Incubatenergy Labs® Challenge
Collaborate with leading energy utilities, validate your technology, and scale your startup.
2026 IEL Challenge
 
Why Incubatenergy Labs®?

Incubatenergy Labs® (IEL), powered by EPRI, is a collaborative model for utilities to run quick, paid demonstrations of promising early-stage innovations. Through its structured process, demonstrations are contracted to prove the feasibility of the technology within a few months.
Paid Demonstration Projects with Leading Utilities

Validate your technology with top-tier energy utilities in paid demonstrations typically completed within 16 weeks.
Top Industry Insights

Work with EPRI and utility experts to refine your solution, align with industry needs, and gain strategic insights to enhance product-market fit.
Pathway to Scalability

Showcase your demonstration results on Demo Day, leading opportunities for broader adoption with utilities worldwide.
Global Market Exposure

Gain visibility in EPRI’s extensive network of utility partners, opening doors to multiple markets.
Proven Impact, Real Results

Now in its eighth year, Incubatenergy Labs® has become the leading energy industry program for rapidly and collaboratively testing emerging technologies for the electric system. Our track record speaks for itself with successful demonstrations accelerating commercialization of promising technologies.

View All Demo Projects
80+
Demos Completed
$10M+
In Demo Funding
8
Years Running
Partnering with Leading Utilities
The Incubatenergy Labs® program is structured to give you maximum exposure to energy providers and ensure that the results of a successful demonstration with one utility turn into opportunities with many. Our members are leading energy companies ready to test and scale innovative technologies. 
Learn More About Our Members
Accelerating Commercialization

Founders who’ve participated in the program are turning bold ideas into real-world impact. These testimonials showcase the journeys of past participants, how they refined their solutions, connected with industry leaders, and accelerated their path to market through the Incubatenergy Labs® program.

“Before commercialization of your technology for utilities, the important step is to have a pilot demonstration. The IEL program provides you with the platform to have a paid pilot demonstration with utilities, you can commercialize and release your technology to the industry.”
Davoud Zamani
GridWrap, Inc.
“One of the challenges that Incubatenergy Labs helps to overcome is connecting an innovative startup with the decision-makers at different points within utilities. Incubatenergy Labs facilitating those introductions and those connections is invaluable.”
Ellie Rusling
MicroEra Power, Inc.
“Being able to walk away with the actual results and having a utility that's partnered with you, is so important because it starts the snowball rolling. Everyone understands that this company has embraced it, and the technology is accepted in the industry.”
Stephanie Nolan
Square Robot
“It’s a foundational opportunity, it’s really well managed, it’s really well structured, and really considerate of startup companies like ours.”
Myrna Bittner
RUNWITHIT Synthetics
Contact Us
Have questions about the Incubatenergy Labs® Challenge or how to get involved? Reach out to our team. 
Get in Touch