Led by HBS Professor Jim Matheson, the Launching Climate Ventures (LCV) Sprint will provide participants with an understanding of the activities required to launch a climate-focused venture from an R&D lab including identifying climate problems, translating, and licensing IP, building a founding team and pursuing early financing. LCV is for anyone interested in founding, joining, and/or investing in early-stage ClimateTech companies.

LCV is offered in partnership with other Harvard climate-focused venturing groups including Harvard Grid, Wyss Institute, Harvard i-lab, OTD, and HBS Business and Environment Initiative. These collaborations provide participants the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other Harvard climate-focused colleagues including from HBS, SEAS, HES, and HKS.

In addition to exploring the key mechanics of starting a climate technology company, we will also cover the context of climate change, examine key climate problems and opportunities, and highlight critical policy initiatives focused on driving climate innovation.

What to Expect:

A full day of interactive workshops based on HBS-style cases, lectures, and provoking discussions with experienced climatech entrepreneurs and investors. 

9:00 – 9:30 AM: Arrival, Coffee & Networking

9:30 – 10:15 AM: Welcome & Introduction to Climate Challenges and Solutions | Professor Jim Matheson, Harvard Business School

10:15 – 11:00 AM: Climate Founder Perspective | Michael Alexander (Founder & CEO, ADDIS ENERGY) & Brandon Chi (Co-Founder & CEO, Crop Diagnostix)

11:00 – 11:15 AM: Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Climate Investor Perspective | Dr. Brian Mayer (Breakthrough Energy Ventures) & Dr. Amrit Jalan (Principal, Fine Structure Ventures)

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch | On your own in Spangler

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Launching Climate Ventures Out of Harvard | Sam Liss (Associate Provost & Chief Technology Development Officer, Harvard University), Paul Hayre (Executive Director, Harvard GRID), & Dr. Emily Stoler (Wyss Institute)

2:00 – 2:45 PM: The Playbook for Launching Climate Ventures | Ben Soltoff (Entrepreneur in Residence & Ecosystem-Builder in Residence, Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship; Lead Author, Disciplined Entrepreneurship for Climate and Energy Ventures

2:45 – 3:00 PM: Break

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Capstone Fireside Chat: The Climate Entrepreneur’s Journey | Ted Wiley (Co-Founder & COO, Form Energy)

4:00 – 4:30 PM: Wrap-Up, Next Steps & Resources | Professor Jim Matheson, Harvard Business School

4:30 – 5:30 PM: Networking Social

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Harvard Grid welcomes attendees of all abilities to our events. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact grid@harvard.edu in advance of the event.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS

Please note: by registering, you agree to receive emails about this event and future communications from Harvard Grid.