- 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 20 November 2026. Acceptance is granted on a rolling basis with a limited number of spaces available. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. All selections will be finalized by the beginning of January 2027. Event registration is required to be eligible to participate.
Certificates will be awarded for the top 3 and an opportunity to have a presence at a future PES event.
Questions? Contact us at CHALLENGE@IEEE.ORG.
All Innovation Challenge submissions will be considered for an invitation to a 3-minute Lightning Talk on the Start-Up Showcase Stage.
A limited number of exhibit booths are available for Start-Ups who have been accepted as an Innovation Challenge participant or Lightning Round presenter. For $2,600 (regular price $3,600+), Start-Ups can reserve a booth that includes: 10’x10′ space and carpet, 6′ ft table and two chairs. Must purchase booth by 31 December 2026.
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?
$7,500 | LIMIT 3
Take a leading role in the IEEE PES Grid Edge Innovation Challenge by supporting two featured tables and positioning your organization at the center of forward-looking industry conversations. This premium opportunity combines prominent brand visibility with direct access to industry leaders and a platform to share your perspective with participants.
Sponsorship Includes:
$2,500 | 7 AVAILABLE
Put your organization directly into the conversation as an Innovation Challenge Table Supporter. Each supporter receives a featured table designed to bring together industry leaders for focused discussion, idea sharing, and collaboration around key issues facing the power and energy sector.
Sponsorship Includes:
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
2027 SUPPORTERS
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
2025 SUPPORTERS
