Investors, Funders, and Partners Ready to Connect
Networking is at the heart of IGF. All startup attendees can book targeted 1:1 meetings and engage in other networking activities to advance partnerships, raise capital, or explore pilots.
Who is Attending IGF 2026?
Investor Table Hosts
IGF’s investor table hosts represent a wide cross-section of venture, growth equity, family offices, corporate strategic investors, and project finance groups. When available, IGF 2026 table hosts will be posted to the website
Startups
IGF brings together founders from across the energy innovation ecosystem, offering plenty of opportunities to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Startups can network with peers throughout the event and meet companies facing similar challenges and opportunities.
IGF 2026 Startup Presenters will be announced on the website once confirmed.
National Laboratory Researchers
IGF offers direct opportunities to connect with experts and resources from the national labs. Startups and partners can learn about available capabilities, technical support, and pathways to collaborate with lab programs.
Get a head start on connecting with NLR and other National Laboratory researchers at the IGF Jumpstart Pre-Conference workshops.
Incubator/Accelerators
IGF brings together programs from across the country that support energy startups at all stages. As a founder, you’ll have the chance to meet program staff, learn what they offer, and explore opportunities for mentorship, funding, and technical or business support.
The 2026 Incubator and Accelerator Open House will be announced once confirmed, this session gives startups dedicated time to connect directly with programs that may be a fit for your next stage of growth.
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
How 1:1 Networking Works
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 Scheduled meetings between startup attendees and investor table hosts. These sessions are high-value, high-focus, and consistently rated as one of the most impactful features of IGF.
2 Ecosystem 1:1s Sessions connecting startups with:
- NLR technical experts
- Accelerator & incubator leaders
- Federal agency representatives
- Corporate innovation teams
- IGF Resource Providers
3 Ad-Hoc 1:1s Open meeting blocks where any attendee can schedule with any participant type.
1:1 Meeting Scheduling Opens:
- March 2: Startup Pitch Competition Applicants (Applications Closed) + Investors
- March 9: IGF Power-Up Package Startups (learn more)
- March 16: All Other Attendees
Learn more about our mobile event app
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
IGF 2026
March 31 - April 2, 2026
Sheraton Downtown
Denver, CO
Follow Us on Social Media