Breakthrough Energy Explorer Grant
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Quick Answer
About US$50,000-250,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh to ₹2.38 crore) for researchers taking very early, high-risk climate technology toward proof of concept. Open worldwide, reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Breakthrough Energy
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- International
About this grant
Breakthrough Energy Explorers is one of three pathways in Breakthrough Energy Fellows, part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, the early-phase arm of the climate organisation Breakthrough Energy. Explorers receive approximately US$50,000 to US$250,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh to ₹2.38 crore) to run applied research on climate technology that is earlier and riskier than the full-time Innovator Fellowship. Applications from outside the US are welcome, and Explorers are considered on a rolling basis.
This is a research funding route, typically for scientists based in a university lab or research body. It does not suit a team with a finished product or a company looking for growth capital, and it does not suit ideas with no technical proof still to do.
What the program offers
Explorers receive roughly US$50,000 to US$250,000 for lab space, office space, equipment, supplies, technical consultants and staff, tied to milestones that the Explorer agrees with the Fellows team. One FAQ answer on the same page gives a range of US$50,000 to US$150,000 instead, so confirm the current figure with the programme. Overheads and indirect costs are limited to 10%. The work lasts about one year, and the source does not describe the money as repayable or as an equity investment.
Explorers keep their current position and do not have to move. They also get access to the Breakthrough Energy network of mentors, policy experts, investors and technologists. Those who reach their milestones may be well placed to apply later as full-time Innovator Fellows, but the source does not promise that.
Who can apply
Explorer projects are typically led by scientists in a university lab or research entity: professors, faculty and full-time researchers who can continue in their jobs. The ideas are novel, need more technical work to prove the concept, and may later spin out of the institution. International applicants may apply, and communication is in English.
The technology should have the potential, at scale, to cut or capture at least 500 million tonnes of emissions a year, or to meaningfully help adaptation to climate change. It should sit at Technology Readiness Level 0 to 2, which means anything from a basic idea to early proof of concept. For an Indian researcher, a university or institute team in India qualifies on these terms, as the source does not restrict by country.
How to apply
Applications are made through the Breakthrough Energy Fellows application portal. The main Fellows process starts with a concept paper, and the stated cut-off of 2 November 2026 on the portal applies to the Innovator Fellowship timeline, not to Explorers. Explorers are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the portal says applications for 2027 Explorers open from late 2026, with grantees selected in mid to late 2027. The portal does not give a separate Explorer deadline.
Describe your technology, its potential to cut emissions, where it sits on the readiness scale and your project plan. A practical tip: do not put trade secrets in your application. The programme says it may delete such material before evaluation, and applicants waive future claims relating to it.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Technical experts judge each application on technical innovation and feasibility, breakthrough potential and the project plan. You may be asked to join a virtual or in-person meeting. Milestones and timeframes are agreed with the Fellows team before the contract begins. Breakthrough Energy does not publish a decision timeline for rolling Explorer applications beyond the mid to late 2027 selection window.
About Breakthrough Energy
Breakthrough Energy was founded in 2015 and describes itself as a global team of climate leaders working to speed up the world's move to clean energy. Breakthrough Energy Fellows sits inside Breakthrough Energy Discovery, which supports pre-venture technologies. Beyond Explorers, the Fellows programme runs the Innovator Fellowship and the Business Fellowship.
Things to check before you apply
- Explorers must share what they learn and publish results of their research, alone or with the Breakthrough Energy Foundation. You do not have to disclose proprietary technology.
- The funding range differs between two parts of the official pages, so confirm it.
- The source does not say how payments are made or in which currency.
- Indian researchers should check with their institution about grant rules, overhead rules and tax treatment of foreign funding.
- The Explorer timeline is separate from the Innovator one: do not treat the 2 November 2026 concept-paper date as the Explorer deadline, but ask the programme if unsure.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Explorers receive approximately US$50,000 to US$250,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh to ₹2.38 crore) to cover lab space, office space, equipment, supplies, technical consultants and staff while they reach milestones agreed in advance. Overhead and indirect costs are capped at 10%. Explorers can stay employed where they are, work from anywhere, and get access to Breakthrough Energy's mentors, policy experts, investors, technologists and select events.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Technical experts judge applications on technical innovation and feasibility, breakthrough potential and the project plan. Applicants may be asked to a virtual or in-person meeting. Explorers are accepted on a rolling basis, with grantees selected in mid to late 2027.
Application Process
- 1
Register and apply
Create an account on the Fellows portal and submit the Explorer application.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Breakthrough Energy Explorer grant?
Explorers is a pathway within Breakthrough Energy Fellows that funds applied research on early, high-risk climate technology. These projects are typically led by scientists in a university lab or research entity. The aim is to prove the concept so the idea can later spin out.
Can Indian researchers and startups apply for the Breakthrough Energy Explorer grant?
Yes. International applicants may apply, and all communication is in English. Explorers are typically researchers in a university lab or research entity, so a company with a finished product is not the target.
How much funding do Breakthrough Energy Explorers get?
Approximately US$50,000 to US$250,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh to ₹2.38 crore) for lab space, equipment, consultants, staff and similar costs. Another FAQ answer on the same page says US$50,000 to US$150,000, so confirm the current range. Overheads are limited to 10%.
How is the Explorer funding paid?
The money is tied to milestones agreed with the Fellows team before the contract starts. The source does not describe the payment schedule or currency. Ask the programme for the contract terms.
What is the deadline for the Explorer grant, and what if it has passed?
Explorers are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the portal gives no separate Explorer deadline. Applications for 2027 Explorers open from late 2026, with grantees selected in mid to late 2027. The 2 November 2026 concept-paper date on the portal applies to the Innovator Fellowship.
Is the Breakthrough Energy Explorer grant a grant or equity?
The source describes funding for research projects tied to milestones, and it does not mention any equity taken. Explorers must share their learnings and publish results, but they do not have to disclose proprietary technology.
What do I need to apply for the Explorer grant?
You describe your technology, its potential to reduce or capture emissions at scale, its readiness level and your project plan. Do not include trade secrets. The source does not list further documents.
Do I have to relocate or leave my job to be an Explorer?
No. Explorers can work from anywhere in the world, and professors, faculty and full-time researchers can keep their current positions. The work lasts about one year.
What technology readiness level is needed for an Explorer grant?
Breakthrough Energy looks for Explorer technologies at Technology Readiness Level 0 to 2. The Innovator Fellowship targets TRL 1 to 4. The technology should also have the potential to cut or capture at least 500 million tonnes of emissions a year at scale.
Is it free to apply, and when are Explorers selected?
The source does not mention an application fee. Grantees are selected in mid to late 2027, and applications are reviewed as they arrive. You may be asked to a meeting before selection.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
