Funding Strategy and Policy Analysis

Brineworks is developing ultra low-cost direct air capture (DAC) for carbon removal and utilisation. We are a climate tech start-up headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with an international team of 15 with expertise spanning chemistry, engineering, policy, business, and strategy.

Our mission is to deliver ultra low-cost DAC through cutting edge electrochemistry and renewably powered intermittent operation. Our vision is for our technology to enable a world where gigaton-scale carbon removal reverses climate change and secures a livable planet for generations to come.

Brineworks offers a dynamic start-up environment where team members work closely on strategic initiatives that shape the company's trajectory. We value intellectual rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and cross-functional learning.

You will work on high-impact projects with real commercial and technical implications.

Learn more about us here: https://brineworks.tech/

Purpose: Inform how Brineworks prioritises its project and operational siting and strategic application for incentives

Tasks

1. Build on existing Non-Dilutive Funding Strategy to update with any relevant regulations and incentives not already captured, calculate incentive stacking opportunities (for example state + federal funding from the US), and refine prioritisation framework
2. Assess Brineworks' readiness to apply to the top priority opportunities and identify which gaps need filling, with what, and by when
3. For priority grants, research who historically applies, who are past winners, and what made their applications compelling
4. Create templates of technical narratives, budgets, and work plans that can be refined and recycled depending on the grant
5. Conduct risk assessment and scenario analysis, identifying any sunset provisions, policy uncertainty, and potential election impacts that could affect Brineworks

Expected Outcomes

Regulatory & Policy Analysis

Develop competencies in navigating funding landscapes across multiple jurisdictions. Learn to assess policy mechanisms, incentive structures, and regulatory requirements that shape strategic decision-making for climate tech companies.

Non-Dilutive Funding Strategy & Application Development

Build practical skills for maximising funding, including incentive stacking analysis, competitive intelligence on past winners, and creating reusable application templates. Gain experience translating technical projects into compelling funding narratives.

Strategic Impact

Directly inform Brineworks' project and operational siting decisions by identifying optimal regulatory environments and de-risking the funding pathway for commercial-scale deployment

Project Deliverables

• Updated incentive database with stacking opportunities and prioritisation framework
• Application readiness assessment with gap analysis and timelines
• Analysis of successful applicants
• Reusable grant templates (technical narratives, budgets, work plans)
• Risk assessment covering policy uncertainty and timing considerations

• Our working language is English, so fluency is required
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, with ability to synthesise complex information from multiple sources
• Comfort working with quantitative and qualitative data
• Ability to produce clear, concise written content for various audiences (technical and non-technical)
• Self-directed and proactive work style with ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, well-documented work
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and willingness to learn about climate tech, its practical applications, and how to translate research into actionable business insights
• Collaborative team player comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment

In addition to co-signing the Letter of Commitment with Brineworks, you will also be required to sign our Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

• Strong preference for talent who can work in-person at our offices in Amsterdam
• Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments

Brineworks is committed to building a diverse team and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

This role is scoped for a three month period. There is potential for you to extend the time in your role with us depending on Brineworks' evolving needs. Any extensions will be discussed towards the end of the InnoNext Program.