Environmental Tech Lab

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

We provide an accelerated pathway for entrepreneurs to test their technology with the nation’s largest water and wastewater network.

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In partnership with

The Environmental Tech Lab identifies innovative solutions to address complex challenges across the NYC Department of Environmental Protection:

Water supply

Deliver over 1 billion gallons of water to 9.6 million New Yorkers daily

Water and sewer operations

Operate, maintain, and protect over 7,000 miles of sanitary sewers and watermains

Wastewater treatment

Treat 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily

Capital construction

Manage $24 billion of construction and design projects

Air, noise, and hazardous waste

Update and enforce the Air Code to reduce emissions, and regulate hazardous waste and noise pollution

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

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

How it works

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DEP to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DEP to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DEP to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Evaluation Period

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

Evaluation Period

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

Evaluation Period

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

Proof of Concept

Challenge Finalists are selected to complete an eight-week Proof of Concept, conducting a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DEP. Throughout the process, participants receive direct feedback, engage with DEP staff, tour operational facilities, and present their solutions to senior leadership and the DEP Commissioner.

Proof of Concept

Pilots and Beyond

Select companies may be invited to participate in a pilot opportunity to further test their technology and demonstrate long-term commerical potential at scale.

Pilots and Beyond

Select companies may be invited to participate in a pilot opportunity to further test their technology and demonstrate long-term commerical potential at scale.

Pilots and Beyond

Select companies may be invited to participate in a pilot opportunity to further test their technology and demonstrate long-term commerical potential at scale.

Why Environmental Tech Lab?

Real-World Piloting with NYC DEP

Get the rare opportunity to test your technology in one of the largest and most complex water and wastewater systems in the world — serving over 9 million New Yorkers. The ETL process is not theoretical, but designed for real implementation, helping companies move beyond pitch decks and into city systems.

Structured, eight week program with a customized plan to evaluate a technical test.

Through scoping, midpoint check-ins, and final presentations, each proof of concept follows a customized evaluation plan with clear go/no-go decision points set by DEP leadership. Throughout the process, companies have the opportunity to tour DEP facilities, work directly with key stakeholders, and even present to the DEP Commissioner.

Direct Access to Decision-Makers

Receive a dedicated agency Project Manager and work closely with NYC DEP engineers, operators, and leadership. This hands-on collaboration offers ongoing feedback from technical experts and helps companies tailor their technology to real-world utility needs.

De-Risked Entry into NYC Government

ETL provides guidance through key NYC public-sector requirements — such as insurance, cybersecurity, and scoping — making it easier to enter one of the most challenging yet rewarding markets.

“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
“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
“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
“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

News and insights

SEE MORE ARTICLES

Collaborate With New York City’s Globally Renowned Water Network: Environment Tech Lab Launches Third Annual Tech Competition

June 16, 2025