CoMotion Labs Climate Tech Incubator
A commercialization program for pre-seed to seed-stage startups ready to pilot or scale
About the program
The CoMotion Labs Climate Tech Incubator, located at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, is a six-month, cohort-based program that supports startups tackling the climate crisis and promotes green technology growth. It is funded in partnership with the Seattle Office of Economic Development and co-located with our partners 9Zero and VertueLab.
Who this program is for
We’re looking for startups that:
- Are in the pre-seed to seed phase
- Have a business license
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready for commercialization
- Can be on-site at the downtown Seattle office for curriculum and business development events 2-3X/mo
- Can commit to completing 20hrs/mo of cross-functional operations and commercial innovation programming and activities
Areas of focus for climate tech startups:
- Energy infrastructure, battery storage, & electrification
- Software, AI, & data infrastructure
- Mobility & transportation
- Manufacturing
- Built environment
- Agriculture & food systems
- Carbon capture & utilization
- Ports & maritime innovation
- Workforce development
- Waste & resource management
- Ecosystem resiliency & environmental justice
What you’ll gain
Commercialization curriculum focused on:
- Building assets and skills to sell, pilot, or manufacture your product
- Preparing for funding, partnerships, and scaling
- Navigating beta launches, pilot deployments, and small-scale manufacturing
Cohort participation benefits
- Support for talent, mentorship, and research connections
- Office in downtown Seattle with sit-stand desks, conference rooms, event space, kitchen, shower, and bike storage with chargers
- Paid parking with EV chargers is available in the building and tenants can access a private fitness center membership
UW Resources & Facilities
- Makerspace membership at the CoMotion Labs Hardware Incubator
- Assistance connecting with labs and specialized equipment available for commercial use across the University of Washington
Demo Day & ecosystem access
At the end of the program, teams will present at a Demo Day attended by:
- Investors
- Corporate innovation leaders
- Government officials and economic development agencies
- Industry groups
- Ecosystem partners
You’ll exit the program with:
- A clear path to funding or pilot opportunities
- A network of partners and supporters to help you grow
Program timeline
- November – Applications open
- Tuesday, December 2, 3-4:00 p.m. – Join our virtual information session
- Wednesday, December 31 – Applications due (extended)
- December – January 2026 – Review period
- February 2026 – Finalist outreach & decisions
- March 2026 – Public announcement
- April 2026 – Program kickoff
- September 2026 – Demo Day & Graduation
Not ready yet?
If you’re still in the idea or R&D phase, we encourage you to explore these resources:
- For UW students, staff, and researchers
- Explore UW CoMotion resources for building a startup and licensing technology
- Learn about innovation training opportunities
- Apply for other funding and competitive opportunities
- Connect with expert mentors
- Chart your path with our Startup Handbook
- For community innovators
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- Join CoMotion Labs at our other locations
- Become a member of the Seattle 9Zero climate community and co-working space
- Check out VertueLab programs
- Join the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA)
- Learn online from Startup Washington
We do consider promising applied research applications, but this program is not designed for early-stage ideation.
Hear from past participants
“We are grateful for the incredible support and experience the CoMotion team has provided. We have truly enjoyed getting to know and learn from our cohort and mentors. The programming has been top-notch.”
- Adrian Groos, Co-Founder & CEO, Nimbus Aerospace, CoMotion Climate Tech Incubator Member 2025
“CoMotion helped us think more clearly about growth. The mentors pushed us to ask better questions, focus on the right metrics, and make decisions with confidence. That guidance continues to shape how we operate and scale.”
- Angelo Liao, Co-Founder & CEO, Forge, CoMotion Climate Tech Incubator Member 2025
“Our experience in the CoMotion Climate Tech Incubator program has helped us understand new market drivers increasing demand for our technology in building materials, refine how we are sharing the ZILA opportunity, and network with others actively working to create positive impact.”
- Jason Puracal, Co-Founder & CEO, Zila Bioworks, CoMotion Climate Tech Incubator Member 2025
“Joining CoMotion’s ecosystem has proven how universities, entrepreneurs, and clean-tech partners can work together to reimagine how materials are made, how homes are built, and how sustainability can be a shared economic driver for Washington State and beyond.”
- Ashley Stallworth, Founder & CEO, Bio Fiber Industries, CoMotion Climate Tech Incubator Member, 2025
Keep exploring
Introducing the CoMotion Labs Climate Tech Incubator inaugural cohort
CoMotion Labs announced today the first-ever cohort of its new Climate Tech Incubator, an eight-month program supporting startups tackling the climate crisis and promoting green technology growth.
Follow the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub Luma events page for upcoming happenings
Our events are designed for climate tech entrepreneurs, sustainability enthusiasts, investors, and local innovation partners. Attendees can connect with like-minded individuals who are shaping the culture of climate and innovation.
Public/private partnership to boost green technology and downtown Seattle revitalization
On January 15, 2025, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the launch of the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub (SCIH), the first downtown space dedicated to investing in and designing technology to combat climate change. Developed through…
