Grant will support Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s Make It In Brooklyn entrepreneurial pitch contest and support network
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) and National Grid today announced $40,000 in funding through National Grid’s CleanTech Incubation Program to support emerging clean technology startups and strengthen Downtown Brooklyn’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The funding will go towardDowntown Brooklyn Partnership’s Make It in Brooklyn initiative, expanding direct business assistance to early-stage clean technology startups participating in the program’s year-round events, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurial support network.
Through this funding, Make It in Brooklyn will continue to provide opportunities for startups developing solutions across clean energy, climate technology, advanced materials, and other emerging sectors to access capital, mentorship, and industry expertise.
“National Grid is proud to help emerging clean technology companies turn innovative ideas into market-ready solutions through Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s Make It in Brooklyn initiative,” said Imran Ansari, Downstate New York Economic Development Manager, National Grid. “By expanding access to commercialization support, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial resources, we are helping clean energy startups create local economic opportunity and strengthen New York City’s position as a leader in climate innovation.”
“Entrepreneurs are developing the technologies that will shape our energy future, but bringing those innovations to market often requires resources that are difficult for early-stage companies to access,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “This funding from National Grid allows us to provide meaningful support to founders throughout the year—from pitch competitions and educational programming to commercialization assistance—helping promising startups grow, create jobs, and bring innovative solutions to market.”
The first opportunity for startups to benefit from the expanded support will be the Make It in Brooklyn Renewable Energy Pitch Contest, taking place on July 16, 2026, in Downtown Brooklyn. The competition will showcase emerging companies developing solutions in renewable energy, energy storage, grid modernization, electrification, battery technology, distributed energy systems, and energy software.
As part of the initiative, startups participating in Make It in Brooklyn pitch contests will be eligible for enhanced support to accelerate commercialization and business growth. In addition to the existing $5,000 cash prizes awarded to pitch contest winners from DBP, National Grid funding will provide up to an additional $5,000 in assistance for eligible startups. Support may include market research, prototype development, patent assistance, field testing, simulation modeling, and other activities that help companies bring innovative clean technologies to market.
The grant will also fund direct business assistance for startups already engaged in the Make It in Brooklyn network, providing milestone-based support and access to resources that help founders advance commercialization efforts, connect with industry partners, and pursue growth opportunities.
Make It in Brooklyn is Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiative, connecting founders, investors, academic institutions, and industry leaders through pitch competitions, networking events, educational programming, and strategic partnerships. The initiative supports entrepreneurs at every stage of growth while showcasing Downtown Brooklyn as a center for innovation and emerging industries.
About National Grid’s CleanTech Incubation Program
The Clean Tech Incubation Program supports the development of entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems that foster high-growth ventures, attract investment, and create jobs. The program provides funding to organizations that help emerging companies connect with critical resources and capitalize on opportunities in the clean technology and advanced technology sectors.
About Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is a not-for-profit local development corporation that serves as the primary champion for Downtown Brooklyn as a world-class business, cultural, educational, residential, and retail destination. The organization manages three Business Improvement Districts and works to support economic development, improve public spaces, foster innovation, and strengthen the neighborhood’s vibrant business community.
