Forward-thinking, Bold innovations

ETN Pilotathon & Showcase: Innovation for Impact

Houston, the Energy Capital of the World, is empowering the next generation of bold leaders—Thunderlizards—driving change and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Get a front-row seat as ambitious startups pitch groundbreaking pilots to expert judges and a live audience. Explore interactive booths where visionary founders showcase revolutionary tech and share their passion.

The theme for this year is “Innovation for Impact,” highlighting the entrepreneurs who are driving solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges—particularly those in sustainability and technology. Whether you’re an investor, industry professional, fellow entrepreneur, or someone passionate about supporting innovation, this event offers unparalleled access to tomorrow’s game-changers. Expect inspiring stories, groundbreaking solutions, and a vibrant community coming together to shape the future.

Join us on September 16, 2025, in Houston for a day of bold ideas, game-changing solutions, and connections that will drive future collaboration.

Let’s champion the innovators who dare to dream big and build even bigger. See you at the 2025 ETN Pilotathon & Showcase!

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Learn More

ETN Pilotathon & Showcase 2025 Submissions

Pilot Pitch and Showcase Submission Opens: Monday, March 10th 9:00AM (CST)
Pilot Pitch Submission Closes: Thursday July 31st 11:59PM (CST)
Showcase-Only Application Closes: Friday, September 5th 11:59PM (CST)
The participant must be available in person on September 16, 2025.

Once you have submitted your application, you’ll be notified by email if you’ve been chosen.

Apply Now

How does the Pilotathon Process Work?

All participants in the ETN Pilotathon and Showcase will be selected from public submissions which will open March 10, 2025. The ETN Pilotathon features 9 categories, detailed more below.

Pilotathon Categories:

Industry

Focuses on making industrial processes more sustainable — like reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner production methods in sectors like manufacturing, chemicals, and heavy industry.

Circularity

Promotes the circular economy by minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials — designing products and systems to keep resources in use for as long as possible.

Renewable Fuels

Involves the development and use of sustainable fuels derived from renewable sources like biofuels, green hydrogen, and synthetic fuels — aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

Buildings

Focuses on creating energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings through sustainable construction materials, smart energy systems, and technologies that reduce water and energy consumption.

Agriculture

Innovates for sustainable farming practices — like regenerative agriculture, precision farming, and low-impact fertilizers — to minimize environmental impact while increasing productivity and preserving soil health.

Heat Supply

Develops sustainable heating solutions for homes, businesses, and industries — including district heating, heat pumps, and systems that use waste heat or renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen

Works on producing, storing, and using hydrogen as a clean energy carrier — with a focus on green hydrogen made from renewable electricity to replace fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries.

Power

Develops renewable electricity generation and distribution systems — like solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage — with the goal of creating a more resilient, low-carbon power grid.

Mobility

Focuses on sustainable transportation solutions — like electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen-powered transport, shared mobility, and infrastructure for low-carbon transit systems.

Pitching

Participants that will be pitching will present their pilot in a 4-minute pitch followed by 2 minutes Q&A session from the judges. Each applicant must designate a pitcher who will present on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The pitcher must attend the pitch preparation webinar and the final pitch deck must be submitted by September 8, 2025.
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Those participants showcasing will only need to submit an application and further requirements will be sent to those selected.
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See Key Dates section in the FAQ for additional details.

FAQs

Are you a startup at the pilot stage, ready to showcase your innovative technology to a room full of investors, industry experts and potential partners? We invite you to apply to ETN’s Pilotathon & Showcase, where you’ll have the opportunity to present your startup’s prototype, product, or proof of concept to a select group of investors and industry leaders. This is a chance to gain valuable feedback, secure partnerships, and attract funding to take your technology to the next level.

Applicants

Pilot ‍Pitch and Showcase Submission Opens: Monday March 10th 9:00AM (CST)
Pilot ‍Pitch and Showcase Submission Info Webinar: TBD
‍Pilot Pitch Submission Closes: Thursday July 31st 11:59PM (CST)
Showcase-Only Application Closes: Friday, September 5th 11:59PM (CST)
‍Pilot Pitch Applicants Notified: By Monday August 18th
Showcase-only Applicants Notified: Monday August 18th – Monday September 8th 5:00PM (CST)

Participants

Pilotathon & Showcase Preparation Webinar: Tuesday August 26th 2:00PM – 2:30PM (CST)
‍Final Pitch Deck Submission: Monday September 8th 5:00PM (CST)
ETN Pilotathon: September 16th, 2025

Calling all Thunderlizards who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and ready to take their startup to the next level! We are looking for startups that are ready to pilot their technology in the next 6 - 12 months.

In the application you will use Elemental's Commercial Inflection Point Scale to select your technology's degree of commercial readiness. Visit Elemental Impact's site for more on the Commercial Inflection Point Scale.

There is no cost to submit an application.

However, do keep in mind that there is a registration fee to participate in the event. If you're an ETN member at the associate level or higher, the registration fee is waived. For those who aren't ETN members, there is a registration fee of $65 per person.

To apply for a spot at the Pilotathon & Showcase, please submit your application by the deadline, depending on your participation as a pilot pitch or showcase only, see key dates for details.

In the application form you will need to include a brief description of your product or technology, the stage of development and current pilot/test results, your goals for the event (e.g. funding, partnerships, market feedback)

Apply here