Introduction
The Bakar ClimatEnginuity Hub, UC Berkeley’s incubator facility for startups innovating energy and climate technologies, will open in Q1 2028. BCH - which will catalyze the transformation of scientific discoveries into scalable solutions for climate change - will offer 145,000 square feet of highly flexible wet laboratory and office space, supporting startups rooted in physics, chemistry, materials science, and other areas, propelled by artificial intelligence and machine learning.
BCH builds on the success of Bakar Labs, UC Berkeley’s flagship biotech incubator that is run by QB3, a UC institute with a long track record of pioneering incubators, venture funds, and programs for entrepreneurs. BCH will be powered by QB3 programming, from student internships to early-stage mentoring to symposia on emerging climate technologies. To enable BCH to hit the ground running when it opens, we are launching the Bakar Climate Labs Pilot Program now.
You can apply for the program by filling out and submitting this webform.
BCL Pilot Objective
The BCL Pilot Program supports climate tech entrepreneurs with physical space, mentorship, programming, and a robust entrepreneurial community that can rapidly populate the building once it opens.
The BCL Pilot Program includes:
- Space: Located on the UC Berkeley campus within the QB3 Garage@Berkeley or in Bakar Labs. The pilot phase will expand to up to 10-12 companies over the next three years.
- Events: Focused programming, workshops, and high-profile events to foster collaborations among entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders.
- Investor Outreach: Building relationships with investors through pitch days and forums to enhance funding opportunities for startups.
- Dedicated Staff: A Director of Business Development and Partnerships is being hired to forge industry partnerships and manage grants. Other programming and support staff will be recruited over the next three years.
- Mentorship: A network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors will mentor startups to help accelerate their growth.
- Access to UC Berkeley and QB3 Resources: Startups will benefit from internship programs and collaborations with faculty and researchers, integrating them into the BCL ecosystem.
BCL Pilot Program Selection Process
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
To apply for the program, a company should submit a pitch deck, team profile, and funding status. Criteria include alignment with BCL’s mission, the company’s commercial potential, technical fit, and team readiness. Selected companies will present to our tenant admission committee for final assessment.
About QB3
BCL is powered by QB3. QB3 supports innovation and entrepreneurship across three UC campuses at Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz and focuses on health and environmental challenges. Over nearly 25 years, QB3’s initiatives have supported over 300 companies, which have created more than 17,000 jobs and raised over $13 billion in capital.