Making New York the global leader in water, while building a sustainable future for all New Yorkers.

The Environmental Tech Lab is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New York City Partnership Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of Partnership Fund for New York City.

In partnership with

New York City tap water is world-renowned for its quality and New York Harbor is the cleanest it’s been in 100 years.

We want to keep it that way.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) seeks to be a world class water and wastewater utility, while building a sustainable future for all New Yorkers.

Climate change has created new challenges for water and wastewater utilities across the country. The Environmental Tech Lab will identify innovative solutions to address complex DEP priorities.

Sunset over the Ashokan Reservoir in New York
Mother and child drinking water from a New York City water fountain
NYC DEP worker wearing a hard hard and yellow safety vest
Running water from kitchen faucet
Sesame bagel with smoke salmon, red onion and cream cheese served on a white plate placed on a wooden table
Children playing in water from a city fire hydrant

Why Environmental Tech Lab?

Opportunity for early stage companies to work with the nation’s largest water/wastewater municipality.

Each application submitted is reviewed by relevant domain experts, with potential to pitch directly to relevant DEP staff. 

Eight weeks of programming for finalists with a customized plan to evaluate a technical test.

An accelerated, pre-approved process to facilitate collaboration with key go/no-go decision points by DEP leadership.

Direct access to relevant decision makers and subject matter experts. 

Exposure to NYC DEP leaders, private sector investors, and industry experts. 

Opportunity to participate in a year-long Pilot with potential Pilot funding for NYC-based companies.

An opportunity to deploy technology at scale across the DEP.

Timeline

June-August 2024

Open Application Period

Companies apply online to one of the 2024 Challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

June-August 2024

Open Application Period

Companies apply online to one of the 2024 Challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

June-August 2024

Open Application Period

Companies apply online to one of the 2024 Challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

August-September 2024

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and select companies are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators.

August-September 2024

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and select companies are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators.

August-September 2024

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and select companies are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators.

October-December 2024

Proof of Concept

Promising companies are selected for accelerated Proof of Concept to conduct a minimally viable technology test. Accepted companies must complete scoping exercises, insurance policy requirements, and cybersecurity screening prior to the start of POCs.

October-December 2024

Proof of Concept

Promising companies are selected for accelerated Proof of Concept to conduct a minimally viable technology test. Accepted companies must complete scoping exercises, insurance policy requirements, and cybersecurity screening prior to the start of POCs.

October-December 2024

Proof of Concept

Promising companies are selected for accelerated Proof of Concept to conduct a minimally viable technology test. Accepted companies must complete scoping exercises, insurance policy requirements, and cybersecurity screening prior to the start of POCs.

April 2025

Pilots Launch

Companies integrate innovative solutions into the system for immediate impact, and to assess them for long-term commercial value at scale. Participants gain enhanced visibility and credibility far beyond the competition.

April 2025

Pilots Launch

Companies integrate innovative solutions into the system for immediate impact, and to assess them for long-term commercial value at scale. Participants gain enhanced visibility and credibility far beyond the competition.

April 2025

Pilots Launch

Companies integrate innovative solutions into the system for immediate impact, and to assess them for long-term commercial value at scale. Participants gain enhanced visibility and credibility far beyond the competition.

  • “The Lab provided businesses with an exceptional opportunity to work and learn directly with DEP staff, which is invaluable from a product perspective. Companies quickly Piloted new technology without a lengthy initial procurement, thus enabling value to be delivered and evaluated in a structured environment built to progress rapid decision-making. We would highly recommend the model to other public entities and innovation groups looking to replicate its success.”

    Brian Carey
    CEO, Knaq

  • “The ETL program is wonderful. From the pitch day to the final presentations: I enjoyed learning about the ground breaking work and services from these companies and working with the ETL team for the betterment of New York City.”

    Deputy Director
    Bureau of Engineering Design and Construction

  • “The ETL has been an invaluable partner in helping Gybe deliver a successful product demonstration for the Bureau of Water Supply, connecting us with NYC DEP leadership, and navigating the department’s operations, legal, and IT organizations.”

    Ivan Lalovic
    CEO, Gybe

Get news and updates

Frequently asked questions

How does the Environmental Tech Lab work?

How does the Environmental Tech Lab work?

How does the Environmental Tech Lab work?

Do companies receive compensation for participating in the Proof of Concepts or Pilots?

Do companies receive compensation for participating in the Proof of Concepts or Pilots?

Do companies receive compensation for participating in the Proof of Concepts or Pilots?

Who is eligible to apply to the Environmental Tech Lab?

Who is eligible to apply to the Environmental Tech Lab?

Who is eligible to apply to the Environmental Tech Lab?

Does an applicant have to be a U.S. corporation or resident?

Does an applicant have to be a U.S. corporation or resident?

Does an applicant have to be a U.S. corporation or resident?