Frequently Asked Questions

There are 4 registration paths with varying rates. Find details on our Registration page.

Early Bird Registration ends Jan. 31, 2026

Your registration path depends on how you plan to participate at IGF.

• Startup: For entrepreneurs looking to pitch their technologies or engage with investors.
• Investor: For fund representatives participating in 1:1 networking sessions.
• Accelerator/Incubator/University: For organizations participating in the conference under these engagement categories.
• Government/Professional/Non-Profit: For attendees from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or other professional sectors.

Details on registration paths, costs, and deadlines are on our Registration page.

Registrants may substitute another person from their organization up to 7 days before the conference, without additional cost. All cancellation requests must be submitted by email to IGF@nrel.gov.

Refund Schedule:

• Full refund (minus $75 fee) before Feb. 28, 2026
• 50% refund March 1-16, 2026
• No refund after March 17, 2026

Tickets included in the pitch competition application fee are non-refundable.

IGF uses registration data to support event planning, improve the attendee experience, and ensure a high-quality event. Any information provided is used internally for coordination, analytics, and learning purposes. Individual attendee data is not shared publicly or with external parties without explicit permission from the attendee.

On-site self-parking options are available for $54/day. On-site valet parking is available for $64/day. Parking lot directions provided at check-in.

The venue can be reached by car or train. Transportation details are on our Venue and Travel page.

A list of onsite dining options and nearby restaurants is on the venue Dining page.

Please complete the food restriction portion of the registration form. If you have further concerns, email the IGF team at IGF@nrel.gov.

IGF uses the Grip mobile event app. Attendees will use the app to view and network with participants, schedule 1:1 meetings, and view the event agenda.

Information about our mobile event app is on our Mobile App page.

The event mobile app will be available March 2 for all applicants to create their profiles, view attendees, and see the event schedule. Meeting scheduling will open March 9 for pitch competition applicants and investor hosts participating in the 1:1s, March 16 for IGF Power-Up Package Startups, and March 23 for all other attendees.

Yes, we will conduct trainings on the event app in March. Check back for the schedule and to register for a training session.

Sponsorship levels and benefits are listed on our Sponsors page. Sponsoring IGF provides meaningful visibility, brand recognition, and access to a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Sponsors are promoted throughout the event based on their sponsorship level. Multiple opportunities are available to fit a range of budgets and needs.

To become an IGF sponsor, email the sponsorship team at IGF@nrel.gov

IGF is intentionally designed to maximize meaningful connections across the energy innovation ecosystem through several types of structured 1:1 sessions. All 1:1 timeslots are booked in 15 min increments with 10 min for the meeting and 5 min for transition. All meetings are pre-scheduled using the mobile app.

• Investor/Startup 1:1s: Focused conversations exclusively between investor table hosts and startup participants.
• Ecosystem 1:1s: Pre-scheduled meetings open to all attendees, featuring NREL technical experts, accelerator/incubator representatives, and IGF Resource Providers as table hosts.
• Ad-Hoc 1:1s: A flexible open session where any attendee can book meetings with any other participant type.

All 1:1 networking meetings are scheduled through the IGF mobile app. We recommend downloading the app as soon as it becomes available and booking meetings as early as your access window opens to maximize availability:

• March 9: Startup Pitch Competition Applicants (applications closed)
• March 16: IGF Power-Up Package Startups
• March 23: All Other Attendees

For more details about the event app, please visit our Mobile App page.

For more information on how the 1:1 networking works at IGF visit Networking and Investor Access page.

Yes. Investor-to-investor 1:1 meetings can be scheduled during the Ad-Hoc Networking session on April 2.

Each registered startup attendee has 12 meeting spots for the Investor/Startup 1:1 networking session on April 1 and an additional 12 spots for Ad-Hoc meetings on April 2. The Ad-Hoc meeting spots can be used to meet with investors or any other attendee.