Climate. Capital. Outdoor Culture.
Climate. Capital. Outdoor Culture
One month following the 2026 Winter Olympics, join us and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team at the USANA Center of Excellence for a gathering that will bring together climate innovators, investors, Olympic athletes, and Proximity Stakeholders to accelerate real solutions in Climate Resilience and Clean Energy. By partnering with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, Progression creates the neutral ground where experts, founders, investors, and the outdoor sports community come together to move the future forward.
- April 2nd & 3rd, 2026
- Park City, Utah
Our Committed Partners
We have been fortunate to partner with incredible sponsors and mission-aligned organizations across past Progression events. Their support helps elevate early-stage climate solutions, strengthen nonprofit and proximity stakeholder voices, and bring together a community that is committed to real impact.
As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome new partners into the Progression ecosystem. If you share our commitment to climate innovation, outdoor culture, and driving meaningful change, we would love to explore how we can work together. Progression continues to grow each year and there are many ways for sponsors and mission-driven organizations to be part of the journey.
What Are Progression Conferences?
- Investors
- Proximity Stakeholders
- Start-Ups
- Outdoor Sports Industry
- Non-Profits
- Investors
- Start-Ups
- Outdoor Sports Industry
Progression brings together investors, founders, and “Proximity Stakeholders” (non-profits, government agencies, academics, and other subject matter experts) along with the outdoor sports community to accelerate breakthrough climate technologies.
By grounding the experience in outdoor sports culture and highlighting the voices of professional athletes, Progression creates a neutral environment that brings together people who do not usually share the same rooms. This helps reduce polarization around climate issues and makes it easier to identify the most urgent gaps in climate tech. The mix of investors, mission-driven organizations, and technical experts helps surface areas where true pain points exist and where catalytic capital can create meaningful impact.
Progression uses a “Double IC” model to choose the companies that present each year. The first stage is a review by a group of venture investors who select companies that show strong commercial potential and are actively fundraising in the Series A to Series C range. The second stage is an independent review by “Proximity Stakeholders”, including non-profits, academics, government agencies, and other experts who evaluate the companies on mission alignment, scientific credibility, and real-world climate relevance. The combination of these two committees ensures that the final presenters are both financially compelling and positioned to create significant climate impact.
Conference Overview
In partnership with the World Surf League (WSL) and the Surf Conservation program at Conservation International, Progression 2025 spotlighted startups making measurable impact on ocean health. Through a rigorous selection process, six actively fundraising companies were chosen to present, each offering a scalable solution to preserve and protect marine ecosystems.
Held in Huntington Beach, CA, during the Lexus US Open of Surfing, the event brought together 300+ leading investors, world-class athletes, and climate-focused founders for a high-impact day of conversation and connection.
Be Part of What’s Next.
Climate. Capital. Outdoor Culture.
FAQ
What is the mission of Progression?
Through the culture of outdoor sports, we connect investors, founders, and thought leaders to drive climate impact.
How is Progression different from a traditional climate or venture conference?
Progression combines climate innovation, investor engagement, and outdoor sports culture to create a neutral space for honest insight and meaningful partnership. Companies are evaluated through our Double Investment Committee process, which blends venture rigor with mission-aligned expertise. This ensures that selected companies are both commercially compelling and grounded in real climate need.
What are Proximity Stakeholders?
Proximity Stakeholders are nonprofits, government agencies, academics, and technical experts who have no financial interest in the companies being reviewed. They provide scientific, operational, and climate-context expertise and help ensure that Progression highlights companies solving real problems. Their independent assessment is a core part of our Double IC model.
Is the event open to the public?
Attendance is invitation-only. We curate a balanced group of founders, investors, researchers, athletes, and mission-aligned leaders who can contribute to and benefit from the experience. You can submit a registration form on our website. All submissions are reviewed by our team. If approved, you will receive an official invitation with next steps.
Who should apply to present to Progression 2026?
This year our focus is on companies in clean energy and climate resilience that are raising Series A through Series C rounds. Strong candidates are commercially ready, mission-aligned, and solving meaningful climate challenges.