First Valley Fellowship
Going from groundbreaking research to a first prototype is hard.
The space between a proof of concept and a validated prototype is fraught with challenges: it’s a pivotal period that determines whether an innovation can evolve into a viable business. Founders navigate the transition from laboratory breakthroughs to market-tested solutions—a shift that requires more than just technical brilliance. This “First Valley of Death” can make or break the trajectory of a game-changing solution.
That’s where the First Valley Fellowship comes in. This specialized program at Greentown Boston is designed to support early-stage innovators as they develop and define their businesses through early-access incubation, dedicated mentorship, prototyping and business resources, fundraising support, and a community of peer founders who have navigated these very challenges before.
Fellowship Benefits
- Membership at Greentown Boston: Six months of coworking space and incubation at Greentown Boston, including curated programming like lunch and learns, workshops, and community-building events
- Mission-critical Resources: Unlock over $1M of in-kind resources, including free and discounted software, legal services, business support, and access to specialized facilities
- Fundraising Support: Receive ongoing support on fundraising, including coaching, visibility, and connections. Greentown’s funding partners include traditional investment vehicles and non-dilutive funding pathways
- Dedicated Mentorship: Match with dedicated mentors in areas pertinent to early-stage growth, such as go-to-market strategy, customer discovery, technical expertise, finance, legal/IP, business development, product design and prototyping, partnerships, communications, and more
Eligibility
We are looking for founders who are ready to roll up their sleeves, engage deeply with the Greentown community, and move their technology forward.
Technology and Business Stage: Startups at the concept to early prototype stage (Technology Readiness Level 2-4). Applicants should have an initial beachhead market and go-to-market strategy identified and be developing a clear path to additional funding in the next 12 months. If not yet incorporated, applicants should show a plan to incorporate a C-Corp or LLC in the next 12 months.
Funding: Pre-funding or pre-seed climatetech and energy-focused startups that are preparing to fundraise within the next 6 to 12 months. Maximum funding to date must be $1M or less, including grants and non-dilutive sources.
Engagement: This Fellowship is for founders who are ready to engage actively with the peers in their cohort and the broader Greentown community and ecosystem. Priority is given to applicants who can engage in-person at Greentown’s incubator in Somerville, MA on a regular weekly basis (on average two days per week).
Technology Areas: Open to all innovations that are addressing a challenge in energy, the main greenhouse-gas-emitting sectors (agriculture, buildings, electricity, manufacturing, and transportation), or supporting climate resiliency and adaptation. Not sure if your topic area is a fit? Get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply to the First Valley Fellowship?
We welcome applications from graduate students (Masters or PhD), postdocs, research scientists affiliated with universities or national labs, and early-stage founders who are actively engaged in early prototyping and product development. While we accept applications from all geographic regions, priority is given to applicants who can engage in-person at Greentown Boston on average of two days per week throughout the Fellowship.
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Do I need to have an incorporated company to apply?
While priority is given to incorporated companies, incorporation is not a requirement for acceptance. In your application, please share your expected incorporation timeline and the milestones that need to be achieved to do so.
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Can I apply as an individual, even though I don’t yet have a team?
Yes! Individual founders are encouraged to apply. While the Fellowship provides access for up to two co-founders at no cost, we welcome solo founders who are ready to dive into the Greentown community.
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How are participants selected?
Participants are selected through a review process that evaluates technical innovation, climate impact potential, and a team’s readiness to engage with the Greentown community. We are looking for early-stage founders with a clear roadmap for fundraising and a demonstrated commitment to collaborating within a high-touch cohort.
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How many founders per company are eligible for no-cost membership through the Fellowship?
The Fellowship includes membership and co-working space for up to two co-founders per company, though teams with more than two founders are welcome to apply.
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Does Greentown take equity or form a business relationship through the program?
No, Greentown does not take any equity or form any business relationship through the program. There is no cost to apply or participate in this program.
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Will my application be kept confidential?
Yes, applications are kept confidential to the Greentown team responsible for making acceptance decisions. If accepted, we will work closely with your team to ensure that information about your company is shared internally and externally as you deem appropriate. Companies in stealth mode are welcome to apply and be kept in full confidentiality throughout the program.
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What is the program structure and time commitment?
The Fellowship is six months long, and includes ongoing support from Greentown’s Portfolio Development team, including monthly 30-minute check-ins focused on fundraising progress and connecting to resources. In addition, each participant is expected to attend biweekly meetings with their dedicated mentors, and key cohort events/activities. While minimum participation requirements are intentionally flexible, we encourage participants to engage regularly with Greentown’s programming, events, ongoing resource support, and networking opportunities.
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What support is provided after the Fellowship ends?
After the conclusion of the Fellowship, participants are eligible to transition to full Greentown membership with a 20% discount on additional space for 12 months from the start of the Fellowship.
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What is the application process?
The application includes basic information about your company’s innovation and impact areas, current stage of technology and business development, and what you are hoping to achieve through the program. Finalists will be invited for an interview with our team before final acceptance decisions are made.