Zpryme has announced the third annual Start@ETS startup competition, taking place September 5, 2018, at the One World Theatre in Austin, TX. The event will feature a pilot pitch competition to key decision makers and experts in the fields of energy, smart cities, transportation, mobility, EVs, and/or energy storage solutions. The winning pitch will be awarded with next-step meetings with the appropriate parties (city, utility, etc.) along with a cash prize. There is a total of $10,000 in prizes.

Proposals can be submitted through the forms located at https://start18.co/compete/

“I’d suggest that participants deliver a concise message that will enable the judges to easily recognize the financial and/or operational value they deliver to the industry,” said last year’s Start@ETS winner, W. Alan Shook, President of Grid 20/20.

The goal of the program is to demonstrate new solutions and companies that can solve real-world problems. Emerging startups, academic groups, R&D labs, small groups, and teams are welcome to submit proposals. Established companies may be considered if the proposal demonstrates or pilots a new solution that is not currently available on the market.

“There is significant need for energy companies to engage with the utilities to identify and build solutions that solve industry problems – Start@ETS provides startups with that opportunity. To date, we have introduced 80+ startups to major utilities across the U.S., ” said Jason Rodriguez, Zpryme CEO.

Each contender has five minutes to pitch judges, with five minutes of follow up questions from the judges. Three finalists will be selected under 3 distinct categories, totaling 9 finalists. The 3 categories are as follows:

  1. Smart cities/Transportation/Mobility
  2. Analytics/Cybersecurity/Blockchain/AI/IOT
  3. Solar/Storage/Renewables

There will be a $2,000 prize for each category, plus an additional $4,000 prize for the overall winner of Start@ETS.

Proposals are due Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 11:59 CDT. The proposals will be reviewed by judges in the utility, VC, and technology sectors. A total of 9 finalists will be selected and notified by Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Finalists must attend and pitch their proposal at the start@ETS event on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the One World Theatre in Austin, TX.Learn more at start18.co.