Funder · Foundation

Breakthrough Energy

Funds breakthrough climate technologies and clean-energy initiatives through mission-driven programs run by a global philanthropy and its affiliates.

United Stateswww.breakthroughenergy.org

Key stats

Annual funding—

Programs4

Active grants1

Total grants3

About

Breakthrough Energy is a US clean-energy philanthropy and investment platform founded in 2015 by Bill Gates and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. Its grant-bearing side sits in Breakthrough Energy Foundation, while the wider platform also includes Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst.

The Discovery platform backs early climate technologies through Fellows, Workshops,…

Programs & grants under this funder

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst

Invests Latestage project finance deals with BlackRock FOAK projects in innovation through the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst.

1 grant

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst

Between cycles

— pool

BE Fellows — Explorer

Administers grants for university researchers advancing proof-of-concept climate tech through the BE Fellows Explorer.

1 grant

BE Fellows — Explorer

Open

— pool·Rolling submission

BE Fellows — Innovator Fellowship

Connects programme for early-stage climate-tech founders in innovation through the BE Fellows Innovator Fellowship.

1 grant

BE Fellows — Innovator Fellowship Cohort 7

Between cycles

— pool

Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Invests in climate technology ventures building breakthrough energy systems for cleaner power.

Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: www.breakthroughenergy.org