Launched in Fall 2025, the Yale Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator (PSIA) is a new initiative designed to accelerate the development of solutions to planetary challenges. The PSIA is part of a growing portfolio of funds powered by Yale Ventures, the university’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
At Glance
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Funding
$100,000 to $250,000 and a 24-month timeline through the Constellation Grant track
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Coaching
Commercialization coaching from advisors from industry, venture capital, & NGOs
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Global Network
Present at a high-profile pitch event to prospective funders, licensees, and collaborators
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Local Support
Gain access to support, space, and prototyping at ClimateHaven
The accelerator builds on the existing YPS Grant Program and provides support to Yale faculty innovators translating breakthrough research into real-world impact.
The PSIA will initially focus on commercializing cross-cutting technologies that address root causes of climate change, ecosystem degradation, and a range of other planetary challenges.
The accelerator is made possible by a generous gift from Eleanor and Chad Laurans, both graduates of the Yale College Class of 2000 and co-founders of the home security company SimpliSafe, with additional support from Beth Birnbaum ˊ94 and Barney Harford.
We are launching this accelerator to transform Yale’s world-class research into applied innovations with measurable planetary benefit. By supporting bold ideas, we aim to scale solutions from campus to New Haven and out into the world.
Julie Zimmerman, Vice Provost for Planetary Solutions
Through the YPS Grant Program, faculty from across the university have the opportunity to apply along three tracks: Initiation Grants, Exploration Grants, and Constellation Grants. Constellation Grants have budgets of $100,000 to $250,000 and a 24-month timeline. These grants enable the transformation of academic knowledge into tangible, actionable outcomes in concert with stakeholders. Commercialization-focused Constellation Grant recipients will be invited to participate in the PSIA.
The accelerator will initially prioritize proposals aligned with key technical areas, including:
- Carbon Management & Energy Systems
- Low-Carbon Industry & Built Environment
- Biosystems, Food & Agriculture
- Water & Ecosystem Technologies
This accelerator advances Yale’s role as a global leader in innovation with real-world impact. By providing faculty with the resources and pathways to translate their research discoveries, we’re helping Yale innovators tackle the root causes of the climate crisis.
Josh Geballe, Managing Director of Yale Ventures
Each selected project will receive commercialization coaching from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) and advisors drawn from industry, venture capital, and the nonprofit sector. Student associates from across Yale will support the program, gaining hands-on experience in a novel model of entrepreneurship that inspires conventional and unconventional forms of impact.
A cross-disciplinary advisory committee will guide proposal selection and ensure alignment with both scientific excellence and market readiness. Finalists will have the opportunity to present at a high-profile annual pitch event, showcasing Yale’s climate innovation pipeline to prospective funders, licensees, and collaborators. Companies founded to scale up projects may transition to ClimateHaven, a non-profit climate technology startup incubator in New Haven founded with support from Yale that offers additional support, space and prototyping infrastructure.