RMI and Third Derivative Advance Cooling Innovations to Combat Global Heat Crisis
Open call for passive daytime radiative cooling solutions to demonstrate performance in real-world pilots
Boulder, CO — November 17, 2025
With cooling demand set to grow 2.5-fold by 2050, Third Derivative, RMI’s global climate tech accelerator, today announced a call for passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) solutions for several pilot opportunities designed to validate the technology across diverse climates and building types in the United States and India.
Cooling is no longer a luxury — it is a global necessity essential for health, productivity, and survival. Conventional air conditioning and refrigeration currently account for more than 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Third Derivative is working to scale breakthrough cooling technologies that can cut emissions, improve resilience, and expand access to affordable cooling in heat-vulnerable regions.
“We are at a tipping point for cooling. Conventional, business-as-usual solutions are not enough — not enough to mitigate cooling-related climate pollution, and not enough to protect vulnerable communities against extreme heat.” said Rushad Nanavatty, Third Derivative’s managing director. “Those who need breakthrough cooling solutions the most are the least able to afford them. By accelerating the deployment of solutions like passive daytime radiative cooling, we can radically expand access to affordable, zero-energy cooling that addresses both challenges.”
PDRC technologies — such as paints, films, and membranes — have the potential to lower indoor temperatures by up to 18°F (10°C) on hot days without using electricity. RMI and Third Derivative are inviting leading PDRC manufacturers to apply for participation in upcoming global pilots. Selected products will be evaluated for their cooling performance, affordability, scalability, durability, toxicity, and embodied carbon.
Through these pilots, Third Derivative and partners will collect critical data to assess performance, evaluate human and environmental benefits, and advance commercialization pathways for promising solutions. Third Derivative’s pilot projects are designed to generate open-source evidence that supports equitable, transparent deployment of sustainable cooling solutions.
In India, Third Derivative is collaborating with a research institution and local grassroots partner to pilot PDRC products in an informal housing community in Ahmedabad, improving indoor comfort and community well-being amid rising heat stress. In the United States, Third Derivative will work with technical partners to test PDRC products on commercial buildings. Together, these pilots will demonstrate the technology’s versatility and scalability.
These projects in India and the United States are made possible through seed funding from the Autodesk Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, respectively, whose early support is catalyzing the testing and scaling of zero-energy cooling solutions. Additional partners and funders are being engaged to expand the pilots to more sites, products, and geographies, advancing equitable, data-driven pathways for global deployment.
“Access to cooling is a matter of both fairness and survival,” said RMI CEO Jon Creyts. “With support from RMI, Third Derivative, and our ambitious partners, innovators have the opportunity to jump-start novel technologies that will transform how the world stays cool, without heating the planet.”
These efforts are part of RMI’s broader Global Cooling Initiative, which leverages cutting-edge startups, partners, and financing to advance sustainable cooling solutions, from efficient appliances to eco-friendly refrigerants and better refrigerant management. To explore more innovative cooling solutions, visit Third Derivative’s Global Cooling Innovations page.
For more information on the pilot opportunities, visit our Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling webpage.
About RMI
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to secure a prosperous, resilient, clean energy future for all. In collaboration with businesses, policymakers, funders, communities, and other partners, RMI drives investment to scale clean energy solutions, reduce energy waste, and boost access to affordable clean energy in ways that enhance security, strengthen the economy, and improve people’s livelihoods. RMI is active in over 50 countries.
About Third Derivative
Third Derivative, RMI’s global climate tech accelerator, is accelerating the rate of climate innovation. Third Derivative’s inclusive ecosystem rapidly finds, funds, and scales climate tech globally. By uniting and aligning investors, corporations, and experts with the world’s most promising climate tech startups, Third Derivative bridges finance and resource gaps to increase the speed to market. The flexible and highly curated remote accelerator program enables startups to focus on their unique needs and opportunities. Together, we are moving markets to achieve an equitable climate future. Learn more at www.third-derivative.org.
