ClimateHaven Water Innovation Hub Fellow 2026: $20/Hour Paid Fellowship

## About ClimateHaven ClimateHaven is a founder-first climate-tech incubator supporting innovators working to strengthen the physical economy. The organisation helps startups test and refine ideas, address significant market challenges, develop viable business models, and achieve key milestones including securing capital, hiring teams and acquiring customers. ## About the Water Innovation Hub The Water Innovation Hub is led by ClimateHaven in partnership with the Regional Water Authority and Xylem. The Hub works to move promising water technologies from early commercial traction toward real-world deployment. Since launching in 2025, the Hub has developed paid pilot opportunities for startups, identified solutions aligned with partner priorities and built a growing network of companies and partners focused on advancing water innovation. ## About the Fellowship The Water Innovation Hub Fellow will work closely with the Hub Director and engage directly with Seed to Series A startups, Hub partners and industry experts. - **Job Title:** Water Innovation Hub Fellow - **Job Location:** New Haven, Connecticut, USA (Onsite/Hybrid) | - **Closing Date:** September 15, 2026 The fellowship will coincide with the Xylem Innovation Sprint and an active Regional Water Authority pilot, providing practical exposure to startup diligence, pilot scoping and execution, partnership development and programme delivery. - **Contract:** Paid, Part-Time Fellowship (12-20 hours per week) - **Salary:** $20 per hour - **Start Date:** Late September 2026 - **Duration:** Fall 2026 (October-December) The role is designed for a versatile and intellectually curious generalist. Responsibilities may range from developing financial models and diligence memos to facilitating founder sessions, preparing partner presentations and creating communications content. The experience combines elements of **venture capital, consulting and direct startup support**. ## Key Responsibilities ### Startup Support - Work directly with Seed to Series A companies participating in the Xylem Innovation Challenge, Hub pilots and other ClimateHaven programmes. - Prepare concise research memos and reports. - Conduct market and technical diligence covering startup technologies, customer problems, competitive positioning and scale-up pathways. - Coordinate startup engagement with partners. - Participate in founder working sessions and translate expert feedback into clear priorities and next steps. - Facilitate strategic, market, customer and technical support. ### Pilot Scoping and Execution - Support Regional Water Authority pilots and other partner-led deployment opportunities from initial scoping through execution and assessment. - Coordinate founders, site partners, technical experts and other stakeholders throughout the pilot process. - Manage timelines, responsibilities, documentation, risks, decisions and deliverables. - Develop pilot scopes, progress reports and final reports. - Prepare financial models and impact and ROI assessments. ### Hub Growth and Operations - Support partnership and funding development through research, outreach, grant development, presentations, sponsor materials and meeting preparation. - Maintain the Hub’s startup and partner pipeline. - Support impact tracking and core operating systems. - Develop blog posts, LinkedIn content, newsletters and other communications highlighting the Hub’s work and insights. - Coordinate partner events. - Support the Hub’s engagement with the NEWEA Industry Forum. ## Candidate Profile ClimateHaven is seeking an intellectually curious, high-integrity generalist who understands startups and innovation. Previous experience in the water sector is advantageous but **not required**. Applications are welcomed from recent graduates, career-changers and early-career professionals, and the fellowship is not restricted to current students. ### Key Qualifications and Attributes **Commitment to Climate and Innovation** - Demonstrated interest in climate technology, water, sustainability and entrepreneurship. - Experience supporting startups and scaling impactful solutions is advantageous. **Analytical Range and Judgment** - Ability to research markets and sectors. - Comfortable working with technical information and data. - Ability to build Excel-based analyses. - Strong ability to translate research and findings into clear recommendations. **Startup and Partner Fluency** - Understanding of the pace and needs of early-stage companies. - Ability to work effectively with founders, utilities, corporate partners, investors and technical experts. **Communication Skills** - Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. - Ability to produce concise diligence memos and partner presentations as well as engaging blog posts and LinkedIn updates. **Organisation and Execution** - Ability to manage competing priorities. - Strong organisational and systems-building skills. - Ability to use tools such as Airtable and Claude effectively. - Proactive approach to problem-solving. - Ability to work independently and follow through reliably. ## Working Arrangements This is a **paid, part-time position requiring 12-20 hours per week during Fall 2026**. The Fellow will report to ClimateHaven’s Director and must be consistently available from October through December while the Innovation Sprint is active. The position is based in New Haven, Connecticut, with at least **8 hours per week spent in person at ClimateHaven’s headquarters** and some flexibility for remote work. ## What the Fellowship Offers The successful Fellow will gain hands-on experience across: - Climate-tech and water innovation. - Early-stage startup evaluation and diligence. - Venture and consulting-style analysis. - Pilot development and real-world technology deployment. - Partnership development. - Working directly with startup founders. - Utility and corporate stakeholder engagement. - Financial modelling and ROI assessment. - Programme operations and communications. ## How to Apply Interested candidates should submit: - A current resume. - A statement of interest. - Examples of previous work. Applications will be reviewed on a **rolling basis**, with the deadline for consideration on **September 15, 2026**. **Apply here:** ClimateHaven Water Innovation Hub Fellow Application **TEN (10) MORE REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES:**