Welcome to the NREL 2025 Industry Growth Forum Application Portal.
Please review the application guide for more detailed instructions and information about the selection process.
In summary, you must complete the following sections:
- Basic Information
- Eligibility Questions
- Must be a legally registered entity
- Must be in the process of raising capital by December 31, 2025. If you are selected to present, we will confirm that you will be raising at the time of the event.
- Must have a proven technology and prototype
- Must not have presented at any IGF in the past
- Payment
- In-person IGF: The application fee is $400 for companies participating in the in-person IGF. This fee includes one complimentary pass to attend the IGF 2025 (even if you are not selected to present). This fee is non-refundable.
- Virtual IGF: We will be hosting a virtual pitch competition in February to boost innovation and connectivity for emerging and international economies and provide companies access to the cleantech ecosystem in the US. If your company is located in regions other than the US, Canada, or Europe, you have the option to participate in the virtual pitch competition or the in-person IGF. Note that the virtual pitch competition will not have a networking component, however, your application will be distributed to our network of investors. The application fee for the virtual pitch competition is $100. Reach out to us at igf@nrel.gov for a code to discount the fee.
- Application Questions (Sections A-I). Unless marked optional, you need to fill out all the questions.
You can save your application at any time and come back to complete it. Please review your application before submitting. You won't be able to make any changes to it once submitted.
Tips for a Robust Application
A well-written application that conveys information about your product and company in a clear and concise manner has a better chance of catching the investors’ attention. Here are some tips on how you can write a robust application. Note that these tips serve as a guideline and do not guarantee you will be selected.
- Answer all the questions to the best of your ability. Investors need to understand your technology and financials to determine the investment potential. However, the investor audience is well-versed in climate issues and energy markets - take this into consideration to keep your material concise and focused on your value proposition.
- Be sure to supply enough detail regarding your solution for a technical expert to evaluate your response for technical merit and novelty.
- Complete the financial table in section G to the best of your ability. Investors are interested in seeing realistic sales and growth projections for the next four years.
- Be authentic and use your own language. Avoid using AI-generated responses.
- Make use of bullets to improve readability. To highlight a point, use bold or underline. Do not write in all caps.
- Proofread your application. Invite a colleague or mentor to review your application before submission.
Interactive Discussion: Writing a Clear and Compelling Application that Stands Out
Listen to this video recording to gain insights directly from an investor on what they prioritize in applications and learn about key elements that can make yours stand out. Additionally, past Industry Growth Forum presenters share their personal experiences navigating the application process, offering valuable tips for success.
Office Hours
We are hosting office hours to help answer questions about the IGF event or the application process. You can join anytime during the hour and are welcome to attend more than once. Registration is required.
- Monday, October 14, 11 am - 12 pm MT. Register here.
- Monday, October 21, 11 am - 12 pm MT. Register here.
- Thursday, October 24, 9:30 - 10:30 am MT. Register here.
- Monday, October 28, 1 - 2 pm MT. Register here.
- Wednesday, October 30, 8 - 9 am MT. Register here.
- Monday, November 4, 9 - 10 am MT. Register here.
- Thursday, November 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am MT. Register here.
Please remember to download a copy of your application. Click the three dots next to your application in the portal and click Download.
The deadline to complete your submission is Monday, November 11, at 11:59pm MT.
Please contact igf@nrel.gov with any questions you may have regarding the application process.
2025 - NREL Industry Growth Forum
Welcome to the NREL 2025 Industry Growth Forum Application Portal.
Please review the application guide for more detailed instructions and information about the selection process.
In summary, you must complete the following sections:
- Basic Information
- Eligibility Questions
- Must be a legally registered entity
- Must be in the process of raising capital by December 31, 2025. If you are selected to present, we will confirm that you will be raising at the time of the event.
- Must have a proven technology and prototype
- Must not have presented at any IGF in the past
- Payment
- In-person IGF: The application fee is $400 for companies participating in the in-person IGF. This fee includes one complimentary pass to attend the IGF 2025 (even if you are not selected to present). This fee is non-refundable.
- Virtual IGF: We will be hosting a virtual pitch competition in February to boost innovation and connectivity for emerging and international economies and provide companies access to the cleantech ecosystem in the US. If your company is located in regions other than the US, Canada, or Europe, you have the option to participate in the virtual pitch competition or the in-person IGF. Note that the virtual pitch competition will not have a networking component, however, your application will be distributed to our network of investors. The application fee for the virtual pitch competition is $100. Reach out to us at igf@nrel.gov for a code to discount the fee.
- Application Questions (Sections A-I). Unless marked optional, you need to fill out all the questions.
You can save your application at any time and come back to complete it. Please review your application before submitting. You won't be able to make any changes to it once submitted.
Tips for a Robust Application
A well-written application that conveys information about your product and company in a clear and concise manner has a better chance of catching the investors’ attention. Here are some tips on how you can write a robust application. Note that these tips serve as a guideline and do not guarantee you will be selected.
- Answer all the questions to the best of your ability. Investors need to understand your technology and financials to determine the investment potential. However, the investor audience is well-versed in climate issues and energy markets - take this into consideration to keep your material concise and focused on your value proposition.
- Be sure to supply enough detail regarding your solution for a technical expert to evaluate your response for technical merit and novelty.
- Complete the financial table in section G to the best of your ability. Investors are interested in seeing realistic sales and growth projections for the next four years.
- Be authentic and use your own language. Avoid using AI-generated responses.
- Make use of bullets to improve readability. To highlight a point, use bold or underline. Do not write in all caps.
- Proofread your application. Invite a colleague or mentor to review your application before submission.
Interactive Discussion: Writing a Clear and Compelling Application that Stands Out
Listen to this video recording to gain insights directly from an investor on what they prioritize in applications and learn about key elements that can make yours stand out. Additionally, past Industry Growth Forum presenters share their personal experiences navigating the application process, offering valuable tips for success.
Office Hours
We are hosting office hours to help answer questions about the IGF event or the application process. You can join anytime during the hour and are welcome to attend more than once. Registration is required.
- Monday, October 14, 11 am - 12 pm MT. Register here.
- Monday, October 21, 11 am - 12 pm MT. Register here.
- Thursday, October 24, 9:30 - 10:30 am MT. Register here.
- Monday, October 28, 1 - 2 pm MT. Register here.
- Wednesday, October 30, 8 - 9 am MT. Register here.
- Monday, November 4, 9 - 10 am MT. Register here.
- Thursday, November 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am MT. Register here.
Please remember to download a copy of your application. Click the three dots next to your application in the portal and click Download.
The deadline to complete your submission is Monday, November 11, at 11:59pm MT.
Please contact igf@nrel.gov with any questions you may have regarding the application process.