| Initiate is your gateway to discovering the up-and-coming innovations in the energy sector at DISTRIBUTECH. Witness firsthand how startups are transforming the industry! Stop by to hear the newest solutions on the market, breakthrough technologies, and connect with innovators from across the globe. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore fresh ideas and connect with the future of transmission and distribution! |
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Where new ideas come to life
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Curious about exhibiting with Initiate?
Eligibility
Your application and pitch deck will be reviewed by the team to determine whether you qualify for Initiate.
The company should have:
- Less than 25 employees
- No more than $15M in funding
- A pitch deck to provide in the application
- A technology that is applicable to the energy industry
The company should be:
- Founded less than 6 years ago
- New to Initiate (has not participated in previous years)
Important dates
Dates |
What's happening |
| March 14, 2025 |
Send final presentation to Sarah Toews (also bring it on a flash drive as a backup). |
| March 23-24, 2025 |
Arrive in Dallas to get set up. |
| March 25-27, 2025 |
Have the kiosk staffed, network, present your pitch at assigned time, walk the exhibit floor, attend conference sessions, etc. To kick off the event, the keynote will take place on March 25th at 8:30 AM, then the exhibit hall opens at 10:00 AM. |
| March 27, 2025 |
Awards given out by judges and Duke Energy on Initiate stage, 10:30 AM. |
How Initiate can impact you!
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"Participating in the Initiate program at DISTRIBUTECH was an incredible experience that exceeded all of our expectations. The opportunity to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and explore groundbreaking innovations was both inspiring and rewarding. The success of this event has reinforced our commitment to advancing innovation and fostering collaboration within the energy industry.”
Initiate FAQs
How do I rent additional items for my kiosk (monitor, lead retrieval, additional stool, etc.)?
Once the exhibitor portal is open, you can rent these items through the portal. You can also bring/ship items directly to the convention center and instructions are located in the exhibitor manual (coming soon to the event website).
Is there a prize if our company is one of the top three start-ups?
While there is not a cash prize, the top three start-ups will receive a physical award to display, interview with one of Clarion’s content directors, a press release, and a free 10x10 booth for DTECH 2026 in San Diego, CA. The top start-up will also receive a $1,500 sponsorship credit to use toward the 2026 event.
What will my company be graded on in order to be selected?
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| Traction |
No traction at all | Soft traction (press coverage, social followership, etc…) | Test users/pilot/convincing non-financial KPIs (downloads, pre-orders)/raised significant funding from investors | Generating first revenues | Generating significant revenues (operatively positive on a monthly basis) | Sustainable profit (significant profit) |
| Team | Single founder, no team |
Small team, not very experienced |
Complementary team with little experience | Complementary team with significant experience | Experienced, complementary team including serial entrepreneur(s) |
Experienced complementary team including serial entrepreneur with exit |
| Product | No innovation, imitation of existing products and services | Low innovation – localization of proved business models from abroad. | Some innovation – incremental improvements of existing products and services | Innovative new solution or business model addressing customer needs | Competitive technological innovation/advantage |
Very strong innovation or protected IP |
| Market | Market does not exist/no market need | Small market, well served by competitors or equally good substitutes |
Large market, well served by competitors or equally good substitutes | Attractive niche in small market with unique solution/position | Attractive niche in large market with unique solution/position | Very large in mostly underserved market with the right offering |
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