APPLY TO THE NZA

APPLICATIONS OPEN!

The Net Zero Accelerator is designed for companies ready to pilot, deploy, or scale building-focused solutions in real-world market conditions. If that’s you let’s go! The application is available online via Gust. Click below to jump in.

APPLY TO COHORT #8 NOW

The online application should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You do not need to finish it in one sitting. Your progress can be saved, and you may return at any time before the deadline.

Before you begin, some important notes to ensure a complete and compelling application:

  • Please answer each question as clearly and specifically as possible so we can effectively evaluate your company and its readiness for the program.

  • Applications undergo initial review on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.

  • Finalists will be reviewed by our Selection Committee once the application window is closed.

  • Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a follow-up conversation with the Net Zero Accelerator team.

Previous applicants have found it best to first review all of the sections (see below), then gather any necessary info, ponder your responses, and then go back into the online form to fill it out to completion. We also suggest that you do so and save as a draft, sleep on it a night or day or two, then go back in fresh to refine and submit.

We will have an info session March 11, 2026.
You may send an email to NZA@USGBC-CA.org to ensure you’re added to the invite list.

APPLICANT PROFILE

Key Focus Areas Within the Built Environment (and its Infrastructure)

  • Waste (reduction, recycling, upcycling...)

  • Water (conservation, treatment, capture, monitoring, reuse...)

  • Energy (efficiency, generation, storage...)

  • Carbon (sequestration, reduction, reuse/integration, drawdown....)

  • Related built environment solutions (such as infrastructure, landscaping, indoor air quality, clean construction, and more…)

Technology Focus Areas

  • All early-stage companies with building technologies that support a net positive future are welcome to apply.

  • Relevant sectors include: PropTech, BuildingTech, UrbanTech, and even AgTech.

  • While not limited to these alone, we are focused chiefly on solutions that measurably move buildings, communities, and cities toward net zero carbon, energy, water, and waste—with a clear path to real-world adoption.

  • This year we’re also planning a sector focus on water conservation (use, reuse, capture, efficiency).

Stage of Development

  • Note that we’re not an incubator for pure startups. We’re here to accelerate the growth you have begun or are otherwise prepared for and anticipating.

  • Typically Seed through Series A stage (or equivalent), including companies with early market implementation.

  • Ready to pilot technology commercially, or already in market.

  • Companies in final-stage prototype development with a defined pilot pathway are also encouraged to apply.

Mutual Expectations

  • No equity required to participate (uncommon with accelerators), with a modest participation fee that is significantly subsidized by our partners and donors. Financial aid is available for companies that qualify.

  • 6-month commitment to dedicate the time and resources to complete the program.

Headquarters & Markets

  • Domestic and international companies are invited to apply. In fact the great majority of our cohort members have been HQ’d outside of Los Angeles, with several headquartered in Canada, Australia, and the UK.

  • California: the fourth largest economy in the world, and one of the world’s most influential green building markets and a powerful launchpad for scale.

    For more information please email NZA@USGBC-CA.org.

WE’RE EAGER TO INCREASE AND CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS

Together, we’ll work to build broad awareness of cohort solutions. We’ll deliver stories and case studies that showcase the cohort, pilot sites, partners and sponsors, and real-world pilot results to our community of proven green business leaders across California, as well as green building advocates in the broader sustainability ecosystem. This includes coordinated promotion and storytelling grounded in real pilots and measurable market outcomes.