Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Fellows Adapts to Global Uncertainty Amid Climate Crisis

Exclusive: How Bill Gates's Fellowship Program is Adapting to Global Uncertainty In a world where climate change and technological disruption are redefining the rules of innovation, one program stands out as a beacon of hope. Breakthrough Energy Fellows, founded by Bill Gates, has been nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive the transition to a low-carbon economy. As global uncertainty mounts, this fellowship program is evolving to meet the changing needs of its participants and the world at large. I had the chance to speak with Ashley Grosh, Vice President at Breakthrough Energy, about the latest cohort of fellows, which consists of 45 talented individuals from 22 startups across the globe. "This is our most global cohort yet," she exclaimed. "We've always been committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, but now we're seeing a surge in interest from international teams." The program's evolution is not just about numbers; it's also about adapting to the shifting landscape of climate tech. Breakthrough Energy has been at the forefront of this field for years, investing in startups that are developing cutting-edge solutions to mitigate climate change. However, as global uncertainty grows – think trade wars, policy shifts, and economic instability – the organization is reevaluating its bets. One notable change is the scrapping of its policy team in March. While some might see this as a retreat from advocacy work, Grosh assures me that it's actually a strategic move to focus on what matters most: supporting entrepreneurs who are driving real-world impact. "We're not abandoning our commitment to climate action," she emphasizes. "We're just streamlining our efforts to make them more effective." The Breakthrough Energy Fellows program is a testament to this commitment. By investing in startups and providing them with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the organization is helping to accelerate the development of game-changing technologies. But what sets this cohort apart? For one, it's the most global yet – 50% of the teams are based outside of the US, with a presence in Asia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and South Africa. This international focus was driven by the launch of a new hub for the fellowship program in Singapore, which Breakthrough Energy opened in partnership with Temasek in August 2024. As I spoke with Grosh, it became clear that this expansion is not just about geographical reach; it's also about tapping into diverse perspectives and expertise. "We're seeing a surge in interest from international teams because they bring unique insights and approaches to solving climate-related challenges," she notes. One of the fellows I had the chance to speak with is Rohan Desai, co-founder of Greenify, an Indian startup that's developing AI-powered solutions for energy efficiency. "Breakthrough Energy Fellows has been instrumental in helping us scale our impact," he says. "The network and resources they provide are unparalleled – it's like having a team of mentors and peers who understand the challenges we're facing." As I reflect on my conversation with Grosh and Desai, it becomes clear that Breakthrough Energy Fellows is not just a program; it's a movement. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination in the face of global uncertainty. In an era where climate change and technological disruption are redefining the rules of innovation, one thing is certain: the next generation of entrepreneurs will be shaped by their experiences with Breakthrough Energy Fellows. As Grosh puts it, "We're not just investing in startups; we're investing in a better future." The Future of Climate Tech Breakthrough Energy Fellows is more than just a program – it's a catalyst for change. By supporting entrepreneurs who are driving real-world impact, the organization is helping to accelerate the development of game-changing technologies. As global uncertainty mounts, one thing is clear: the next generation of entrepreneurs will be shaped by their experiences with Breakthrough Energy Fellows. With its focus on international collaboration and innovation, this program is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of climate tech. The Numbers 45 fellows from 22 startups 50% of teams based outside of the US Presence in Asia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and South Africa New hub for the fellowship program in Singapore The Takeaway Breakthrough Energy Fellows is adapting to global uncertainty by expanding its reach and focus on international collaboration. With a new cohort of 45 talented individuals from 22 startups across the globe, this program is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of climate tech. As Bill Gates once said, "We're not just investing in startups; we're investing in a better future." Breakthrough Energy Fellows is living up to that promise – and it's an exciting time for climate innovation. *Based on reporting by Techcrunch.*