Halleh Balch, assistant professor of oceans, is part of an Accelerator project team developing a new sensor to enable real-time measurements of ocean health. (Credit: Andrew Brodhead)
Mission & vision
Based at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator helps researchers from across the university translate innovative ideas into transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. We support project teams driving innovation in technology, policy, finance, and other fields crucial for shaping a sustainable future.
Our mission
The Stanford Sustainability Accelerator speeds the translation of research into scalable technology and policy solutions to address urgent sustainability challenges.
Our vision
We envision innovative sustainability solutions stemming from Stanford research taking root in policies, programs, and markets to help people, nature, and economies thrive. We aim to inspire a more powerful deployment of academia’s strengths on behalf of a sustainable world.
2026 Request for Proposals
The Sustainability Accelerator is accepting proposals from Stanford faculty in areas of: Biological Solutions, Climate Adaptation, Electricity and Grid Systems, Food and Agriculture, Greenhouse Gas Removal, Industry, Planetary Intelligence and Water.
Timeline
September 23, 2026 - Request for Proposal issued
October 30, 2026, 11:59 pm - Letters of Intent due
November 11, 2026 - Teams invited to submit proposals
December 15, 2026, 11:59 pm - Proposals due
February - March 2027 - Panel review meetings (if required)
By June 2027 - Target start date for projects
The Accelerator brings powerful assets to its mission.
Convening power
Stanford's academic excellence, international reputation, and extensive networks position the Accelerator to convene partners within and beyond the university, fostering innovation across disciplines and sectors. These collaborations leverage the university's lab space, courses, and vibrant ecosystem of scholars to convert ideas into solutions.