Urban Future Prize 2026
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Quick Answer
Two US$50,000 equity-free prizes (about ₹47.5 lakh each) and two US$10,000 runner-up prizes for early-stage climate-tech startups, plus a place in New York's ACRE Incubator. 2026 closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Urban Future Lab
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 4 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Urban Future Lab. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The Urban Future Prize Competition is run by the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering in New York, and it backs early-stage climate-tech startups with equity-free prize money and a place in a New York incubator. The 2026 round is closed. Applications were due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Sunday 3 May 2026, which was 9:29 am IST on 4 May. The official page announces no next round, so check the competition site for 2027.
The competition is open to startups outside the United States. It is not limited to New York, and it is not India-only. Use this page to prepare for the next cycle.
What the program offers
The page describes four prizes: two of US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh each) and two of US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh each), one of each size per track. The prizes are equity-free, meaning the funders take no ownership. The programme record puts the total at US$120,000. Winners and runners-up are admitted to the ACRE Incubator at the Urban Future Lab, which the page describes as New York City's longest-running climate-tech incubator. Finalists also get expert pitch coaching before pitch day.
There are two tracks. Climate Mitigation covers technologies and business models that cut greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Adaptation covers solutions that help communities and ecosystems build resilience to climate impacts.
Who can apply
The page asks for early-stage, market-ready startups that have raised under US$5 million, and that can clearly state the sustainability impact of their core product or service. You do not need to be based in New York. However, the judges look for solutions with a meaningful impact on the New York market and teams that intend to spend significant time there. The page adds that founders gain most from being physically present for industry connections, investor office hours and events.
The programme record also lists these rules: entrants must be at least 18, residents of North Korea, Sudan, Syria and other US-sanctioned countries are excluded, and earlier winners cannot enter.
For an Indian climate-tech startup, this fits if you already have a working product and a credible story about the New York market, for example a pilot, a customer or a partner there. It is a weaker fit if your market is only India.
How to apply
Submit through Airtable from the competition website. Emailed and late entries are not considered. A practical tip: write a clear one-paragraph statement of your core impact and your New York angle first, because these are the points the page stresses.
How applications are judged and what happens next
A group of climate solutions experts selects the winners. Semifinalists in each track are invited to interview with the Urban Future Prize Selection Committee. Finalists were announced on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and each names one team member to pitch at the Urban Future Summit. Pitch day and showcase took place on Thursday 22 October 2026.
About the Urban Future Lab
The Urban Future Lab is based at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and runs the ACRE Incubator. The page names MUFG Bank and The New York Community Trust as funders of the prizes and also lists NYSERDA among its sponsors. Past winners it cites include Cadence OneFive (2023) and LimeLoop (2022).
Things to check before you apply
- Winners must take part in ACRE for at least six months. The programme record says the award agreement includes renting at least one desk at the Urban Future Lab for a year.
- Relocation is not required, but you must engage meaningfully and spend time in New York as needed. Relocation and programme membership costs are not covered.
- Prizes are paid in two tranches over the incubation period, tied to milestones agreed with ACRE staff.
- Plan travel and visa costs for pitching in New York.
- Indian winners should check the tax treatment of foreign prize money with an adviser.
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.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Two grand prize winners (one per track) each receive a non-dilutive US$50,000 cash prize (about ₹47.5 lakh), and two runners-up each receive US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh), for US$120,000 in total. Prizes are paid in two tranches during the incubation period, tied to milestones agreed with ACRE staff. Winners and runners-up are admitted to the ACRE Incubator, with access to expert advisors, mentors and investors.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Climate solutions experts select four startups. Semifinalists in each track interview with the Urban Future Prize Selection Committee. Finalists, announced on 11 August 2026, name one pitcher and get coaching before pitching at the Urban Future Summit on 22 October 2026.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit your application through Airtable before the deadline.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a startup from India apply for the Urban Future Prize?
Yes. You do not need to be based in New York, and the rules exclude only residents of North Korea, Sudan, Syria and other US-sanctioned countries. The judges do look for impact on the New York market and teams willing to spend time there.
Who can apply?
Early-stage, market-ready climate-tech startups that have raised under US$5 million in private capital. Your solution must fit the Climate Mitigation or Climate Adaptation track.
How much is the prize?
Two prizes of US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) and two of US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh), one of each per track. All are equity-free.
How is the money paid?
The page says prizes are paid in two tranches over the incubation period, tied to milestones agreed with ACRE staff. It does not give the split.
Is it a grant or equity?
The prizes are equity-free, so the funders take no ownership.
What was the 2026 deadline, and what if it has passed?
11:59 pm ET on Sunday 3 May 2026, or 9:29 am IST on 4 May. The round is closed and no next round is announced, so watch the competition site.
What do winners have to commit to?
At least six months in the ACRE Incubator, engaging meaningfully and spending time in New York as needed. Relocation and membership costs are not covered.
Do I have to travel?
Relocation is not required, but finalists name a team member to pitch at the Urban Future Summit, and winners are expected to spend time in New York as needed.
Is it free to enter?
The page does not mention an entry fee.
When are the results announced?
Finalists were announced on 11 August 2026, and pitch day was 22 October 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
