Demonstrate and Deploy Advanced Energy
Minnesota continues to lead in energy innovation and Grid Catalyst is helping grow and attract new business and technologies through our entrepreneur and startup programming. This is made possible through a broad network of partners, providing pathways for emerging businesses to demonstrate and deploy their solutions.
These partnerships are essential in establishing the real-world applications and potential of our emerging technologies. To deploy and scale, we have to demonstrate what’s possible. Read through our partnership outline to learn more about the process.
Reach out to our team to discuss the possibilities for our 2026 Demonstration Cohort cycle.
Demonstration Cohort Opportunity
Each year, Grid Catalyst will recruit the best and brightest energy startups to compete for a spot in our Demonstration Cohort. The members of the Innovators Network are invited to listen to pitches from the finalists in the program, an opportunity to hear about incredible, emerging technologies. For those who find a technology that aligns with their priorities, they can identify a startup to explore a demonstration project.
If the startup and Innovators Network partner align on scope, timing, and budget, the startup will be selected for the Demonstration Cohort and the partners will have 12 months to mobilize the project.
- Over 30 partners participate in pitch events.
- Startups will pitch for the opportunity to develop a pilot project with a Minnesota-based partner.
- Through 2026, demonstration projects will receive funding support through Minnesota Energy Alley.
- Participation in pitch events does not obligate partners to host a project and is a great way to learn about emerging technologies and new business partnership opportunities. .
Innovators Network Partners
Collaborative Partners
Benefits Provided to Innovation Network Partners
Impact ‐ Working together to act on climate and strengthen our regional economy
Early interest from partners will show startups that Minnesota is serious about developing and deploying innovation. This will attract a high‐caliber slate of candidates to the accelerator cohort, with priority recruiting and selection given to startups led by people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+.Visibility ‐ Elevate your organization’s commitment to clean energy
Innovator Network partners will be featured on the Grid Catalyst website, in digital media, and industry storytelling. Hosts will be featured in ongoing media and communications campaigns.
Opportunity – Introductions to emerging technology and promising entrepreneurs
Partners will be introduced to emerging businesses with innovative solutions that have been through a vetting process with technical and financial advisors. This creates an opportunity for investment, collaboration, and customizing solutions to meet your unique climate and clean energy needs.Exploring the Partner Commitment
Partners who pledge for the 2025 Innovators Network, agree to the following:
- Their organization has a commitment to initiatives that reduce carbon and address northern climate energy challenges.
- Listing the organization on our website and included in promotional materials as a partner (this is also a benefit!)
- Participation in Fall 2025 pitch events (slated for September 25).
- Provide brief feedback on startup pitches.
Pledging interest in the Innovators Network does not obligate any organization or individual to mentor a startup or host a demonstration project. This is a non‐ binding commitment to help our initiative build momentum and highlight the immense capacity and interest of clean energy partners in Minnesota.
- Grid Catalyst was launched in 2021 to accelerate clean energy deployment.
- We have nearly 40 Minnesota partners in our collective efforts to strengthen our regional energy innovation ecosystem.
- It is the only clean energy accelerator that enables project demonstration and focuses on solutions for northern climate challenges.
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