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
“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)
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?
STARTUP FUNDING VOICES
FAQs and 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
Extreme Tech Challenge takes no fees or equity from Startups for applying to and participating in any of the startup showcases and innovation challenges.
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.
Founders are encouraged to request pitch coaching from our team. Sessions will be held virtually.
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.
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.
If you need to unlock your application to update after being submitted, contact support@extremetechchallenge.org
Yes, watch this video on How to Pitch Your Deep Tech Startup.
No.
XTC Events Terms & Conditions
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. BY REGISTERING FOR Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) Events, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
- Recording & Photography Policy. Each attendee that an XTC Event grants XTC or its representatives the right to photograph, film or make audiovisual recordings of their name, voice and likeness (the “Materials”). XTC or its representative may use, edit or display such Materials in any media or platform now known or hereafter devised, with no claim to compensation or attribution.
- Travel & Accommodation. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodations in connection with the all XTC Events unless otherwise notified in writing by XTC.
- Minimum Age. You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to attend XTC Events. You must present a valid photo ID at the time of check-in to attend the Event.
- Security Check. Please be aware that all attendees may go through a bag search prior to entering an XTC Event. All attendees are expected to comply with all security procedures. XTC and its representatives reserve the right to deny admission at any time, for any reason.
- Unacceptable Behavior. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:
- Harassment and discrimination includes any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, race, age, national origin, or disability.
- Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
- Wearing clothing that is not suitable for a professional work environment, that is provocative, inappropriate or otherwise potentially offensive. All such judgments will be at the discretion of XTC.
- Possession of a weapon or any item that can be used as a weapon, which may be used to threaten or cause injury to others if used in a certain manner.
- Any destruction or vandalizing of personal property or XTC Event site or materials.
- Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol or being intoxicated, as determined by XTC or its representatives, in the Event venue or function.
- Possessing any illegal substance. XTC does not tolerate the use or abuse of illegal substances anywhere in the Event venue.
- Smoking is not permitted at the Event venue.
- Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behavior.
- Any other illegal activity not already covered above.
- Failure to obey any of the rules or regulations of the Event venue or instructions of the Event staff.
- Sharing, transferring or assigning your Event badge with other individuals.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If an attendee engages in unacceptable behavior, the Event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including expulsion from the Event without warning and if appropriate, involvement of local law enforcement.