Third Derivative (D3)
Climate & Energy · Run by RMI + New Energy Nexus · Boulder, CO
Every field is checked against a primary source where we can. How we verify.
The facts
All fields verified Jul 22, 2026- Terms model
- MixedA blend of the models above. Read the terms notes for the specifics.
- Investment
- Not publishedVirtual 18-month accelerator; admissions are rolling with multiple intakes per year and about a three-month application-to-decision process. Eligibility: minimum two full-time employees, working prototype (TRL 4+), for-profit, no basic science risk, global applicants welcome. Investment amounts and equity terms are not published and vary by cohort initiative, so amounts left null. Future Industries Partnership open call active as of July 2026 (Southeast Asia, India, Middle East focus); no deadline posted.
- Equity taken
- Not publishedVirtual 18-month accelerator; admissions are rolling with multiple intakes per year and about a three-month application-to-decision process. Eligibility: minimum two full-time employees, working prototype (TRL 4+), for-profit, no basic science risk, global applicants welcome. Investment amounts and equity terms are not published and vary by cohort initiative, so amounts left null. Future Industries Partnership open call active as of July 2026 (Southeast Asia, India, Middle East focus); no deadline posted.
- Program length
- 78 weeks
- Format
- Remote
- Location
- Boulder, CO
- Cohorts per year
- Not published
- Cohort size
- Not published
- Stage focus
- early-stage climate tech
- Sub-vertical
- climate tech across all emissions sectors; industrial, cooling, batteries
- Demographic focus
- Not published
- Backers
- RMI, New Energy Nexus, BP, Shell, Microsoft, Energy Impact Partners, Fifth Wall, Prelude Ventures
- Notable alumni
- Not published
Terms notes: Virtual 18-month accelerator; admissions are rolling with multiple intakes per year and about a three-month application-to-decision process. Eligibility: minimum two full-time employees, working prototype (TRL 4+), for-profit, no basic science risk, global applicants welcome. Investment amounts and equity terms are not published and vary by cohort initiative, so amounts left null. Future Industries Partnership open call active as of July 2026 (Southeast Asia, India, Middle East focus); no deadline posted.
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Terms in plain English
Third Derivative is a global virtual climate tech accelerator founded by RMI and New Energy Nexus, structured as an 18-month program. Core support is a dedicated account manager, matchmaking with investors and corporate partners, mentorship, and access to RMI's network of energy experts. The program does not publish standard investment amounts or equity terms; terms vary by cohort and initiative, so ask directly during admissions.
Who this is actually for
Early-stage for-profit climate tech startups with at least two full-time employees and a working prototype at Technology Readiness Level 4 or above, past basic science risk. Applications are accepted globally on a rolling basis, and thematic tracks target specific sectors and regions, such as the current Future Industries Partnership focused on Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East.
Application windows
General admissions (rolling, multiple intakes per year): Rolling: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Verified date not recordedSourceFuture Industries Partnership open call (Southeast Asia, India, Middle East focus; no deadline posted): Rolling: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Verified date not recordedSource
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Sources
Everything above was checked against these, verified Jul 22, 2026.