LACI Secures Funding, Advances Zero Emissions Delivery in NYC

Incubator Deploys $850K into Brooklyn Startups, Strengthens Climate Innovation Partnership Between LA and NYC

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:24pm

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The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) has announced a series of milestones, including advancing zero emissions delivery in New York City, increasing access to capital for Brooklyn-based startups, and creating new funding partnerships with Barclays, ConEd, and National Grid to further accelerate climate innovation and economic mobility in the city.

Why it matters

LACI's work in New York City aims to deliver measurable emissions reductions and community benefits through startup incubation, public-private partnerships, and workforce training. This aligns with the city's goals to address pollution from trucks and support the growth of the green economy.

The details

Through the City Climate Innovation Challenge, LACI provided a paid research fellow to advance the indirect source rule passed by the NYC City Council and funded $150,000 in related last-mile delivery pilots. LACI also deployed $600,000 in loans from its Cleantech Debt Fund to Brooklyn-based startups to help them scale solutions and create local jobs. Additionally, LACI now manages the Pilots at BAT program at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, which has seen a fourfold increase in applications.

  • In May 2025, LACI was announced by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to lead the BATWorks climate innovation hub in Brooklyn.
  • Over the past year, LACI has deepened its work in New York City through the first cohort of the City Climate Innovation Challenge, focused on zero-emissions delivery.

The players

LACI

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, an economic development initiative founded by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power in 2011 to unlock innovation by scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets, and enhancing communities.

NYCEDC

The New York City Economic Development Corporation, which appointed a consortium led by LACI and the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) to design and operate the BATWorks climate innovation hub.

Barclays

A global financial services provider that has partnered with LACI to support its workforce development efforts in New York City.

ConEd

A utility company that has partnered with LACI to further accelerate climate innovation and economic mobility in New York City.

National Grid

A utility company that has partnered with LACI to advance clean energy solutions and foster innovation in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to our new startup, fellow incubator, and corporate partners, LACI is excited to build on our partnership with the NYC Mayor's Office, DOT, DEP, and EDC to scale our work in NYC. Building on the model we created with the City of LA, we are excited to lean in to accelerate equitable climate action and advance economic justice in NYC with other cities across America.”

— Matt Petersen, President and CEO, LACI

“This partnership is a testament to our steadfast commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and fostering innovation. By empowering startup businesses at the Brooklyn Army Terminal to accelerate the commercialization of climate technology, we are driving the growth of a vibrant cleantech ecosystem, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and positioning New York City as a leader in the transition to a sustainable future.”

— Katie Newcombe, New York Director of Economic Development, National Grid

“BATWorks is building real momentum and delivering early results that show what's possible when public, private, and community partners come together around a shared vision for an inclusive green economy. From new capital flowing to NYC–based climate companies to the launch of the Sunset Park Economic Mobility Network, we're proud to partner with LACI to accelerate green industrial growth and climate resilience along the South Brooklyn waterfront—while connecting Sunset Park residents to real economic opportunity through quality jobs and training.”

— Jeanny Pak, Interim President & CEO, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

LACI's work in New York City demonstrates how public-private partnerships and community-driven initiatives can drive climate innovation, create economic opportunities, and position the city as a leader in the transition to a sustainable future.