LAGCOE and INNOV8 Acadiana Partner for Second Energy Pitch Challenge

back

LAGCOE and INNOV8 Acadiana Partner for Second Energy Pitch Challenge

Jul 21, 2016 / News

LAGCOE has always focused on showcasing new technologies in the oil and gas industry.

Though an off year for the full exposition, LAGCOE is planning the LAGCOE Education and Innovation Summit: two packed days of educational and entrepreneurial events October 26-27, 2016 in the Cajundome Convention Center. Part of the summit will include the second annual Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge. The event will once again connect the best emerging energy innovators in the industry with investors ready to move their business ideas forward.

"We are excited to continue great programming this year including our partnership with INNOV8 Acadiana to find and help launch emerging energy innovations,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE executive director. “These two days will be full of great speakers and events that will appeal to a wide audience.”

The Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge is a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition that will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, immediately following the Energy Innovation Luncheon. Five companies will be selected from a pool of applicants to pitch to potential investors in front of an audience. Judges will select an overall winner, and the audience will select a “crowd favorite.”

“Investors from Acadiana Angels and others around the state are motivated to invest in new energy-related innovations right now,” said Pete Prados, INNOV8 Acadiana and Acadiana Angels director.

“Whether you are a start-up or a thriving business with room for growth, now is the time to connect with our investment teams and move your innovations forward.”

Applicants may submit their innovation business plan through October 16, 2016. Rules and links to all details of the event can be found on the LAGCOE web site at LAGCOE.com/events/energy-pitch. All energy related businesses and ideas are encouraged to participate. The top five (5) selected candidates will be notified the week of October 16 and will be given free pitch training to help them prepare for the event. Cash, awards, and in-kind prizes will be given away at the event and everyone pitching will have access to investors.

“This region is rich with generational innovators who have made it big in the energy industry,” Prados stated. “It’s the perfect time before the inevitable industry upturn to launch new businesses that streamline processes, makes something safer, or opens new doors of commerce.”

Prados urges interested businesses and individuals to also attend an INNOV8 Acadiana and Opportunity Machine Meet-ups held on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month, where innovators , mentors, and investors gather and help one another brainstorm about ways to launch great ideas. Information can be found online at INNOV8acadiana.org.

Other events on the LAGCOE Education and Innovation Summit agenda include the Energy Innovation Luncheon, which will feature a keynote address discussing the importance of innovation in the energy industry, specifically in a down energy economy, as well as hands-on educational events for area students, LAGCOE DRILLS, facilitated by EXCELERANT, and a Career Development and Networking Expo. Visit LAGCOE.com to learn more about each of these events.

Lauren Rabalais is marketing coordinator for Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition, one of the country’s largest and oldest oil and gas shows held biennially in October at the Cajundome & Convention Center.

INNOV8 Acadiana, a Community Foundation of Acadiana Company, is a non-profit organization that connects innovators with mentors and investors, hosts monthly and annual events, and helps individuals around Acadiana get to the next level of success. Pete Prados, Director, can be reached at (339) 739-5850 or pete@innov8acadiana.org.