customers and markets, test and pilot their solutions, and unlock their full potential.
Who We Support
We support groundbreaking startups that have a cleantech solution addressing clean energy, zero-emissions transportation, or circular economy with a focus on smart & sustainable cities.
Incubation Cohort 12
Pre-seed to Seed-stage startups focused on commercialization through small-scale pilot projects and preparation for follow-on funding.
◄ Watch how founders in LACI’s Incubation Program develop their technologies, access pilot opportunities, secure advisory support from EIRs, and scale their climate solutions across Los Angeles and beyond.
Program Overview
If you’re a pre-seed or seed-stage cleantech U.S.–based startup looking to scale in Los Angeles, now’s the time to apply. Get access to LACI’s 6-month curriculum, advisory services through EIRs, pilot funding, and a community of over 520 founders building climate solutions for LA and beyond.
Eligible startups may also unlock financial support through LACI’s in-house Impact and Debt Funds to accelerate deployment and growth. If you’d like to learn more before applying, you can join one of our upcoming Info Sessions to hear directly from our team and get your questions answered.
Eligibility & Program Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
- Have a cleantech solution that addresses one of our key priority areas – clean energy, zero-emissions transportation, or circular economy with a focus on smart & sustainable cities.
- Own or hold license to a novel proprietary technology.
- Have a strategy to expand in Southern California through commercialization, pilots, and job creation.
- Ability to commit to a hybrid curriculum and mentorship opportunities during the first six months, with founder or key executive able to attend meetings, workshops, and events.
- Have at least one (preferably two) full-time employee and a strategy to grow the team in Southern California.
- Have a working prototype (TRL 4+).
- Agree to a 1.5-3% equity stake in the form of a warrant with the opportunity to earn back through achieving impact milestones.
- Must be based in the United States.
What You Gain
- Cohort model of on average 15 companies per cohort, plus an alumni base of over 520 startups.
- An advanced curriculum based on LACI’s decade-plus experience across hundreds of cleantech startups streamlined to support the scale up of cleantech innovation in the Greater Los Angeles Region and beyond.
- One-hour weekly advisory session with a dedicated Executive in Residence, who provides coaching, accountability, and mentorship to define business milestones.
- Eligibility to apply for equity funding and debt financing through LACI’s Impact Fund and Debt Fund (check sizes ranging from $50K to $500K).
- Investment-preparation advisory services from LACI Investment Team, including our VP of Investments, who has helped startups raise over half a billion in funding from investors like Energy Impact Partners, Mark Cuban Companies, Blackrock, Trucks VC, and others.
- Access to $160,000 worth of perks & platforms to support fundraising efforts, grant solicitations, news publications, and product development tools (e.g. SolidWorks, AWS).
- Various visibility and pitch opportunities including the chance to present at the bi-annual Power Day pitch and showcase event in front of 200+ attendees, including investors in addition to corporate, public utilities, and various government agencies.
- Free hot desk membership and 25% to 50% discounts on private office memberships at the La Kretz Innovation Campus and Advanced Prototyping Center in Downtown Los Angeles for the duration of the program, plus 1 year as an alumni.
- Pilots execution, including funding, site host connections, partner engagement, and deployment strategy support.
Are You Ready?
Upcoming Info Sessions
Applicant Info Session 1
(In Person and Virtual)
December 3, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
La Kretz Innovation Campus and Online
Applicant Info Session 2 (Virtual)
January 7, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
Online
