Training leaders and seeding ventures to fight the climate crisis
Welcome to Duke University’s Hub for Climate-Tech Innovation
The Design Climate Program accelerates technology development that advances global sustainability by providing hands-on courses, venture support, prototyping resources, and connections across campus and industry. Our mission is to:
- Educate and empower the next generation of climate leaders,
- Develop impactful products and ventures, and
- Achieve meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.
Through our programs, you’ll gain the skills, mentorship, and community needed to launch and grow solutions that matter. We’re excited to have you join us.
I have an idea...
Design Climate helps innovators turn bold ideas into viable climate solutions. We support innovators of all types, including faculty, students, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. Our programs include:
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Design Climate I and II: A two-semester course sequence where students support innovators by conducting customer discovery and prototyping for early-stage ideas.
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Prototyping Opportunities: Hands-on prototype building through the Climate-Tech Studio class, Innovation Co-Lab, and Product Lab.
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Innovation Advisors: Industry professionals who offer strategic guidance and feedback.
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Student Climate-Tech Funding: Support for emerging ventures through the Duke Startup Showcase.
Learn more about how we can help you bring your innovation to life!
I am a student and want to get involved...
Through the Design Climate program, students acquire the skills and experience to become climate and sustainability business leaders. Students will learn from industry leaders, collaborate with peers, and work on real climate challenges through the following offerings:
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Climate Tech Mixers: Connect with students, founders, faculty, and investors.
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Design Climate I and II: A resume-building introduction to climate-tech venture creation.
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Climate Tech Studio: A hands-on class where students build climate-tech devices.
Students from all majors and schools are welcome!
I want to contribute my expertise...
Professionals play a key role in helping student teams navigate the startup process, test ideas, and build solutions with real-world impact. Whether you can meet regularly or contribute occasionally, your experience is valuable. There are three primary paths for participation:
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Co-Designer: These are innovators—either faculty or founders external to the university—who actively co-create products and companies with student teams.
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Mentor: Offer guidance, introductions, equipment, or training on a flexible schedule.
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Subject Matter Expert: Provide brief, project-specific advice based on your industry expertise.
I want to support the Design Climate program...
Launched in 2023 through alumni support from the Nicholas School of the Environment and the Pratt School of Engineering, Design Climate connects student ingenuity with faculty research and industry partners to drive climate innovation.
With continued support from the Duke community, we aim to be the world’s leading university program for climate-tech innovation.
