Sat, Sep 27
|TBD
Launching Climate Ventures Sprint
One day workshop targeted for graduate students, faculty, and postdocs who wish to translate their tough tech research into a sustainability or climate focused startup. Absolutely no experience required. Limited capacity.
Time & Location
Sep 27, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
TBD, HBS Campus - Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02163
About the event
Hosted 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. The LCV Sprint is for anyone interested in founding, joining, and/or investing in early-stage ClimateTech companies.
The LCV Sprint is being offered in partnership with other Harvard University climate-focused groups including The GRID, The Salata Institute and The HBS Business and Environment Initiative. The intent of these collaborations is to ensure LCV Sprint participants gain the holistic perspective inherent in climate ventures. This will also provide participants the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other Harvard climate-focused colleagues including from HBS, SEAS, 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:
- Full day immersive, interactive workshop with HBS-style mini cases, lectures, networking, and thought provoking discussions with experienced ClimateTech entrepreneurs and investors.
Tentative Speaker Profiles:
Jim Matheson - Senior Lecturer of Business Adminstration, Harvard Business School
Sam Liss - Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships, Harvard Office of Technology Development
Tom Clay - HBS Executive Fellow; CEO, Xtalic Corp.
Paul Hayre - Executive Director, Harvard Grid
Tentative Agenda:
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Coffee & Networking
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Welcome & Introduction: The Climate Problem
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: The Grand Climate Challenges
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM: Out of the Lab: Sources of Climate Innovation
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Translating & Licensing Intellectual Property
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch & Networking
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM: The Climate Startup Journey
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Building a Successful Founding Team
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Coffee & Break
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM: Financing Climate Ventures & ClimateTech VC
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM: Mapping The Path to Impact
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Taking The Next Step!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Happy Hour
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 the Harvard Grid.
