How does the Environmental Tech Lab work?
The Environmental Tech Lab offers companies an opportunity to test their technologies with the nation's largest combined municipal water and wastewater system. After applying, select companies will be invited to PFNYC’s offices for a Pitch and Demo Day to showcase their technology to a wide audience from NYC DEP. Select companies from Demo Day will be further evaluated by NYC DEP to determine whether a proof of concept is feasible and beneficial. At the conclusion of the evaluation process, the NYC DEP will select companies to participate in a three-month proof of concept (POC) during which a minimally viable test will be conducted to understand selected products’ capabilities and their value proposition. If additional testing is needed, proof of concepts may be extended for another three months for a deeper technology test.
Do companies receive compensation if selected for a proof of concept through the Environmental Tech Lab?
There is no compensation for participation in the Environmental Tech Lab, and proof of concepts are unpaid. For the proofs of concept, we look for a small, targeted scope that can be implemented and measured within three months. Each company has discretion to create an achievable scope of work in conjunction with NYC DEP. Companies are welcome to seek external grant funding to support their projects if applicable.
Who is eligible to apply to the Environmental Tech Lab?
Eligible companies must:
be a corporation, joint venture, partnership, or LLC as defined by Applicable Law and registered to do business in the State of New York (“NYS Registration”); and
have at least a beta version (i.e., working prototype with active users) of the solution you intend to propose as part of your application. Applicants’ solutions do not need to be designed for a water/wastewater utility or environmental regulator.
Subsidiaries of larger companies are not eligible to apply.
Companies may be subject to insurance and cyber reviews prior to beginning proof of concept projects and must store all agency data in the US.
Applicants must acknowledge and agree to be bound by the ETL program’s Terms and Conditions. Please consult the Terms and Conditions for any questions around eligibility.
Is it required for me to be in NYC for the entire duration of the proof of concept?
No, however we request companies attend in-person midpoint meetings and final presentations. For program dates, please consult the Timeline section under the Apply page.
What does success look like? Is purchase/acquisition guaranteed with success?
Success in ETL means your company has effectively demonstrated the value of your technology by solving a pressing agency challenge.
Through the ETL program, you get access to decision makers and VCs, a timely go/no-go decision, mentorship, and the ability to refine technology in partnership with the largest municipal water/wastewater utility in the US. Purchase/acquisition is not guaranteed. It is within DEP’s sole discretion to decide if/how they will commercialize the technology.
Can we apply if we have already done work with NYC DEP?
Yes. You are not prohibited from applying if you already have worked with the DEP.
How many teams are selected for the proof of concept?
There is no limit nor guarantee for any number of proofs of concept. It is up to DEP to select relevant companies that meet their needs.
Where can I learn more about the problems that DEP is trying to tackle through the Lab?
You can find the full challenge statements on our Apply page, which lays out the specific operational and infrastructure problems DEP is looking to solve this cohort. Be sure to check out the Resources section on that same page, which has additional background materials to help you understand the context behind each challenge. We'd also encourage you to sign up for the next information session, where our team walks through the program process and DEP answers questions live.
Does an applicant have to be a U.S. corporation or resident?
No, citizens and companies from all around the world can apply. However, please note that all DEP data must be stored in the US and companies must be registered to do business in New York if selected for a proof of concept.
When and how do I register to do business in NY?
Companies incorporated outside New York state that are selected to complete a proof of concept in the Environmental Tech Lab must complete the following steps. If your company is not incorporated in New York State please complete the following if selected for a proof of concept:
Obtain a 'Certificate of Good Standing' or 'Certificate of Existence' from the US state or foreign country where your company incorporated.
Complete the New York state Department of State 'Application for Authority' form located here. Please note this form has a filing fee of $225 USD. More information on the New York state Department of State website.
Please see the Eligibility Criteria under the How to Apply section of our website for more details.
What are protocols around submitting cloud-based solutions?
Applicants providing a cloud solution will be subject to the City’s cloud review process as described in the document City of New York Cloud Review Process (which may be amended by the City at any time).