Uptake Alliance - Ecosystem & Venture Development Director

Uptake is a market demand-inspired venture development program designed to accelerate the market adoption of innovative climate tech solutions by better establishing product-market fix with private and public offtake partners (e.g. corporate businesses).  Uptake identifies and supports climate technology startups in sectors identified by the NY Climate Act and fosters collaboration between the NYS climate tech ecosystem to coordinate efforts to advance our collective mission of achieving NYS’s emission reduction targets.  The program focuses on start ups in the pre-commercial and growth stage.

The program has five key process steps.  In the first, Corporate Problem Discovery, Uptake works with corporate partners in the relevant sector to identify and articulate their biggest need.  Second, Uptake sources the start ups that can address the needs identified by the Corporate partners.  Third, Uptake engages the ecosystem to provide ongoing, hands-on support to help each start up get closer to its commercialization goal. Fourth, Uptake will provide additional support to get the start up solution ready for commercialization in NY State.  Fifth, a corporate partner and a start up execute an in-market event, such as a pilot.  

NYSERDA provides its funding and the program is administered by ADL Ventures Group.

Key relationships

The Director of Ecosystem & Venture Development reports directly to the Managing Director, and works to develop and implement strategy to ensure success of the Uptake Program, focusing on process steps 2-4. The Director of Ecosystem & Venture Development works closely with the Director of Corporate Engagement and will oversee 1-2 associates.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Source qualified start ups, able to address the problem statements identified by the Corporate Partners, using a variety of channels, including direct email outreach, referrals, the NYS Climate Tech Innovation Ecosystem, media & social channels and via stakeholders
• Run a robust and efficient start up selection process, including selecting qualified experts for each start up Collective and adjusting application requirements as needed.
• Strengthen the outreach to DEI start ups
• Take responsibility for the start up journey with Uptake and manage start up communications
• Foster discussions between the corporate partners and start ups to drive towards a commercialization roadmap for each start up
• Curate an ecosystem of partners to help start ups accomplish their commercialization roadmaps, ideally by pushing start ups toward a suitable accelerator program.
• Source appropriate mentors for each start ups’ Commercialization roadmap
• Provide introductions and education on investors, customers and partner connections  in the space
• Support community networking in the different regions of NY
• Source and recruit experts on markets and regulations for the relevant sector to provide insights to start ups. 
• Represent Uptake at industry events, conferences, and panel discussions, proactively accepting speaking engagements to elevate program visibility and build trusted relationships across the climatetech ecosystem.
• Ensure the grant application, review, and award processes are fully aligned with the program’s strategic direction and broader climatetech platform goals.
• Serve as a reviewer and key decision-maker for startup selection processes, applying strategic and technical insight to identify high-impact opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong climate tech network in NY State required, demonstrated by 3-5+ years in the ecosystem
• Previous experience in start up support required, demonstrated by 2-3 years in an accelerator or a start up
• Previous experience with venture development required, ideally by time with a venture capital group
• Some previous experience in a corporate role preferred
• Previous experience running a grant program preferred
• Prior experience with NYSERDA preferred
• Prior managerial experience preferred

Location

Applications residing in NYC, Buffalo, Albany or Rochester, NY will be considered

Travel requirements

This position requires up to 15% travel.

—--------------------

1) Example sectors include grid modernization, advanced buildings, alternative fuels, etc.