This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks proposals from qualified New York State-based not-for-profit organizations to administer the Cleantech Corporate Innovation Challenge. The challenge aims to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of cleantech technologies that advance New York State's climate and sustainability goals. The program will engage corporate and public sector partners to identify technology needs and provide targeted, non-dilutive funding to selected New York State small businesses for pilot deployment and early commercialization activities. Applications are due by 2:00 PM ET on July 7, 2026. Key activities include curating industry challenge statements, administering a competitive selection process for small businesses, and providing commercial acceleration support. Eligible small businesses must be headquartered in or have significant operations in New York State and conduct the majority of proposed work within the state. Awards are expected to be approximately $3,000,000 over a four-year grant term, with a potential for up to $10,000,000 for well-organized coalitions. Applicants are expected to provide a cash match. Reporting is required quarterly. Additional required forms include conflict of interest, vendor responsibility questionnaire, and W9.
The bid notice states that applications must be submitted no later than 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Applications deemed to arrive late will not be considered for award.
The bid notice states that applications will be reviewed and scored based on criteria including industry engagement and pilot/commercialization execution, challenge design and delivery, project budget and sustainability plan, statewide recruitment, retention, and ecosystem activation, and impact measurement and reporting strategy. Coalition applicant review criteria also include the structure and added value of the coalition.
The bid notice states that applicants must be not-for-profit organizations in good standing with the state of New York and ESD, and should demonstrate relevant experience or organizational capacity to support cleantech companies. They must also be prequalified in New York State Grants Gateway, registered with the NYS Attorney General's Charities Bureau, and registered with the NYS Comptroller's VendRep system.
The bid notice states that the final deadline for submission of questions is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The bid notice states that ESD expects to make awards of approximately $3,000,000 over the four-year grant term, with the potential to award the full amount of up to $10,000,000 to a lead applicant representing a well-organized coalition.
