Is Your Startup Ready for IGF?

Companies at all development stages are welcome to apply to pitch at IGF. 

To ensure startups are getting in front of the right investors, the IGF selection committee prioritizes ventures in the following verticals: Agriculture and Food, Built Environment, Electricity, Enabling Technologies, Fuels and Chemicals, Materials and Industrial Manufacturing, Resource Management and Adaptation, Transportation & Mobility.

IGF divides its pitch competitions based on each startup’s phase of commercialization. 

Stage

Definition
EARLY Companies with lab-tested technology and working towards a prototype
PRE-COMMERCIALIZATION Companies with a prototype or minimum viable product seeking pilots or demonstrations
COMMERCIALIZATION Companies with sound technical validation through at least one pilot or demonstration and ready for commercial-scale production.
GROWTH Companies with proven technology and significant performance data and ready-to-scale production

Eligibility: All applicants must be in the process of raising capital by Dec. 31, 2026.
 

Past Presenters and Winners
 

Applying to IGF: What You Need to Know

Applying to pitch at IGF is simple and every applicant benefits, whether or not they’re selected to present.

How It Works

Step 1: Review the 2026 Application Guide and Access the Portal

Start by reviewing the 2026 Application Guide, then log in or create an account in the SurveyMonkey Apply portal.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Review our Tips for a Robust Application (found in the application guide) before starting.

Select your technology type and stage of development so we can match your application with the right investors and reviewers.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

  • In-Person IGF: $400 (includes one complimentary pass to attend IGF + 15% discount code for additional team members).
  • International Demo Day: $100 (for eligible companies headquartered outside the United States, Canada, or Europe).

Step 4: Submit by the Deadline

Complete all application tasks in the portal and submit by Nov. 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Step 5: Investor Review and Selection

Each application is reviewed by members of our Investor Selection Committee (180+ active investors and industry experts). Every applicant receives direct investor feedback.

Step 6: Notifications

Applicants will be notified of their status by mid-January 2026.

Finalists will be invited to pitch at the IGF (March 31–April 2, 2026) or at the International Demo Day (Feb. 18, 2026).

APPLY TO PITCH
 

IGF Welcomes Innovators from Around the World
IGF Welcomes Innovators

IGF creates a unique gateway for international startups to showcase their solutions, connect with investors, and access the U.S. energy innovation ecosystem.

Virtual International Demo Day

  • Held on Feb. 18, 2026 for startups headquartered outside the United States, Canada, and Europe.
  • Companies follow the same application process as in-person IGF applicants.
  • Selected startups pitch in front of investors and receive direct feedback, no travel required.
  • Winner will receive complimentary pass and sponsored travel to attend the in-person IGF.

It Pays to Apply: Application Benefits
 

Attendee

Applicant

Selected Presenter
Schedule 1:1 meetings with investors
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Priority scheduling with investors  
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Investor review and feedback  
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Educational webinars  
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Complimentary registration for one individual  
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Discounted registration for additional members  
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Investor mentoring    
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Visibility and prestige    
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Opportunity to win Best Venture, Outstanding Venture, and People's Choice awards    
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IGF 2026

March 31 - April 2, 2026 
Sheraton Downtown
Denver, CO

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