We identify, empower, and connect the next generation of energy and climate leaders to act on the Dual Challenge. We’re not just preparing leaders for the future, we’re mobilizing a community to drive real-world impact, now and in the future.
Through NextGen, emerging leaders don’t just participate, they lead, connect, and build the systems that drive measurable progress.
Identifies breakthrough pathways to significantly lower CCUS costs.
Evaluates demand and pricing for geothermal energy storage solutions.
Explores solutions for tracking and verifying methane emissions across supply chains.
Develops a roadmap to scale battery-enabled HVAC systems.
Identifies barriers and solutions to scale advanced nuclear deployment.
Builds a global scorecard to track energy and emissions progress.
Evaluates the impact of deploying CCUS on U.S. gas-fired power plants.
Identifies priority customer segments for DAC and models climate impact at scale.
Explores incentives for smaller operators to reduce methane emissions.
Assesses risks to coal phaseouts and pathways to alternative energy sources.
Analyzes how AI-driven demand reshapes the grid and renewable capacity needs.
Quantifies how grid upgrades unlock capacity and reduce emissions.
Apply to NextGen
Each year, we open applications for the next generation of energy and climate leaders.
3-day immersive bootcamp with peers, experts, and policymakers
Hands-on leadership through real-world, cross-functional projects
1:1 mentorship from leading energy and climate experts
Lifelong community driving action on the Dual Challenge
Access to a network across industry, policy, and top universities
NextGen Network
Stanford University, NG26
Atmosphere / Energy, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Columbia University, NG26
International Affairs
Stanford University, NG26
Energy Science & Engineering
Texas A&M University, NG26
Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG26
Materials Science & Engineering
Texas A&M University, NG26
Materials Science & Engineering
Rice University, NG26
Business
Harvard University, NG26
Business
Vanderbilt University, NG26
Political Science
Arizona State University, NG26
Electrical Engineering
Harvard University, NG26
Engineering Sciences
University of California, Berkeley, NG26
Business
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG26
Business
Columbia University, NG26
Climate, Energy & Environment
Harvard University, NG26
Business
University of Michigan, NG26
Business
Harvard University, NG26
Business
Harvard University, NG26
Business
Stanford University, NG26
Energy Science & Engineering
Harvard University, NG26
Business
Princeton University, NG26
Science, Tech & Environmental Policy
University of Calgary, NG26
Sustainable Energy Development
University of Chicago, NG26
Energy & Environmental Policy
Stanford University, NG26
Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University, NG26
JD-Business
Harvard University, NG26
Energy Science
Arizona State University, NG26
Systems Engineering
Arizona State University, NG26
Human & Social Dimensions of Science & Technology
University of Texas at Austin, NG26
Energy & Earth Resources
Columbia University, NG26
Climate, Energy & Environment
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG26
Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG26
Business
Texas A&M University, NG25
Petroleum Engineering
Harvard University, NG25
Urban Planning
Washington University, NG25
Atmospheric and Climate Science
University of Texas, NG25
Computational Nuclear Engineering
Rice University, NG25
Chemical Engineering
Columbia University, NG25
Climate, Energy and Environment
Arizona State University, NG25
Systems Engineering
Harvard University, NG25
Sustainability
Stanford University, NG25
Sustainability
California Institute of Technology, NG25
Computational and Mathematical Sciences
Stanford University, NG25
Environment & Resources
Stanford University, NG25
Energy Science and Engineering
Columbia University, NG25
Sustainability Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG25
Venture Capital: Climate & Deep Tech
Tecnológico de Monterrey, NG25
Applied Economics
Arizona State University, NG25
Sustainable Energy
University of Michigan, NG25
Environment & Sustainability
Washington University, NG25
Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG25
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Texas A&M University, NG25
Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG25
Entrepreneurship
University of Michigan, NG25
Energy Systems Engineering, Sustainable Systems
Stanford University, NG25
Chemical Engineering
Harvard University, NG25
Grid Resilience
