Startup Prize is an entrepreneurial competition designed to connect entrepreneurs with mentors and investors who can facilitate business growth from the early stages. The program aims to match viable startups with potential investors to secure necessary capital, creating a pathway to success for participating companies.
Competition Tracks
During registration for Startup Prize: Energy, participants must select one of two specialized tracks for their product or service:
• Electricity Track: For ventures involving the production, storage, transmission, or management of electricity.
• Hydrocarbons & Fuels Track: For ventures involving the production, storage, transportation, or management of a fuel molecule.
Application and Competition Process
The competition follows a multi-step process for all participants:
• Step 1: Register Your Startup: Begin by registering your company on the official registration page, where you will select a track and the Qualifying Event(s) you plan to attend. Attendance at one qualifying event is mandatory for finals consideration, though attending more is encouraged. Travel stipends may be available for the in-person event in Shreveport, LA.
• Step 2: Attend Qualifying Events and Engage: At these events, founders participate in panel discussions and mentor-led roundtables covering topics like organizational structure, manufacturing, finances, and brand development. Engagement, professionalism, curiosity, and collaboration during these events are factors in finalist selection.
• Step 3: Build Your Application in the Entrepreneur Portal: Applicants must submit a comprehensive business plan via the online Entrepreneur Portal. This application should detail a realistic valuation, a go-to-market strategy, and a plan for scaling. Access to the portal and its required components is granted after registration.
• Step 4: Show Progress: The 2026 competition includes two Qualifying Events (one online, one in-person) and other learning opportunities. Founders are encouraged to attend multiple events to demonstrate their evolution. Progress should also be reflected in the Portal Application, as judges review how feedback is incorporated.
• Step 5: Finalist Selection and Pitching: Mentors select a small group of finalists based on portal submissions and performance at Qualifying Events. These finalists present their startups to a panel of Investor Judges in a due diligence-style presentation, followed by a Q&A session covering their product, business strategy, and investment pathway.
Prizes and Opportunities
• Winner Selection: A winner from each track is selected based on pitch performance, interview responses, and demonstrated progress. Winners are announced at an Awards Brunch.
• Investment Potential: All finalists, regardless of winning, have the potential to receive investment opportunities from individual Investor Judges.
This competition offers a unique platform for energy-focused startups to gain exposure, receive expert mentorship, and connect directly with investors who can help transform their vision into a successful business.