NorthX Climate Tech has opened its 2026 University Call for Innovation, offering early-stage ventures between $100,000 and $250,000 each to move promising climate technologies from university labs toward commercial deployment.
The upfront, non-dilutive funding does not require recipients to surrender equity. NorthX expects to distribute up to $2 million through the call.
The program targets the difficult stage between laboratory validation and field deployment, when climate hard-tech ventures often struggle to access conventional investment.
Eligible ventures must be developing technology that originated in a lab at a British Columbia-based postsecondary institution. The technology should generally be at Technology Readiness Level 4 to 6 and have a direct connection to reducing, replacing or removing greenhouse gas emissions. Software-enabled technologies may also qualify if they directly support emissions reductions.
Applicants must have a plan to commercialize independently of the university, maintain an active relationship with the originating lab and hold clear rights to the underlying intellectual property. Ventures must also be incorporated in British Columbia before receiving funding.
The first application stage consists of a written expression of interest and a video of up to five minutes. Submissions received by September 30, 2026, will be considered for the first cohort, with funding decisions expected by December. Later submissions may be reviewed in a subsequent funding window, subject to available funding.
NorthX will host an information webinar and live Q&A on September 10, 2026 to explain eligibility and the application process.
Prospective applicants can review the Applicant Guide or apply through the NorthX funding portal.