Launch NY Expands its Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator Programming

Launch NY Introduces 2026 Webinar Series and CEO Roundtables

Buffalo, NY (April 28, 2026) - Launch NY, a nonprofit venture development organization and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is expanding programming through its Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator that supports the growth of clean energy startups.

The one-year initiative, Clean Energy Innovation Support Project, supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will address priority needs among early- and growth-stage founders related to bringing clean energy solutions to market and building their high-growth potential ventures. Through a mix of statewide virtual programming and in-person leadership convenings, Launch NY will support entrepreneurs navigating commercialization, capital access, and scaling challenges.

The program includes three educational webinars and three CEO Roundtables designed to foster peer learning and direct engagement among founders. In total, the initiative is expected to engage more than 250 clean energy entrepreneurs statewide.

To kick off the series, Launch NY will host its first webinar, "Anatomy of a Deal," on April 29 at 12:00 PM (ET). The session will feature leaders from Clean Energy Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, MacroCycle Technologies, and Rapid Ventures, offering a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how early-stage clean energy deals are structured and financed. Registration is open at: https://luma.com/8z4ccm3b

"This support from NYSERDA allows us to deepen our engagement with clean energy entrepreneurs through our ECO Incubator at a critical moment for New York's innovation economy," said Marnie LaVigne, PhD, President and CEO of Launch NY. "By combining scalable virtual education with targeted, in-person CEO peer discussions, we're creating meaningful opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and position their companies for long-term impact."

NYSERDA supported the project through its Innovation Partnerships program, which works to facilitate project teaming, attract investment, and strengthen the energy innovation ecosystem in New York State.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "NYSERDA is proud to support the expansion of Launch NY's Emerging Cleantech Opportunity, which provides entrepreneurs with access to essential resources that catalyze company growth. By helping move clean energy products from concept to commercialization, this incubator programming will drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate New York's transition to cleaner, more reliable and affordable energy system."

Launch NY is the state's only nonprofit venture development organization providing pro bono mentorship and direct seed funding to startups across Upstate NY.

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About Launch NY: Launch NY is the only nonprofit venture development organization and U.S. Treasury-designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves and directly funds startups exclusively in Upstate NY. The core mission of Launch NY is to identify, support, and invest in high-growth, high-impact companies and to catalyze the entrepreneurial culture of Upstate NY on behalf of job and wealth creation.

Since 2012, Launch NY has mentored over 1,930 companies, which have gone on to raise more than $1.5B, generate more than $436MM in annual revenue, and support more than 10,000 jobs. Aligned with Launch NY's CDFI designation, more than 70% of its portfolio companies are in low-income neighborhoods. Launch NY delivers its mission via mentorship and equity capital access programs, starting with pro bono mentoring through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, Founders Go Big program for traditionally underrepresented founders, and Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator. These programs prepare entrepreneurs for investment capital from multiple sources, including Launch NY's InvestLocal Financing Programs comprised of nonprofit and for profit investment funds, and the Investor Network online marketplace that fields investment opportunities to hundreds of accredited investors. Through these vehicles, Launch NY has engaged over 500 accredited investors as the most active seed investor funding New York State companies, and it has been ranked among the top 5 nonprofit seed funds in the country.

Media Contact:
Cydney Sanders
Marketing Manager
Launch NY
[email protected]