The Resurrection of Carbon: Greentown Go Build 2026

Greentown Go Build 2026 Seeks Innovation in Carbon Utilization

Somerville, Massachusetts and Houston, October 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest climate technology and energy incubator Greentown Labs, in collaboration with Amazon and the Global CO₂ Initiative (GCI), has announced an open innovation program called Go Build 2026. This program aims to bring together startups that are pioneering the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂), in collaboration with the University of Michigan, to rapidly develop and implement technologies.

Go Build 2026 aims to accelerate decarbonization in the construction sector and Amazon's operations. Selected ventures within the program will have the opportunity to work directly with Amazon's global experts. Additionally, with the support of GCI's and Greentown's venture-focused resources, these ventures will receive assistance in various forms:

• Validated technical pathways
• Performance data in real-world construction conditions
• Economic models for commercial-scale deployment
• Integration protocols for existing concrete production facilities
• Quality control and testing methodologies
• Supply chain optimization strategies
• Venture support workshops and structured mentorship
• Curation network opportunities with industry leaders

Go Build 2026 is inviting applications from ventures with a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 and above. Throughout the program, ventures will gain access to workspace in Greentown, entrepreneur-focused programs, and networking events; they will also receive a needs-based stipend to support their participation in the program.

Amazon is investing in the decarbonization of its global buildings to achieve a net-zero carbon goal by 2040. The company focuses on five key areas: incorporating carbon-free energy, enhancing energy efficiency, using lower-carbon refrigerants, employing lower-carbon construction materials, and reducing local water use and waste. Amazon's $2 billion climate pledge fund is investing in more sustainable construction and building materials.

Kommy Weldemariam, Amazon's Director of Science and Innovation Sustainability, stated, "The advancement of climate solutions requires the right combination of innovation, technical validation, and real-world application. This collaboration brings together Amazon's operational expertise, Greentown's venture acceleration resources, and the technical capabilities of the Global CO₂ Initiative to create a pathway from identifying groundbreaking technologies to their implementation, supporting not only Amazon's Climate Commitment but also decarbonization across the industry."

Based at the University of Michigan, GCI provides independent leadership to enhance the climate significance of the CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage sector. By supporting climate technology companies with analysis and recommendations, and accelerating carbon management innovations, GCI develops life cycle and techno-economic assessment frameworks to bring lower-carbon products to market.

Dr. Dan Cooper commented, "Since buildings and the construction sector account for over 35% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this competition has the potential to make a significant impact on our world's future carbon footprint. With partners like Amazon and Greentown, who demonstrate a deep commitment to sustainability, we couldn't ask for a better collaboration to support climate technology entrepreneurs!"

Greentown runs Go programs in five different areas that play a critical role in reducing CO₂ emissions. These open innovation programs facilitate collaborations between leading companies and climate technology entrepreneurs to find solutions to the most urgent climate challenges in the sector.

Entrepreneurs can submit their applications for Go Build 2026 by January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Ventures from around the world are encouraged to apply.