Seattle to open climate innovation hub
23 January 2025
by Jonathan Andrews
Seattle has launched a space dedicated to advancing technology and entrepreneurship to address climate change.
The Seattle Climate Innovation Hub (SCIH) is the first downtown space dedicated to investing in and designing technology to combat climate change.
“Our new Seattle Climate Innovation Hub is a signal and call to businesses and entrepreneurs around the world that if you’re in the business of combating climate change and developing clean energy technologies, we want you here in Seattle,” said Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle.
The hub is a collaboration between the Office of Economic Development (OED), the University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs, global climate network 9Zero, and non-profit accelerator VertueLab.
Positioned as a resource for climate technology development, the hub will focus on fostering innovations in clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, sustainable transport, and energy-efficient systems.
“Seattle is well-positioned to become a leader in climate technology, thanks to its skilled workforce, progressive climate policies, and strategic location,” said Harrell. “This hub underscores our city’s commitment to combating climate change while driving economic and creative growth in our downtown core.”
Funded through a US$200,000 seed investment from the OED and US$85,000 from the Washington Department of Commerce, SCIH will include business and technology incubators, co-working spaces, and meeting areas for funders and investors. The facility will be housed in University of Washington-owned property in downtown Seattle.
The hub’s programmes will be bolstered by its partners. CoMotion Labs plans to launch an eight-month Climate Tech cohort programme in the second quarter of this year, offering start-ups mentorship, networking opportunities, and tools for scaling their innovations.
9Zero will provide connections and events that unite investors, scientists, and policymakers, and VertueLab will offer funding and technical support to climate tech entrepreneurs across the Pacific Northwest.
Image: City of Seattle
