Make It Sustainable Materials Pitch Contest
Hosted by Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
Register with organizer
What to look forward to
Five early-stage startups, Valorize, NANOPLUME, Mori, Toga Studio, and Next Season, will pitch sustainable materials innovations, competing for up to $10,000 in funding and commercialization support. Founders will be assessed on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and impact, with support from Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and National Grid’s Clean Tech Incubation Program.
Inside the event
Join us for the Make It in Brooklyn Sustainable Materials Pitch Contest, where five early-stage startups will compete for up to $10,000 in funding and commercialization support.
Founders will be evaluated on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and potential impact. The winning startup will receive up to $10,000 in funding and commercialization support to help accelerate its path to market.
The prize includes
- $5,000 in unrestricted prize funding from Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
- Up to an additional $5,000 in milestone-based commercialization support through National Grid’s Clean Tech Incubation Program. Eligible expenses include prototype development and testing, patent and legal filing costs, market research, commercialization activities, and pilot implementation support.
The Sustainable Materials Pitch Contest brings together founders, investors, industry leaders, and members of the innovation ecosystem to spotlight emerging technologies that advance sustainability, promote circularity, and improve resource efficiency.
Finalists
Valorize – Develops biomaterials designed to replace fossil-based materials across industrial supply chains.
NANOPLUME – Develops sustainable, high-performance bio-aerogel insulation to improve energy efficiency.
Mori – Uses mass timber and digital fabrication technology to create prefabricated building systems that reduce construction time and environmental impact.
Toga Studio – Uses AI-assisted design to transform unwanted clothing into custom, upcycled garments and accessories.
Next Season – Transforms reclaimed yarn into new knitwear, reducing textile waste and promoting more sustainable clothing production.
- Julia Short, The Clean Fight
- Maya Rabinowitz, Newlab
- Shannen Henry, CocoaFiber
This event is in partnership with the Malin and National Grid.
The Malin is a beautifully designed workspace for those who value genuine community over transactional co-working. The Malin is currently offering our network 25% off day passes and meeting rooms at their Brooklyn Heights location. Use code DBP25 through the end of 2026, redeemable here.
About Make It in Brooklyn
Make It in Brooklyn is Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s innovation platform supporting startups through pitch competitions, ecosystem-building initiatives, and direct entrepreneurial support programs. Through year-round programming, Make It in Brooklyn connects founders with capital, mentors, customers, and the resources needed to grow and scale their businesses.
The Malin Brooklyn Heights
The Malin Brooklyn Heights, 57 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. Confirm the venue with the organizer before traveling.
Open in Google Maps ↗Discovered through Cerebral Valley. Details come from the event listing and the organizer page; registration is managed by the organizer.
Last checked: Nov 4, 2026. Confirm current availability before making plans.
Organizer page checked: Nov 4, 2026. Check registration for the latest details.