Powering What’s Next
PG&E is thrilled to launch its second Innovation Pitch Fest to identify and accelerate breakthrough solutions to California’s most pressing grid challenges. Building on the momentum of our inaugural effort and the 2024 Innovation Summit, this year’s initiative centers on co-developing deployable technologies with vendors, backed by up to $25 million in EPIC funding and deep support from PG&E leadership. We’ve refined our focus to 13 high-impact problem statements from our 2024 R&D Strategy Report, including several newly identified challenges, that require bold thinking and breakthrough solutions from our community to help shape a more affordable, reliable, and decarbonized energy future. If you are developing a novel solution to one of the problem statements outlined below, we encourage you to consider applying.
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2025 Pitch Fest Timeline

Applications for the 2025 Innovation Pitch Fest open on July 7, 2025, and will remain open through July 25, 2025. The Pitch Fest will take place in Oakland, California from September 23-25, 2025. Pitchers will be notified in late August.

Applications Open
July 7
Applications Close
July 25
Internal Review
Late July - August
Pitchers Notified
Late August
Pitch Fest
September 23 - 25
Project Co-Development
October - December
Evaluation Criteria

Applicants need to meet the following criteria in order to be considered eligible for the competition.

Novel Solutions

Solutions featuring innovative technologies or applications that haven’t been deployed at PG&E.

Approaching Commercialization

Practical, real-world use solutions that are capable of delivering tangible results and already commercialized, or close to market readiness. Pure research projects or lab-scale efforts are typically too early for consideration.

California Impact

Solutions must demonstrate clear benefits for California energy users, with special consideration for underserved, Low-Income or Disadvantaged Communities (LI/DACs).

Data & Integration

Solutions must meet baseline cybersecurity and data management standards for integration with utility systems, including clear data ownership and handling policies.

Opportunity

Our objective is to recognize and support breakthrough solutions that address California’s toughest grid challenges. By providing funding and visibility, we help innovators scale ideas that drive resilience, equity, and a clean energy future.

Partnership

Get your idea in front of PG&E leadership and experts.

Visibility

Selected teams present to PG&E, partners, media, and experts for feedback and networking.

Funding

Winning teams will be selected to partner with PG&E on co-creating your solution.

Get in Touch

Have questions or ideas? Connect with us to learn more, collaborate, or explore partnership opportunities.

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My Idea Drafts & Submissions

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