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APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

Are you a founder of an early-stage startup building reliable energy sources and/or infrastructure
to meet the significant demand for electricity to power AI while advancing sustainability goals? 

We’re looking for commercially-viable and scalable tech solutions that enable efficient energy generation,
storage, and distribution to meet the growing power demands of AI infrastructure.

🌞  Advanced Renewables & Next-Gen Energy Systems
🔋  High-capacity and fast-response Energy Storage & Backup Solutions
🔌  Smart Grids, Dynamic and Efficient Energy Management & Power Distribution
⚡️  Novel Energy Harvesting Techniques and Optimization

Compete for the opportunity to pitch on stage at The Next Web (“TNW”) Conference 2025 (Amsterdam | June 19, 2025)

The Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) AI Energy Innovation Startup Showcase is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and drive innovation at the intersection of semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and energy sustainability. 

As AI continues to transform industries worldwide, its surging energy demands present one of the most critical challenges of our time. This showcase is designed to spotlight startups pioneering solutions in energy-efficient computing, data center optimization, and sustainable power generation, storage, and distribution.

Selected startups will

  • gain unparalleled global exposure
  • connect with top-tier investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers
  • and compete for a chance to present their groundbreaking innovations on a global stage
APPLY NOW for the Energy Innovation for AI Tech Challenge

“Extreme Tech Challenge is the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing the globe’s most serious challenges.”

TRACK 1: Energy Innovation for AI

Applications Open Now:
Deadline April 30, 2025

Examples include but not limited to:

🌞  Advanced Renewables & Next-Gen Energy Systems
🔋  High-capacity and fast-response Energy Storage & Backup Solutions
🔌  Smart Grids, Dynamic and Efficient Energy
Management & Power Distribution
⚡️  Novel Energy Harvesting Techniques and Optimization

🎤   5 SELECTED STARTUPS WILL PITCH LIVE @:

  • TNW Conference 2025 (a leading European tech festival owned by the Financial Times) on June 19 (Amsterdam)
APPLY NOW

TRACK 2: AI Infrastructure and
Data Center Innovation

Applications open later:
More details to come!

We’re looking for commercially-viable and scalable tech solutions in:

AI Chips & Infrastructure

AI-Optimized Hardware, High-Performance Accelerators, Edge AI Solutions, Novel AI Architecture, Energy-Efficient AI Models, Algorithm Optimization

Data Center Innovation

Energy-Efficient Computational Hardware, Advanced Cooling Systems, Smart Infrastructure Design, AI-Driven Management Systems

KEY DATES 2025

Mar 31
Track 1: Applications Open
Apr 30
Track 1: Application Deadline
May 26
Track 1: Announcement of the selected 5 startups to pitch live
Jun 19
Track 1:  Selected startups to pitch live on stage at TNW Conference 2025 (Amsterdam).
Jun 19
Track 2: Applications Open
Jul 30
Track 2: Application Deadline
Sep 17
Track 2: Announcement of the selected 5 startups

WHY APPLY?

XTC Testimonial: Will Abbey | Semiconductors & AI Startup Cup at CES 2025

XTC Testimonial: Robert Schlaeger | Semiconductors & AI Startup Cup at CES 2025

XTC Testimonial: Andrew King | Samsung Climate & Circularity Tech Challenge 2023

Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands | Testimonial | Why Apply to XTC?

STARTUP FUNDING VOICES

FAQs and ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility?
  • Legally incorporated from any country
  • Early stage startup with at least a minimal viable product (MVP)
  • Founder/co-founder is available to attend both pitch showcases in person
Does it cost anything to participate?

Extreme Tech Challenge takes no fees or equity from Startups for applying to and participating in any of the startup showcases and innovation challenges.

Who evaluates and judges my application?

Only institutional VCs and corporate executiveswith domain expertise aligned with the thematics of the showcase/challenge are invited to serve as evaluators (earlier rounds of judging) and final round judges. See previous year evaluation committees.

What are showcase rehearsals/pitch training?

Founders are encouraged to request pitch coaching from our team. Sessions will be held virtually.

Pitch video submission guidelines: What are you looking for?

We DO want to see your product working in real-time. MVPs are great for this. Feel free to use your phone or screen grabs to record the video. Production quality isn’t important, but pitch videos must be presented by a Founder and limited to 2:00 minutes maximum.

What we’re not looking for is an animated startup video with background music and voice-over narration explaining what you do.

By what criteria are startups evaluated?

Startups will be judged on each of the following 4 criteria which will be scored from 1 (low) to 10 (high):

TEAM: Credential and experience

PRODUCT INNOVATION: Unique value proposition of the product

PRODUCT MARKET FIT: Proof of commercial scalability and market size to support growth and profitability

ENERGY FOR AI: Significant contribution to the energy needs of AI infrastructure while aligning with sustainability goals – reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing overall supply reliability for AI operations.

I accidentally submitted my application before I finished. What can I do?

If you need to unlock your application to update after being submitted, contact support@extremetechchallenge.org

Any tips on how best to craft and articulate my pitch?

Yes, watch this video on How to Pitch Your Deep Tech Startup.

Do you offer any travel stipend for attending the live on-stage pitch showcases?

No.