Stanford University, NG25
Environment & Resources
Vanderbilt University, NG25
Electrical & Computer Engineering
University of Michigan, NG25
Sustainability
Vanderbilt University, NG25
Mechanical Engineering
University of Calgary, NG25
Data Center Policy
University of Texas, NG25
Chemical Engineering
Stanford University, NG25
Earth & Planetary Sciences
Stanford University, NG25
Stanford University, NG24
Environmental Resources
Stanford University, NG24
Environment & Resources
University of Michigan, NG24
Sustainable Systems
Harvard University, NG24
Biomedical Science
University of Potsdam, NG24
Political Science, Environmental Policy
University of Texas, NG24
Policy
California Institute of Technology, NG24
Energy Storage
Stanford University, NG24
Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG24
Entrepreneurship
University of Texas, NG24
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Harvard University, NG24
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Stanford University, NG24
Environmental Engineering
Columbia University, NG24
Sustainability Management
Harvard University, NG24
Applied Economics
Stanford University, NG24
Environment & Resources
University of Michigan, NG24
Sustainability
Stanford University, NG24
Electric Vehicles
University of Michigan, NG24
Computer Science
Columbia University, NG24
Sustainability Management
Stanford University, NG24
Materials Science & Engineering
Washington University, NG24
Earth and Space Sciences & Astrobiology
Columbia University, NG24
Materials Science & Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG24
Sustainable Fuels
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NG24
Energy & Climate Technology
Arizona State University, NG24
Sustainable Energy
Stanford University, NG24
Earth & Planetary Sciences
Texas A&M University, NG24
Petroleum Engineering
University of Michigan, NG24
Climate Science & Engineering
Harvard University, NG24
Sustainability ALM
NextGen Director
NextGen Steering Committee Chair & Executive Director, Fellows Program at Northwestern
Managing Director, Stanford Center for Fuels of the Future
Energy and Natural Resources Director, School of Public Policy at University of Calgary
Managing Director, Head of Stewardship & Impact at Silver Lake
Managing Director and Head of ESG at Quantum Capital Group
CEO, Greentown Labs
Executive Director, Programs, Resnick Sustainability Institute at California Institute of Technology
Former Chair and Co-founder, NextGen Program & Advisory and Partner, Bain & Company
Global Fellow, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
CEO and Co-Founder at Mainspring Energy
Managing Director, Activate
CEO & Founder of Energy Dialogues
Entrepreneur in Residence MIT Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship
Vice President and Chief Environment, Quality & Safety Officer at Northrop Grumman
Chairman, TEX-E
Michigan MEng/MS, NG25
PhD ChemE, Rice University, NG25
Founder GrowthFactor, MBA MIT, NG24
Senior Associate Scion Capital Partners, Stanford MBA/MS, NG24
FAQ
Everything you need to know about joining or supporting NextGen.
Who should apply to NextGen?
NextGen is designed for high-potential graduate students and emerging leaders from top universities and diverse disciplines, who are committed to solving energy and climate challenges. The program brings together individuals with technical, policy, business, and scientific backgrounds to collaborate on practical solutions.
What do NextGen leaders do in their Launch Year?
NextGen leaders work in small teams on real-world projects with OpenMinds company executive experts that address top challenges in energy and climate. NextGeners also participate in leadership and skills development training, network with OpenMinds companies and fellow NextGeners from different cohorts, and engage in partner programs and events.
What kind of support do NextGen leaders receive?
NextGen leaders receive mentorship, exposure to senior leaders across industry, policy, and academia, and access to a highly engaged network of experts. The program also provides structured training, collaboration opportunities, and real-world project experience. Boot Camp travel expenses are covered for next launch year NextGener.
How does NextGen connect to the broader network of OpenMinds?
NextGen is one of OpenMinds’ core impact pillars. NextGen leaders contribute directly to real initiatives that are sponsored by OpenMinds companies and develop relationships with executives and experts in our ecosystem. NextGeners’ voices and impact are heard and seen throughout OpenMinds’ communications and social media.
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