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BE Fellows — Explorer

BE Fellows — Explorer

Funds early climate research by university experts, enabling high-upside experiments before ventures are spun out.

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About

Breakthrough Energy's Explorer grant funds applied research projects at the earliest stage of technology development — TRL 0–2 — where the principal challenge is proof of concept rather than commercialization. Explorers are typically scientists, professors, or faculty members housed at universities or research institutions who are advancing novel climate technology ideas requiring further technica…

What this grant funds

Proof-of-concept climate technologies led by scientists at universities or research entities. Must have potential to reduce or capture ≥500 Mt CO2-equivalent/year at scale.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.12 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
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Eligibility criteria

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Where founders trip up

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: befellows.smapply.org