SHREVEPORT, La. – Startup Prize has launched Startup Prize: Energy, a new national initiative aimed at supporting early-stage energy companies preparing for commercialization and connecting them with investors and industry leaders. Registration for the program is open at StartupPrize.com/energy.
The new vertical combines elements of a startup competition, conference and mentorship program to foster innovation across the energy value chain, including fuels, electricity and emerging energy systems. Backed by Louisiana Economic Development (LED), Startup Prize: Energy is designed to position Louisiana as a national hub for energy innovation while strengthening the state’s startup and investor ecosystem.
“Startup Prize: Energy is one of the most exciting things we’ve launched,” said Gregory Kallenberg, founder of Startup Prize. “Our goal is to make Startup Prize the place where energy innovation leads to the birth and funding of energy technologies that change our country and the world.”
Josh Fleig, chief innovation officer at Louisiana Economic Development, said the initiative aligns with the state’s efforts to evolve its energy sector. “Energy has always been central to Louisiana’s identity, and we’re intentional about how that legacy evolves,” Fleig said. “Welcoming Startup Prize: Energy reflects our commitment to pairing emerging innovation with the experience and leadership that have long defined Louisiana’s economy.”
Participating founders will engage in workshops, mentoring sessions and roundtable discussions focused on commercialization, fundraising, regulatory issues and go-to-market strategies. The program emphasizes founder-driven support and networking with industry experts and capital partners.
Startup Prize: Energy builds on the success of Startup Prize: Health, now entering its sixth year, which has supported more than 240 early-stage health companies from 31 states and Washington, D.C. The broader Startup Prize platform, founded in 2014, has established Louisiana as a convening hub for entrepreneurs nationwide through its partnership network and competitive programming.
Startup Prize operates under the Prize Foundation, a Louisiana-based nonprofit organization that produces innovation and creative economy programs across multiple sectors.
For more information or to register, visit www.StartupPrize.com.