Industry Immersion: American Innovation in Climate Tech

Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges of our time, fundamentally driven by human activities and amplified by the rapid pace of industrialization and economic growth. At its core, climate change is as much a technological problem as it is an environmental one – enabled by outdated methods of energy production, inefficient resource management, and unsustainable infrastructure. At the same time, technology holds immense promise for solutions for mitigating emissions and adapting to the impacts of a warming planet. American Innovation in Climate Tech is a spring semester elective course designed for Columbia Business School students to explore the cutting edge of innovation in climate technologies. It aims to provide students with exposure to a range of industries and companies at the forefront of innovation. We will explore the latest breakthroughs and emerging technologies for addressing climate impacts in energy generation, alternative fuels, grid modernization, mobility, decarbonized materials, agriculture, and carbon management. By analyzing recent advancements and engaging directly with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and project developers, students will gain practical insights into how new technologies are developed, piloted, and commercialized. This course aims to empower students to actively participate in shaping technological solutions that are not only innovative, but have potential for commercial success and impact on climate mitigation or adaptation. San Francisco and Houston were chosen as anchor destinations because they showcase two distinct but complementary models of climate innovation. San Francisco, driven by venture capital, startup culture, and ambitious state climate policy, and Houston, leveraging its energy expertise, industrial base, and deregulated market to scale technologies. Together, these two areas of the country provide students with a unique opportunity to examine how business innovation will shape the response to climate change. This course relies heavily on participation and students should be prepared both for in class discussion and to speak with industry professionals during the trip. Travel to Houston, Texas and San Francisco, California will take place during Spring Break, March 15 – March 21, 2026, following six in-person class sessions. A post-trip meeting will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 to debrief and wrap up the course. Industry Immersion Program courses bridge classroom lessons and business practices through in-person visits that complement the themes explored in the classroom. These three-credit courses combine a half-term of classes in New York with a one-week visit to cities that highlight the industries of focus where students will meet with businesses and organizations that exemplify the learning goals of the course. The program fee for this Industry Immersion course is $2100 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals. It does not cover roundtrip airfare into the first city and out of the last (any inter-city travel will be booked and included). Attendance in New York and on-site in Houston and San Francisco and regular classroom participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and, as such, attendance is mandatory.