Startups and Partners Ready to Connect

Structured 1:1 networking is one of the most powerful aspects of IGF. Investors can efficiently connect with founders across a wide range of energy technologies.

IGF 2026 will showcase an innovative and high-quality cohort of startups spanning technologies, business models, and stages, from early innovators to companies scaling toward commercial deployment.  

Whether you’re scouting early-stage breakthroughs or growth-stage ventures, IGF 2026 gives you a curated, high-signal opportunity to discover, evaluate, and engage with a broad set of energy startups. 

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Who is Attending IGF 2026?

Startups

IGF attracts high-potential founders from across the energy innovation ecosystem. To maximize access to these companies, investors are encouraged to host a 1:1 table, creating efficient, targeted opportunities to meet startups throughout the event. 

Investors are invited to attend the Pitch Competition to see these high-potential startups in action. IGF 2026 Startup Presenters will be announced on the website once confirmed. 

2025 Startup Presenters

Investors 

IGF convenes a wide range of venture, growth equity, corporate strategic investors, family offices, and project finance groups. Investors can also meet peers through Ad-Hoc 1:1 meetings,  which support investor-to-investor scheduling.

National Laboratory Researchers

National lab experts join IGF to share capabilities, technical resources, and commercialization pathways. Investors can connect with these teams early at the IGF Jumpstart Pre-Conference workshops. 

Incubator/Accelerators 

Programs from across the country attend to support their companies and scout new talent. Details on the 2026 Incubator and Accelerator Open House will be posted once confirmed.

Service Providers and Sponsors  

Meet legal, finance, marketing, engineering, and other service partners who specialize in supporting startup energy companies. These providers understand startup needs and can help you navigate growth, fundraising, technical challenges, and go-to-market planning. 

IGF sponsors represent organizations committed to advancing energy innovation. As a startup attendee, you’ll have the chance to connect with sponsors throughout the event and learn about the resources, partnerships, or programs that can support your company’s next steps: 

• IGF Expo Hall  
• Service Provider Table Topics Session  
• Ecosystem 1:1 Meetings  

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Structured Networking for Investors

IGF offers three types of 1:1 structured meetings, all pre-scheduled by attendees through the Grip event app. Each 1:1 meeting is 15 minutes, with 10 minutes for the meeting and 5 minute for transition.

1 Investor/Startup 1:1s Interested Investor attendees host dedicated tables for 1:1 meetings with startup attendees. These sessions are high-value, high-focus, and consistently rated as one of the most impactful features of IGF.

host a table

 2 Ecosystem 1:1s  Meetings with NLR technical experts, corporate partners, accelerators, and ecosystem leaders to explore partnerships, technical validation, and market pathways. 

 3 Ad-Hoc 1:1s Open-format sessions where any attendee can request meetings with any participant type, including investor-to-investor. 

Scheduling for 1:1 meetings opens for investors on March 2. Learn more about how to book 1:1 meetings via the Grip Mobile App page.  

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Other Ways to Connect

In addition to 1:1 Networking, IGF offers other ways for attendees to connect at the event, check out the agenda to learn more about: 

• Resource Provider Table Topics 
• Ask-an-Expert Knowledge Bars 
• Incubator / Accelerator Open House 
• Resource Expo Hall 
• Community Meetups