About Us

Accelerating Market-Ready Solutions.

Since 2009, Urban Future Lab has been focused on combating climate change and bringing sustainability to the forefront through innovation and start-up generation. We are proud of our founders and the work that has established us as leaders in this field.


From a single incubation program and four employees known only to a few, we have evolved into a dynamic organization with five founder-first programs, 17 team members, and a robust educational offering. The accomplishments of our member companies speak volumes, with an 88% survival rate (vs. the national average of 20%), $2.3 billion raised in funding, over 4,000 jobs created, and an impressive return on investment for New York State's funding.   

Our mission

Our mission.

Through our 5 programs, we support innovators on their journey to scaling up and commercializing climate solutions.

We are proud to champion the brightest minds in climatetech innovation, providing them with the necessary support and resources to scale up their transformative solutions while leveraging New York’s built environment and access to climate finance.

What makes us different.

1

First pioneer in the sector

ACRE is the longest existing climatetech incubator in New York State

2

We don’t take equity

Founder-first culture that focuses on the startup’s growth

3

We support hard tech + soft tech

Wide range of innovations across programs

4

Deep network connections in New York

Government, corporate, non-profits

5

Full suite of programs

Incubator, accelerators, professional development

6

An unmatched range of services

From legal, design, marketing, and capital raising

Our history

2009

ACRE created

NYU Polytechnic (later NYU Tandon School of Engineering) and NYSERDA established the NYC Accelerator for a Clean and Resilient Economy (NYC ACRE), NYC's first climatetech incubator.

2012

Urban Future Lab formed

ACRE received grant funding from New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to establish the innovation hub now known as the Urban Future Lab.

2014

Clean Start launched

CleanStart, an educational certificate program to assist entrepreneurs and professionals in transitioning to the climatetech industry, was created.

2016

Urban Future Prize Competition launch

The competition was created to attract climatetech startups for a chance to win cash awards, gain exposure, and strategic advice to accelerate business growth and impact.

2018

H2 Refuel launch

The first technology-themed accelerator at UFL, which later became the model for the C2V Initiative, was launched.

2019

NYPA Innovation Challenge launch

UFL collaborated with New York Power Authority (NYPA) to source and select startups for piloting innovative technologies in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and energy storage.

2020

C2V Initiative & Innovate UK launch

The C2V Initiative was established as a carbontech-focused accelerator. We also partnered with the UK government to support international startups with market penetration.

2022

ACRE companies raise $1B in capital

A milestone showcasing the success of public funds as a catalyst for private sector investment in climatetech startups.

2023

Offshore Wind Innovation Hub launch

OWIH was announced as a multi-year initiative. The accelerator’s goal is to support offshore wind startups and contribute to New York State's renewable energy targets.

Our team

Dedicated to sustainable solutions.

We are a mission-driven and values-oriented team motivated to produce commercially-viable sustainability solutions. Our award-winning members are intently focused on leveraging their diverse skillsets and perspectives to make an impact.

  • Frederic Clerc

    Interim Managing Director, Urban Future Lab
    Director, Carbon to Value Program

  • Kurt Becker

    Professor Emeritus

  • Jeannette Williams

    Chief Operating Officer

  • Austin Evarts

    Director, ACRE Incubator

  • Tone Søndergaard

    Director, Offshore Wind Innovation Hub

  • Meg Hicks

    Lead Designer

  • Jessica Gross

    Project Manager, Carbon to Value

  • Anna Yum

    Community Manager, Offshore Wind Innovation Hub

  • Anthony Cortese

    Program Manager, ACRE & Offshore Wind

  • Christelle Torres

    Brand Strategy and Marketing

  • Catherine Benz-Jackson

    Program Manager

  • Jim Aloise

    Senior Program Management Consultant, Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme

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