As funding for climate innovation shifts, entrepreneurs remain undeterred, continuing to develop technologies that conserve energy, reduce waste and strengthen communities. Todd Khozein, CEO of SecondMuse, spoke with NBC News about how ecosystem support keeps the momentum alive.
Todd notes that while federal resources have become less predictable, targeted programmatic support and incubators are proving essential for early-stage climate innovators. These structured environments offer something startups can’t easily find elsewhere: steady guidance, access to technical expertise and communities where founders can test ideas without shouldering the full burden alone.
He describes how climate-tech founders, many of whom work on hardware or complex sustainability solutions, often require long timelines and specialized resources. When government support recedes, these programs provide continuity, helping entrepreneurs refine prototypes, navigate market uncertainties and stay connected to peers facing similar challenges.
This kind of ecosystem is not a replacement for federal funding but a stabilizing layer around it. In a moment when policy may fluctuate, incubators and programmatic support give startups a way to keep moving forward. They create room for persistence, allowing mission-driven founders to continue developing solutions to the climate challenges they feel compelled to address.
