A City of LA-founded nonprofit incubator commercializing clean technologies at its La Kretz Innovation Campus.
- The offer:
- $500k per company
- Location:
- Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Duration:
- 26 weeks
What you need to qualify
- A cleantech solution addressing clean energy, zero emissions transportation or the circular economy, with a smart and sustainable cities focus.
- Novel proprietary technology with a working prototype at TRL 4 or above, so past idea stage.
- U.S. based, with a strategy to gain traction or expand in Southern California.
- At least one full time employee, with two preferred.
- Able to commit to the hybrid curriculum and mentorship through the first six months.
- Agree to a 1.5 to 3 percent equity stake in the form of a warrant, with the opportunity to earn it back by achieving impact milestones.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- All stages
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
How to apply
- 1
Check the published eligibility criteria
Confirm the company is cleantech, U.S. based with a Southern California strategy, has a working prototype at TRL 4 or above and at least one full time employee, and can accept a 1.5 to 3 percent warrant.
- 2
Register interest before the window opens
LACI takes first contact through a startup interest form at laci.tfaforms.net/30 or by email to pipeline@laincubator.org, and asks founders to join its mailing list to be told when the next recruitment cycle opens.
- 3
Attend an information session
LACI runs info sessions inside the open application period. For Incubation Cohort 13 these were held on June 17, 2026 and June 29, 2026.
- 4
Submit the application during the open window
Apply through the recruitment page on events.laincubator.org. The Cohort 13 window ran June 1 to July 10, 2026 and has closed.
- 5
Wait through review and selection
LACI listed application review for Cohort 13 as July to October 2026, with programme kickoff in mid November 2026.