Accelerating Growth for the Net Zero Future
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NZA COHORT 8
The Net Zero Accelerator (NZA), powered by USGBC California, is designed for companies ready to pilot, deploy, or scale building-focused solutions in real-world market conditions. We bridge the gap between innovative technology and market adoption by connecting startups with the technical expertise and market access needed to thrive in California, the world’s fourth largest economy.
DEADLINE TO APPLY EXTENDED 1 WEEK: > NowFriday, April 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM PDT
The online application takes approximately 30-60 minutes. You may save your progress and return at any time before the deadline.
Apply on Gust.com. Download Preview PDF to Prep Below.
Watch the Replay of the March 17, 2026 Info Session Above (1h 12m)
Why Apply?
We help founders reduce risk, establish credibility, and create a faster path to market.
We help innovators reduce risk, establish market credibility, and create a faster path to large-scale adoption.
Market Validation: Test and refine your technology within California’s $3.9T economy.
Strategic Visibility: Showcase your solution to "Scalable Adopters"—property owners, developers, and municipalities looking for validated ESG solutions.
High-Value Networking: Direct access to a national ecosystem of investors, industry leaders, and policy advocates.
Proven Success: Over 100 alumni have secured 60+ pilot deployments through our network.
Applicant Profile: Who Should Apply?
We are looking for market-ready emerging and sustainable technologies that support a net-positive future. Our cohort members represent the full spectrum of innovation:
From Startups to Global Leaders: We welcome applicants ranging from venture-backed Seed and Series A startups seeking to pilot a commercial prototype, to Fortune 100 companies launching disruptive, innovative, sustainable technologies.
Sectors: Including, but not limited to: PropTech, BuildingTech, UrbanTech, and AgTech.
Key Focus Areas: Solutions that measurably move buildings and cities toward zero impact in Energy, Carbon, Waste, and Occupant Health.
Stage of Development: We seek technologies that are "pilot-ready," either already in-market, or final-stage prototypes with a clearly defined pathway to commercial deployment in California.
Global Reach: While we focus on California markets, we welcome companies headquartered both domestically and internationally (recent cohorts have included companies based across the US, and from Canada, Australia, the UK, and Singapore).
Application Pro-Tips
To ensure a compelling application, we recommend a three-step approach:
Download and Review: Download a PDF sample of the application here, and review the technical and market data required.
Reflect: Gather your info and draft responses offline for clarity and specificity.
Refine: Save your draft, sleep on it for a night or two, and submit fresh. Ensure all fields are complete on the portal before the April 10 deadline.
Learn More Before You Apply
Not ready to start your application yet? Explore our ecosystem:
WE’RE EAGER TO INCREASE AND CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
Together, we’ll work to build broad awareness of your solution through coordinated storytelling, pilot-site showcases, and direct access to green building leaders.
Questions? Reach out to us at NZA@USGBC-CA.org.