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Halleh Balch, assistant professor of oceans, is part of an Accelerator project team developing a new sensor to enable real-time measurements of ocean health. (Credit: Andrew Brodhead)

Mission & vision

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Based at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator helps researchers from across the university translate innovative ideas into transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. We support project teams driving innovation in technology, policy, finance, and other fields crucial for shaping a sustainable future.

Our mission 

The Stanford Sustainability Accelerator speeds the translation of research into scalable technology and policy solutions to address urgent sustainability challenges. 

Our vision

We envision innovative sustainability solutions stemming from Stanford research taking root in policies, programs, and markets to help people, nature, and economies thrive. We aim to inspire a more powerful deployment of academia’s strengths on behalf of a sustainable world.

The Accelerator brings powerful assets to its mission.

People and ideas

Based in the Doerr School, Stanford’s epicenter for climate and sustainability research, the Accelerator brings together faculty, students, fellows, and visiting scholars from across campus to generate innovative ideas and collaborations. Alumni and other university affiliates provide vital support and mentorship to research teams.

Convening power

Stanford's academic excellence, international reputation, and extensive networks position the Accelerator to convene partners within and beyond the university, fostering innovation across disciplines and sectors. These collaborations leverage the university's lab space, courses, and vibrant ecosystem of scholars to convert ideas into solutions.

Culture and history

Stanford's culture of innovation and historic ties to Silicon Valley, a global hub of technology innovation and entrepreneurship, enable the Accelerator to drive real-world impact locally, regionally, and globally.