Science Inc. | CleanTech & Materials - Spring 2027

The Home for Science Startups

Deadline: Apply by January 8, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET

The Innovation Space’s Science Inc.™ | CleanTech & Materials accelerator is a high-touch, virtual-first program for early-stage startups preparing for commercialization and fundraising. This 14-week accelerator helps founders validate their markets, refine their business strategies, address commercialization risks and build investor readiness.

Each cohort is intentionally limited to approximately 10 companies to ensure meaningful engagement, individualized support and direct access to experienced operators, investors, industry leaders and commercialization experts.

Unlike broad, generalist startup accelerators, Science Inc. is designed specifically for founders commercializing complex clean tech, advanced materials and industrial technologies.

This accelerator is best suited for companies working on:

• Advanced & high-performance materials


• Bio-based, biodegradable & circular materials


• Industrial biotechnology & biomanufacturing


• Enzymes & sustainable chemistry


• Water purification, reuse & resource recovery


• Sustainable packaging, coatings & composites


• Electrification & advanced mobility materials


• Sustainable building & construction technologies


• Semiconductor & microelectronics materials/processes


• Advanced manufacturing & process decarbonization


• Agriculture technology


• Specialty chemicals & functional ingredients


• Next-gen advanced materials


• Clean energy & storage systems

What to Expect

Advance Commercialization and Fundraising Readiness

Refine your commercialization strategy, investor narrative and milestone roadmap while addressing the technical, market and scale-up risks that influence investment and adoption.

Build Relationships with Peer Founders

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and explore challenges specific to clean tech, materials and industrial ventures, including customer validation, pilot development, manufacturing scale-up, techno-economic analysis and strategic partnerships. Learn from experienced founders and subject matter experts while building a support network that extends beyond the program.

Gain Investor and Industry Visibility

Companies demonstrating strong progress and investment readiness during the program may be selected to pitch at the IS:Materials Ecosystem Summit to a curated audience of investors, corporate leaders, strategic partners and ecosystem stakeholders.

Access The Innovation Space Network

As a Science Inc. participant, you become part of The Innovation Space™ community, with access to founder resources, networking opportunities and consideration for additional funding, lab and business-building programs, including First Fund and the Early-Stage Growth Grant.

Science Inc. is conducted predominantly virtually, with two required in-person events at The Innovation Space in Wilmington, Delaware.

Required Program Dates

• February 25, 2027: Virtual program kickoff


• April 9, 2027: Live Pitch Workshop at The Innovation Space in Wilmington, Delaware


• June 3rd - 4th, 2027: Science Inc. | CleanTech & Materials program closeout and IS:Materials Ecosystem Summit at The Innovation Space in Wilmington, Delaware

Who Should Apply

Science Inc. Spring 2027 is open to early-stage clean tech, advanced materials and industrial technology startups developing venture-scalable solutions to significant environmental, energy, manufacturing or infrastructure challenges.

The program is best suited for startups that have moved beyond the initial concept stage and are actively working toward commercialization, customer or industry partnerships, pilot deployment or fundraising.

Participants should have:

• A developed technology or product


• Completed foundational market and customer research


• A defined business model and milestone roadmap


• Raised at least $50,000 from dilutive or non-dilutive sources


• Plans to raise capital within the next six months

We are particularly interested in platform technologies and applied innovations with potential applications across energy, manufacturing, chemicals, transportation, agriculture, water, the built environment and other industrial markets.

Startups based in the Mid-Atlantic region, or those seeking to locate or expand into the region, will receive priority consideration.

Program Investment

The $5,000 participation fee includes:

• Travel and lodging for required in-person events


• One-on-one coaching


• Direct mentorship from industry experts


• Commercialization and fundraising support


• Access to PitchBook data


• Registration for the IS:Materials Ecosystem Summit

Thanks to our strategic partners and sponsors, well-qualified applicants may have up to 100% of the participation fee covered. Do not let the fee deter you from applying. There is no fee to apply.

We do not take equity. Founders retain full ownership of their companies and intellectual property.

What Founders Are Saying

“The Science Inc. program provides a well-organized and comprehensive crash course on all the critical elements required to build an incredibly compelling pitch deck for investors, and to strength-test your understanding of your business model and target market. We would recommend this program to entrepreneurs at any level with any background, especially those coming from a predominantly technical background.”

Chris DiMarco
Founder and CEO, Sindri Materials

About The Innovation Space

Science Inc.™ is a program of The Innovation Space™, a nonprofit innovation ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs commercializing complex technologies through targeted resources, lab infrastructure and business-building programs. Learn more at innovationspace.org.

Companies supported through The Innovation Space ecosystem have collectively raised more than $1.24 billion in funding. Learn more about The Innovation Space’s impact.