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Initiate is the essence of DISTRIBUTECH International®

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Initiate is the major hub for startups to showcase their technologies to electric utilities at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024. Startups can pitch their solution to a panel of industry experts, exhibit their company, and connect with other innovators from around the world. There is no better place for startup companies to connect with utilities and get their technology out into the world of T&D! 

 

APPLY FOR INITIATE

Initiate

Ways to participate in Initiate

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Initiate Sponsorship

Apply

Skip the Application

For this option, contact Kenzie Jones, Kenzie.jones@clarionevents.com.

  Your company will apply to participate within Initiate. Your application will be reviewed by our committee and does not guarantee that your company will be accepted. Your company can skip the application process and have a guaranteed spot within Initiate. Your company will still have to complete the application so that we can collect all necessary information.
  $1,500 $2,800
Please inquire for details 

2 exhibitor passes ($198 value)


1 full conference passes ($1,195)


One (1) kiosk within the initiate pavilion on the show floor. Each kiosk will include:

  • Back wall with printed logo
  • Counter with locking cabinet
  • One (1) standard stool
  • One (1) electrical outlet

15-minute pitch on the Initiate Stage

  • One person will have a total a 15-min to speak/present on their company to a panel of judges
  • Can include Q&A
  • Pitch deck/presentation visible on screen within the space

Company logo on sponsor recognition where applicable

2 exhibitor passes ($198 value)


1 full conference passes ($1,195 value)


One (1) kiosk within the initiate pavilion on the show floor. Each kiosk will include:

  • Back wall with printed logo
  • Counter with locking cabinet
  • One (1) standard stool
  • One (1) electrical outlet

15-minute pitch on the Initiate Stage

  • One person will have a total a 15-min to speak/present on their company to a panel of judges
  • Can include Q&A
  • Pitch deck/presentation visible on screen within the space

Company logo on sponsor recognition where applicable


Leads from scanned pitch session.

DISTRIBUTECH is one of Trade Show News Network's Innovation Awards Winners!

The Initiate! program at DISTRIBUTECH 2022 won the honorable TSNN Innovation Award for Best Engagement – join the 2024 edition to experience it for yourself. TSNN

 

Initiate 2023 Winners

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2023 Initiate Winners

 

 

"Anyone who is anyone in electric utilities comes to DISTRIBUTECH" 

-Vince Wong, Co-Founder, COO, Electric Fish


All Initiate participants were judged on their financial and technical viability, innovation, quality of the pitch and if their technology brings a benefit to the community. These four startup companies came out on top and will receive a free booth at DISTRIBUTECH 2024. Congratulations!

Duke Energy Award Winner

 

Prosumer Grid

Initiate Award Winner

 

 

electric fish

Initiate Award Winner

fast forward

Initiate Award Winner

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Pitch

Each startup has the opportunity to pitch for 15 minutes in front of a judging panel of industry experts. 

Exhibit

Each startup will exhibit with their own branded kiosk. Initiate is the hub where attendees come for new technologies and ideas. 

Network

Enjoy meeting and networking with utilities from around the world.

Important Deadlines for Initiate 2024

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April 24, 2023 - Application opens

June 2, 2023 - Application closes

June 15-30, 2023 - Committee evaluates applications

July 21, 2023 - All startups notified of acceptance status

February 27-29, 2024 - DISTRIBUTECH International in Orlando, FL

FAQs

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What kind of information is requested in the application?

We ask a variety of questions including questions on your solution/ product, funding, customers, and team. There is also a place to upload an optional pitch deck.

What will my company be graded on in order to be selected?

 

 

Traction 

No traction at all Soft traction (press coverage, social followership, etc…) Test users/pilot/convincing non-financial KPIs (downloads, pre-orders)/raised significant funding from investors Generating first revenues Generating significant revenues (operatively positive on a monthly basis) Sustainable profit (significant profit)
Team

Single founder, no team

Small team, not very experienced  

Complementary team with little experience Complementary team with significant experience

Experienced, complementary team including serial entrepreneur(s)

Experienced complementary team including serial entrepreneur with exit

Product No innovation, imitation of existing products and services Low innovation – localization of proved business models from abroad. Some innovation – incremental improvements of existing products and services Innovative new solution or business model addressing customer needs

Competitive technological innovation/advantage

Very strong innovation or protected IP
Market Market does not exist/no market need

Small market, well served by competitors or equally good substitutes

Large market, well served by competitors or equally good substitutes Attractive niche in small market with unique solution/position Attractive niche in large market with unique solution/position

Very large in mostly underserved market with the right offering

What qualifies my company to participate in Initiate as a startup company?

  • Less than 25 employees
  • No more than $10M raised in funding through VCs, accelerator/ incubator programs, public grants, personal network (friends and family)
  • Stages we accept: 
    • Seed Stage (working on a product)
    • Early Stage (prototype ready and close to market)
    • Early Growth Stage (we're out there and making money)

How much does it cost to participate in Initiate?

  • The total cost is $1,500 for startups who apply and are accepted into the program
  • The total cost is $2,800 for startups who would like to skip the application process and automatically be accepted into the program

What is included if I am selected to participate?

 

  • One (1) kiosk within the initiate pavilion on the show floor. Each kiosk will include:
    • Back wall with printed logo
    • Counter with locking cabinet
    • One (1) standard stool
    • One (1) electrical outlet
  • 15-minute pitch on the Initiate Stage
    • One person will have a total a 15-min to speak/present on their company to a panel of judges
    • Can include Q&A
    • Pitch deck/presentation visible on screen within the space
  • Branding including in the following locations
    • On the event website
    • On the mobile app
    • Within the printed event guide
    • On social media
  • One (1) full conference pass ($1,065 value). This includes:
    • Access to the keynote
    • Access to the conference sessions
    • Access to the trade show floor
    • Lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday
    • Access to all networking events including the opening reception and networking event
  • Two (2) exhibit hall passes ($570 value). This includes:
    • Access to the keynote
    • Access to the trade show floor
    • Lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday
    • Access to all networking events including the opening reception and networking event

What is not included if I am selected to participate?

  • Internet
  • Monitor
  • Extra seating

What is the benefit of participating in the Initiate program vs. purchasing a booth?

You will receive much more publicity in the Initiate program and the cost is much lower than a traditional booth ($950 vs. ~$5,000). We encourage the participating startups to choose one or the other.

Is there a prize if our company is one of the top three startups?

While there is not a cash prize, the top three startups will receive: 

  • A physical award to display
  • An interview with one of Clarion’s content directors
  • A press release on DISTRIBUTECH’s media brand
  • A free 10x10 booth at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

Initiate Committee Members

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In Partnership With

  Dominion Energy

 

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