Q. How do I apply to the Bakar Climate Labs pilot program?
Please submit your application via this form.
Q. Do you have to be affiliated with UC Berkeley to participate in the program?
No. University affiliation (with any university) is not required to participate. You can apply no matter where your company originated.
Q. Does Bakar Climate Labs take any equity in my company or hold any rights to IP I develop in the program?
No on both counts. We do not take equity nor a stake in the IP rights. If you are operating in our labs it is as a commercial tenant paying fair market value for space and services and the university does not have a claim on your IP.
Q. Do you have to be located in the Bay Area to participate?
In short, yes. But we will consider companies from elsewhere if they have concrete plans to move to the Bay Area soon.
Q. What exactly does the pilot program offer to participating startups?
- Lab space, facilities, and association with Berkeley Lab.
- Support from QB3, including IP/legal assistance, SBIR/STTR/DOE grant writing, entrepreneurship curriculum, mentorship, top-tier scientific symposia and webinars.
- Access to undergraduate and graduate student interns in technical, business, and policy areas.
- Resources from our corporate partners.
- Networking with some of the leading minds in climate technology, policy, business, health, and law.
Q. Is the selection process on a rolling basis or structured in cohorts?
We take applications on a rolling basis. You can apply anytime. The tenant selection committee, which is made up of industry experts and entrepreneurs, meets on a monthly basis.
Q. What is the expected turnaround time for a response?
We will try to get back to you within 3-5 business days.
Q. What criteria do you use to select companies for the pilot program?
The process is parallel to companies applying for space in our biotech incubator. We are looking for:
- Technology: Possess scientific merit and innovative approach, sufficient proof-of-concept data.
- Company: Attractive market, clear IP position, advantage relative to competition, credible two-year milestones.
- Team: Critical roles for the first 6 months are identified/recruited, including well-qualified scientific lead. Two or more team members will be in the incubator full time. Team presents as capable of pivoting, good storytellers, and community oriented.
- Technical fit with Bakar Labs: Good match of company needs with capabilities of incubator and campus resources.
- External validation: Investor interest/activity, advisory board members, traction with potential partners.
Q. Is the program strictly for deep-tech startups, or are software solutions also eligible? Are there hot desks available for software-only startups?
This program is primarily for companies developing physical technologies (which may of course have digital aspects). However, we will consider software-only companies, and we have hot-desk space available.
Q. How do you help startups in your program raise money?
The BCL pilot program includes a grantwriting workshop targeting NSF SBIR/STTRs.
As at our biotech incubator Bakar Bio Labs, BCL will become the center of an ecosystem attracting investors and industry partners. We will organize showcase events and facilitate introductions to accredited investors.
We also have our own affiliated investment company, BEVC, which has a dedicated climate tech fund.
Q. Will I have access to Bakar Bio Labs programming if I’m based at the QB3 Garage?
Yes, our intention(and expertise!) is to create community to facilitate conversations and partnerships. Relevant cross-functional programming in the bio and climate spaces will be made available to all Bakar Bio and Bakar Climate Labs tenants.
Q. What facilities are available at Bakar Bio Labs?
https://bakarlabs.berkeley.edu/facility/
Q. What facilities are available at the QB3 Garage?
https://qb3.berkeley.edu/facilities/qb3-garage/
Q. What climate areas are you focusing on?
Startups in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Energy generation, transmission, and storage
- Carbon capture and storage
- Built environment
- Transportation
- Industrials and manufacturing
- Food and agriculture
Q. I've still got questions. How do I get in touch with you?
Fill out and submit our contact form.