Recorded live at Startup Boston Week 2025 at Suffolk University, this episode of Power Up Boston spotlights a leader helping shape the future of climate innovation in Boston and beyond: Aisling Carlson, Chief Growth Officer at Greentown Labs.
Greentown Labs is the world’s largest climatetech and energy incubator, home to hundreds of startups developing solutions to combat climate change. In this conversation, Aisling shares her journey from venture capital in London and California to leading growth and partnerships at Greentown, where community and collaboration sit at the center of everything they do.
From Venture Capital to Climate Innovation
Aisling opens up about her early career in venture capital, her hands-on experience at a startup that developed smart water technology, and how those lessons led her to Massachusetts and ultimately to Greentown Labs. She reflects on what drew her to Greentown’s mission and how the organization’s founder-first ethos continues to evolve.
Inside the World’s Largest Climatetech Incubator
The episode explores what makes Greentown such a powerful ecosystem for startups, from its physical labs and prototyping spaces to its programs that connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and corporate partners. Aisling explains how this blend of resources and intentional programming helps founders move from idea to scale while staying grounded in community.
She also shares how Greentown’s presence in both Somerville, MA and Houston, TX allows startups to tap into two complementary ecosystems: Boston’s innovation and talent pipeline, and Houston’s energy industry and infrastructure.
The Power of Partnerships and Resilience
A key theme of the conversation is the importance of partnerships in helping founders succeed. Aisling discusses how Greentown supports startups by bridging connections to corporations, government agencies, and investors, and how that network often becomes a critical support system for founders navigating the long and challenging road to commercialization.
She also reflects on what resilience means in today’s startup landscape, where fundraising has become more competitive and intentionality matters more than ever. Her advice to founders: know your “why,” stay connected to your community, and embrace the lessons that come with every challenge.
What’s Ahead for Greentown Labs
Looking ahead, Aisling shares Greentown’s vision for expanding its impact, from empowering founders in Boston and Houston to exploring ways to bring the Greentown model to other regions around the world. She highlights upcoming events like the Climate Tech Summit in both cities and the growing demand for spaces where collaboration can drive meaningful climate action.
The Power of Partnerships and Resilience
A key theme of the conversation is the importance of partnerships in helping founders succeed. Aisling discusses how Greentown supports startups by bridging connections to corporations, government agencies, and investors, and how that network often becomes a critical support system for founders navigating the long and challenging road to commercialization.
She also reflects on what resilience means in today’s startup landscape, where fundraising has become more competitive and intentionality matters more than ever. Her advice to founders: know your “why,” stay connected to your community, and embrace the lessons that come with every challenge.
What’s Ahead for Greentown Labs
Looking ahead, Aisling shares Greentown’s vision for expanding its impact, from empowering founders in Boston and Houston to exploring ways to bring the Greentown model to other regions around the world. She highlights upcoming events like the Climate Tech Summit in both cities and the growing demand for spaces where collaboration can drive meaningful climate action.
Listen to the Episode
🎧 Don’t miss the full conversation on PowerUp Boston.