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Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

Submissions are due no later than April 25, 2023.

Information on our judges can be found here.

Two rounds of judging will be completed. Round one is scheduled for April 2023. The second and final round will take place in July 2023.

Proposals will be sought from entrepreneurs developing new energy-related technologies, applications, business models, software, services, and/or energy access solutions providing positive community impacts. The EIL’s defined “energy-related” eligible categories are: (1) Energy Efficiency and Conservation; (2) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction; (3) Energy Affordability and Access. As a business incubator, the EIL is targeting Solutions that are beyond the proof-of-concept stage and moving to product development, in order to benefit from the EIL program’s access to interactions with potential customers for refining existing business models and targeted markets.

Applicant(s) can request up to $30,000 toward their innovation project.

Program participants will be selected by The Energy Innovation Lab judges through a two-round evaluation process. Round 1 electronic applications (click here here to apply) will be evaluated to select a short-list of finalists. These finalists will then work with SBDC staff in developing pitch materials that will be presented virtually to the panel of judges at a Pitch Day event. Up to two program participants will be selected for the program based on their pitches.

Our team of judges will score Round 1 applications based on the mission, uniqueness, and feasibility of the proposed solution and how the program support and funding offered will impact the development of the solution. Round 1 applications will be scored out of a total of 100 points; score weighting for evaluation criteria is provided on the application.

PGW and the Temple SBDC launched the Energy Innovation Lab to help support young businesses that have the potential to bring innovation to the energy industry, and increase energy efficiency and affordability. Our goal is to help identify and develop business ideas for new energy-related technologies, applications, business models, software, services, and/or energy access solutions. Examples include energy products and services that will reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and/or increase energy access for low-income and other vulnerable populations.