Michigan Climate Venture
The first graduate student-run climate impact group backed by the University of Michigan
Learn More
The first graduate student-run climate impact group backed by the University of Michigan
Learn More
Michigan Climate Venture (MCV) is a program housed in the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability which centers around a graduate student-run investment fund targeting early-stage climate tech companies that have massive potential for rapid decarbonization.
MCV is designed to provide a hands-on, transformational experience that prepares students for impactful careers addressing climate change — the defining challenge of our generation.
Over the course of the academic year, graduate students from schools across campus collaborate to source, screen, vet, and ultimately invest in deals aligned with MCV's mission. MCV then provides on-going portfolio support through projects.
A hallmark of MCV is its multidisciplinary nature. We welcome graduate students from across the University of Michigan to apply. Examples include SEAS, Ross, Ford, Engineering, Information, and Law. Each discipline holds a different piece of the puzzle that will inform our investment research and decision making.
General Recruiting
General fund recruitment for the 2025-2026 cohort is currently ongoing.
Apply using the link below.
Application is open until Midnight on September 7th, 2025
Join our interest list for future updates.
Questions for the leadership team can be sent to michiganclimateventure@umich.edu
MCV invests in early-stage ClimateTech startups, primarily pre-seed and seed, with moonshot potential to decarbonize the economy. Due to our location in the Midwest, our primary focus is on companies addressing challenges in agriculture, mobility, and materials with impact in the Great Lakes Region. We provide patient capital and seek to fill the investment gap between grant makers and venture capitalists that seek market rate returns. We believe in the value of deep partnerships and provide portfolio companies with pro bono consulting services to help them solve challenges.
Given MCV's location in the breadbasket of the US and the Great Lakes’ unique climate system, MCV aims to work with innovators improving input efficiency and scaling carbon sequestration related to food production and consumption
The Midwest is home to some of the biggest names in materials and production. MCV seeks to partner with startups with technologies and solutions that decrease material and energy waste by reimagining the processes of design, production, consumption, and disposal
Down the street from the Motor City, MCV supports startups with solutions that reduce emissions associated with the movement of people and goods, ranging from micro-mobility solutions to battery technologies and beyond
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Advisor
Faculty Advisor, Finance
Technical Advisor
PhD Chemistry, 2027
Director of Operations
PhD Chemical Engineering, 2026
Director of Education
PhD Chemical Engineering, 2028
Legal Lead
JD, 2026
Director of Recruiting & Culture
MBA, 2026
Co-Director of External Relations
MBA + MS Environmental Science, 2027
Co-Director of External Relations
MBA, 2026
Director of Investment Management
MBA + MS Environmental Science, 2027
Senior Associate
MBA, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA, 2026
Senior Associate
PhD Chemical Engineering, 2028
Senior Associate
MS Environmental Science, 2026
Senior Associate
MS Environmental Science + MS Robotics, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA + MS Environmental Science, 2026
Senior Associate
MS Environmental Science + MEng Chemical Engineering, 2026
Senior Associate
JD, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA, 2026
Senior Associate
PhD Chemical Engineering, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA + MS Environmental Science, 2027
Senior Associate
MS Environmental Science + MS Mechanical Engineering, 2026
Senior Associate
MBA + MS Environmental Science, 2027
The MCV Advisory Board guides our investment thesis, diligence processes, and industry network. We're grateful for their time and commitment to building the next generation of climate tech leaders.
General Partner & Co-Founder
Bouyant Ventures
Principal
Earthshot Ventures
Principal
Rethink Impact
University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability
Dana Samuel Trask Building, 440 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
If you’re a climate tech founder aligned with our investment thesis and would like to apply for funding and partnership with MCV, fill out the form below.
Apply for Funding