The 2026 Incubatenergy® Labs Challenge is now open for applications, offering startups an opportunity to collaborate with leading utilities to test and scale breakthrough energy technologies.
Organised by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the programme bridges the gap between innovation and implementation, helping startups deliver real solutions to real utility challenges.
Aim
The challenge seeks technologies that can make energy systems more reliable, efficient, and sustainable. It targets five main areas: grid modernisation and resilience, demand flexibility, smart load growth, advanced utility operations and an open category for emerging ideas.
The goal is to accelerate transformation in how energy is produced, distributed and consumed.
Benefits
Selected startups will advance from concept to real-world demonstration with participating utilities. They will receive paid pilot projects, access to EPRI’s network of utility members and expert mentorship.
Participants will also gain visibility through industry events and have the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the programme’s Demo Day in Fall 2026—creating pathways for future funding and partnerships.
Eligibility
The challenge is open to early-stage startups developing technologies that support the energy transition. Applicants should:
● Offer innovations aligned with one or more of the focus areas
● Be ready to test their solution in a utility or grid environment
● Have a functional prototype or product ready for demonstration
● Show clear potential for scalability and measurable impact
● Demonstrate solid technical and business capabilities
Review criteria
Applicants must submit details about their technology, potential use cases and relevance to the Challenge’s focus areas. They should also outline their readiness for demonstration and how their innovation supports energy efficiency, reliability or sustainability.
Collaboration potential and the clarity of business goals will be key factors during the review process.
Deadline
This application closes on November 14, 2025. Visit the EPRI website to apply.
Discover similar international programmes on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
