Startups at the Industry Growth Forum

IGF connects innovative energy startups with the investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners ready to help them grow.  

The IGF 2026 theme, All Systems Go, highlights the rise of connected, integrated solutions across the full energy system.  

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Is Your Startup the Right Fit for IGF?

Whether you’re raising your first Seed round, accelerating toward Series A B or beyond, IGF offers structured opportunities to build relationships, refine your strategy, and get in front of the right people. 

Startups across all energy-related technologies and business models are welcome, including electricity (generation, use, and management), materials and industrial manufacturing, fuels and chemicals, built environment, resource management, transportation and mobility, enabling technologies, agriculture and food.  

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What to Expect at IGF 2026

Investor and Industry Partner Access: Meet 200+ active energy investors and industry partners participating as speakers, table hosts, judges, or attendees. 

Structured 1:1 Networking: Book targeted meetings with investors, corporates, labs, accelerators, and ecosystem partners. 

Pitch Competition: Watch top startups take the stage as finalists pitch to a panel of investors and industry experts. It’s a fast-paced look at emerging technologies, market trends, and the companies shaping what’s next. 

Startup-Focused Content: Practical sessions, applied insights, and interactive opportunities designed specifically for founders. 

National Lab Technical Expertise: Explore the technologies, business models, and trends shaping the next generation of energy innovation, backed by NLR’s deep technical expertise and decades of leadership in energy systems integration. 

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Investor 1:1 Networking Table Hosts

Each year, IGF’s investor table hosts represent a wide cross-section of venture, growth equity, family offices, corporate strategic investors, and project finance groups.  

Strong Alignment Between Investor and Startup Focus

IGF Startups Match Investor Demand Across Stages

2025 IGF INvestors
 

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Pitch Competition Showcase

Experience one of IGF’s signature moments as top startups take the stage to pitch their technologies to a panel of investors, corporates, and technical experts. The Pitch Competition offers a fast-paced look at emerging innovations, market signals, and the companies shaping the future of energy. 

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or ecosystem partner, the Pitch Competition provides insight into where the industry is headed and sparks conversations that continue throughout the Forum. 

IGF 2025 Pitch Competition Winners
 

IGF 2026 presenters will be announced February 2026.

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IGF Jumpstart: Pre-Conference Technical Workshops 

Jumpstart your IGF experience with immersive technical workshops designed to give you a 360° deep-dive into the most important technical topics shaping the future of energy. These half day sessions bring together NLR researchers, investors, startups, and industry leaders for focused discussions on what’s happening now- and what’s coming next -across the evolving energy ecosystem.