Announcing the 2026 Climate Solutions Challenge

The Trust for Governors Island has announced the launch of the 2026 Climate Solutions Challenge, the third annual cycle of its Climate Piloting Program designed to support early stage climate innovators. This year’s Challenge focuses on the theme of urban climate adaptation, asking how new solutions can help communities remain safe and healthy, reduce disruptions to essential services, and improve overall quality of life in cities. Selected participants will have the opportunity to pilot their climate products and services on Governors Island in New York Harbor, gaining access to rent-free physical space, technical support, visibility through events and marketing, and connections to investors, funders, and public-sector partners.

Additional Information:
The Climate Piloting Program runs for 3–18 months and provides a real-world testing environment across Governors Island’s 172-acre campus, including historic buildings and extensive waterfront areas that host more than one million visitors annually. Since launching in 2023, the program has supported projects in living shorelines, clean water, sustainable buildings, circular economy, energy, air quality, and urban agriculture. Applications for the 2026 Challenge are due January 21, 2026, with informational webinars scheduled for December 16 and January 7 and winners expected to be announced in March 2026.

Funding Agencies: NYS Empire State Development