Capstone students will study public and private mechanisms for promoting cleantech entrepreneurship in urban areas, using NYC as a case study. Researching case studies and practices that other cities, states, and countries have taken to promote the industry of sustainability (and specifically clean energy technology), students will outline the ideal features of a city that is a hub for clean technology entrepreneurship. This research will venture into the variety of government incentive programs and policies, foundational support, University activities, corporate and venture support available to promote the environmental benefits of this cluster development activity.

The research will then deepen to the New York City level as students are faced with drafting a proposal for the long-term planning and sustainability of NYC ACRE. This plan will first discuss how NYC is failing and succeeding to attract cleantech enterprises. It will then propose a unique position for ACRE in promoting NYC’s cleantech sector, and the associated climate and energy benefits. It will lastly consider next stage funding for ACRE, which will touch upon the possibility of partnerships with public and private institutions, revenue generating aspects to the organization, and whether the current services being offered are the right services for its constituents.

Coursework will require both intellectual engagement and pavement-pounding, bringing students into direct contact with the process of creating transformational change by supporting entrepreneurs at the frontlines of low-carbon economic development.

New York City: Accelerator for a Clean and Renewable Economy

NYU & Acre 2.0: Public Sector

NYU & Acre 2.0: Private Sector