PG&E recently unveiled a new innovation initiative to bridge the gap between today’s energy system and California’s electrified and decarbonized future. The initiative is anchored on PG&E’s R&D Strategy Report, which identifies nearly 70 priority energy system challenges requiring novel solutions and breakthrough thinking to achieve PG&E’s True North Strategy.

In order to deliver on our True North Strategy, we are seeking transformative improvements that can holistically address the problem statements outlined in the R&D Strategy Report. We are targeting emerging technologies that have successfully progressed out of the foundational research phase, are ready to pilot or deploy near-term and have a path to commercialization at scale.

All interested researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to pitch the ideas, research, technologies or solutions that could materially address one or more of the problem statements in the report. We want to hear from everyone—private industry, academia, government agencies or startups working on the next big thing in a garage.

Submit your innovation or solution now. The entry deadline is August 11, 2023 at 11:59PM Pacific Time.

All applicants will be notified of the application determination by August 31, 2023 with select applicants invited to pitch their technologies or solutions to PG&E decision makers and subject-matter experts on either September 12, 13 or 14, 2023. Successful pitches have the potential to lead to a range of follow-on engagements with PG&E, including but not limited to:

Development Partnerships: Direct partnership with PG&E through a range of internal and external funding programs
Grant Partnerships: Partnership with PG&E on State and Federal government grant applications
Letters of Commitment or Support: Letters of commitment or support for applicants’ grant or investment applications

Although PG&E is clearly interested in sourcing innovative solutions to meet our True North Strategy objectives and for the benefit of all Californians, PG&E is under no obligation to continue with any follow-on engagement with any applicant or with any of the people or companies who may be invited to pitch at the Pitch Fest.

LINK: PG&E Innovation Pitch Fest Application