Venture For ClimateTech Accelerator - 2026 Program Intern (flexible May - Sep)
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Apply early!
*This is a hybrid in-person role at 260 East Main Street, Suite 6000 Rochester, NY 14604
*You must be a current student or have graduated in the last 12 months
*Internship may start as early as March 2026, but no later than June 2026
*Hours are flexible, ranging from 10-30 hours/week
*Job may potentially be supported as a full time Program Associate role at the end of the internship
Overview
Venture For ClimateTech (V4C) is a non-profit accelerator program that identifies and supports climate technologies that can have a positive impact on New York State. We run a virtual program that is tailored for climate innovators and companies at the earliest stages of their commercialization journey. We source the most promising climate tech innovators from around the world and offer them hands-on support and initial funding to build out their teams and businesses until they are ready for first customers, pilot runs, and investment.
V4C is administered by NextCorps and is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This role reports into the broader organization of NextCorps.
NextCorps is a non-profit that helps technology-oriented entrepreneurs launch and grow successful startups, and established companies grow their revenues and profitability. NextCorps manages and delivers a number of different programs, including early-stage technology commercialization, business incubation, accelerators, curriculum-based boot camps, and consulting services for manufacturing related projects.
Position Description
As V4C’s Program Intern, you will help the program in a variety of meaningful and impactful projects that ultimately serve in building up the next cohort of amazing climate tech startups. If you’re excited about being a “jack/jill of all trades” and getting first hand experience in the operations, marketing, ecosystem research, programming, and more of an accelerator program, this internship is for you! You will have the opportunity to sit in on meetings, work across departments, and get exposure to world changing startups.
This role will collaborate closely with the Program Manager and Director. This individual will be responsible for, but not limited to:
- Supporting the operations of the accelerator
- Developing and managing efficient processes
- Lead the process for “Mentor” weeks
- Event prep and support, virtual & in-person (e.g. end of program Showcase)
- Research the ecosystem for opportunities to partner with or to support our startups
- Drafting external written communication as needed
- Any other skills you’d like to bring to the table or learn about!
Qualifications
- Strong interest in the climate tech sector
- Demonstrated capabilities or experience with being proactive
- Track record of completing tasks and deliverables on time
- Strong communication skills, verbal and especially written
- Highest ethical standards
- Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
- Curious mindset, eager to learn and contribute
- Occasional flexibility with schedule as needed for program and startups
- Proficiency with Google Suite
- Experience with Slack
- Working towards a Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree, or a recent graduate (within 12 months)
Preferences
- Experience with Airtable
- Experience with Asana
- Experience with social media content creation
- Experience with Mailchimp
- Experience with Canva
- Experience in supporting marketing efforts such as newsletters, social media posts, blog posts, and/or podcasting and promo videos
Attributes
- Proactive, “can do” and “can figure it out” attitude
- Dependable, holds self accountable
- Solid Communicator
- High Integrity
- Flexibility with schedule and projects
- Resourceful
- Collaborative, team player
Relationships
Reports To: Director and Program Manager
Manages: N/A
Coordinates With: Operations Manager; Program Manager; Other NextCorps personnel, including Marketing Manager, Entrepreneur-in-Residences
Additional Details
Location: 260 East Main Street, Suite 6000 Rochester, NY 14604 with approx. 3 days/week in office for workgroup collaboration sessions with the V4C program team during the internship period. Can be flexible around school schedule if starting internship while still in school.
Compensation: Hourly ($16- $22 depending on experience)
Work Schedule: Jun-Sep (flexible to start as early as Mar, ideally start by May), 10-30 hours per week (specific hours decided on together)
Equipment: Intern shall provide appropriate communication equipment for Zoom teleconferencing.
Important Note
NextCorps reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this position description in any way the company desires. This position description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This position description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at-will.”
Qualified employees who, because of a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits a major life activity, require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position should notify their manager.
All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.
To Apply for this position
Email: resumes@nextcorps.org, subject: “Venture For ClimateTech 2026 intern - <First name> <Last name>”
Please submit your resume and cover letter.
Include at the bottom of your cover letter:
- Confirmation that you are legally authorized to work in the United States
- If you will now or in the future require sponsorship
- Your expected/past graduation date
- Confirmation that you are able to come in-person to our Rochester office 3x/week during this internship. If you have any conflicts, please detail.
- Your ideal start and end date (e.g. if you have conflicts for school)
- Your desired hourly pay
- If you were referred by anyone for this role