- 19–22 April 2027
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center
The 2027 IEEE PES Grid Edge Technologies Conference & Exposition is accelerating these innovations with the Innovation Challenge.
The Innovation Challenge brings industry leaders and selected start-ups together to tackle critical challenges facing the electric power industry. This invite-only roundtable workshop is designed to move beyond conversation and identify opportunities for meaningful collaboration, pilot projects, investment, and commercialization. Led by utilities, private/public leaders, and investors/funders, the Innovation Challenge will convene at roundtables, connecting leaders with selected startups to accelerate the development of potential funded engagements within 24 months.
How to Participate
Put your innovation in front of the people who can move it forward.
Have a solution that can help shape the future of the electric grid? The Grid Edge Innovation Challenge gives emerging companies an opportunity to put their technology, ideas, and vision in front of utilities, investors, technology leaders, and potential strategic partners.
Whether you’re advancing AI and automation, DERs, grid modernization, resilience, flexible loads, or solutions for the rapidly evolving demands of data centers and electrification, Grid Edge is where you can connect your innovation to real industry challenges.
Ready to showcase what’s next? Startups with up to $50M USD equity raised are encouraged to submit a proposal for consideration as an Innovation Challenge presentation.
Submissions should include a 3-minute max recorded video describing your solution. The format of the video should include:
All proposals must be submitted by 31 October 2026. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. Selectees will be notified by of acceptance or rejection by 30 November 2026. Event registration is required to be eligible to participate.
Questions? Contact us at CHALLENGE@IEEE.ORG.
Start-Ups are also invited to participate in the Lightning Talks on the Start-Up Showcase Stage. Select “Lightning Talk” and “Innovation Challenge” on your proposal to be considered for both activities.
Bring your biggest grid challenges to the table.
The Innovation Challenge connects investors and funders with emerging companies working to solve the challenges shaping the future of the grid.
This invite-only experience is designed for dilutive and non-dilutive investors and funders who are actively exploring new technologies, partnerships, pilot opportunities, or approaches to critical grid challenges.
Event registration is required to be eligible to participate in addition to a $250 fee per participant.
Ready to discover the latest trends?
Support innovative pilots changing the grid.
Utilities, governments, and corporations interested in hosting or supporting an innovative pilot in the next 24 months can request an invitation to meet start-ups working to address key grid edge topics.
Event registration is required to be eligible to participate in addition to a $250 fee per participant. The fee will be waived for non-profit, NGO, and government leaders.
Ready to show your commitment?
START-UP SHOWCASE & INNOVATION CHALLENGE
2025 SUPPORTERS
