Accelerating Growth for the Net Zero Future
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR NZA COHORT 8
Announcements May 28
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.
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).
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.