Pitch. Connect. Grow. 

Pitch Competition Application Open Through Nov. 17.

Benefits at a Glance:

• Pitch live at IGF for top honors
• Get feedback from leading investors and advisors
• Gain early access to 1:1 investor meetings
• Refine your pitch with finalist mentoring and training
• Boost visibility and connect with peers
• Attend IGF with complimentary pass for in-person applicants    
        

APPLY TO PITCH
 

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Top 5 Reasons to Attend IGF 

1 Investor Access Like Nowhere Else

Connect with more than 230 venture firms and strategic investors, all actively scouting for the next big opportunity 

2 Pitch on a Premier Stage

Selected startups gain visibility in front of investors, industry leaders, and peers while competing for top honors.

3 Meet Your Next Strategic Partner

In 2025, startups and investors held more than 2,600 meetings making IGF more than just a pitch stage but a networking engine.

4 Unmatched Ecosystem Connections 

Meet entrepreneurs, corporations, resource partners, and research experts who are driving innovation across energy and technology.

5 Connect with NREL Researchers

IGF connects startups and investors with world-class technical expertise and market insights, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world commercialization.

 

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An Investor-Selected Stage for Startups

At IGF, investors aren’t just in the audience, they drive the process.

• Investor Selection Committee: Startup applications are reviewed by a committee of more than 180 active investors, ensuring every eligible startup is evaluated by experts who understand your stage and market.
• Direct Investor Feedback: Every applicant receives feedback directly from investors, providing insights to refine your strategy, no matter the outcome.
• Finalist Pitches: Selected startups take the stage to pitch in front of a panel of investor judges, with many more investors in the audience— providing visibility far beyond the panel itself.
• Investor Alignment: From application to pitch, you’re in front of the right investors at the right time.   

2025 IGF INvestors
 

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Capital Across the Energy and Resource Spectrum

Strong Alignment Between Investor Interest and Startup Focus

IGF Startups Match Investor Demand Across Stages

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And the Winner Is . . . You?

IGF isn’t just about pitching, it’s about celebrating the best of energy innovation. Finalists compete for top honors that bring visibility, credibility, and lasting recognition.

IGF Awards:

• Best Venture Overall: The top honor at IGF
• Outstanding Venture by Track: Recognizing standout companies in Early, Pre-Commercialization, Commercialization, and Growth stages
• People’s Choice Award: Selected live by the IGF audience
• Best International Startup: Awarded during the International Demo Day

Winners also receive the opportunity to pitch on the IGF main stage during the closing luncheon, gaining increased visibility with investors, corporates, and partners.