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.

APPLY TO COHORT #8 NOW


DEADLINE TO APPLY: > Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM PDT

The online application takes approximately 30 minutes. You may save your progress and return at any time before the deadline.

EVENTBRITE RSVP HERE

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 Indoor Air Quality.

  • 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:

  1. Download and Review: Download an MS Word version of the application here, and review the technical and market data required.

  2. Reflect: Gather your info and draft responses offline for clarity and specificity.

  3. 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.

Join our Info Session: March 17, 2026. Meet the team and get your questions answered.

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.