InnovationForce and Zpryme Join Forces on START! 2025: A “Pitch to Pilot” Launchpad for Energy, Cleantech & Grid Innovation

A few of the esteemed judges that will be choosing the finalists for ETS START! 2025

InnovationForce, the AI-powered platform democratizing innovation with AI, today announced a partnership with Zpryme to host START! 2025 on the InnovationWorks platform. START! is a high-impact pitch competition designed to uncover and elevate bold solutions from the next generation of energy and climate tech entrepreneurs.

Whether you're building the next breakthrough in grid optimization AI, virtual power plants, EV infrastructure, or DER management, START! is your chance to go beyond the pitch and scale your idea into production.

“Zpryme has always championed the startup ecosystem,” said Jason Rodriguez, CEO and Founder of Zpryme. “This year, we’re taking it to the next level. Through our partnership with InnovationForce and our network of utility judges, START! will give founders more than a stage — we’re giving them a scalable strategy to move from pitch to pilot, affordably and effectively.”

New in 2025: Reverse Pitch Meets Real-World Utility Challenges

START! 2025 introduces a new “reverse pitch” feature, enabling utilities to submit their most pressing challenges to the InnovationWorks ecosystem. The competition will then match those challenges to commercially viable solutions — whether from startups or established providers — helping utilities fast-track proven ideas into real-world deployment.

“START! is where ideas take flight — and land in the real world,” said Kim Getgen, CEO and Founder of InnovationForce. “As a former START! winner, I know this competition is about more than recognition. It’s about giving founders access to the pilots, partners, and pathways needed to make a lasting impact.”

Live Pitches. Real Pilots. Real Outcomes.

Finalists will pitch live in front of a dynamic panel of utility executives from leaders like Engie, ConEdison, Centerpoint, CPS, LCRA, and Fortis Inc subsidiaries Central Hudson and Tucson Electric Power. Startups will meet industry leaders, and investors actively seeking next-gen energy solutions.

Applications are now open. Apply by August 22, 2025!