LAGCOE, INNOV8 Acadiana to host third annual Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge at LAGCOE 2017

Jun 19, 2017 / News

LAGCOE has always focused on showcasing new technologies in the oil and gas industry. Again, at LAGCOE 2017, LAGCOE and INNOV8 Acadiana will host the Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge – a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition that will be held on October 26, 2017. The challenge seeks to connect the best emerging energy innovators with investors ready to move their business ideas forward.

"The Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge allows us to help move new technologies and ideas forward from their earliest stages, which is very exciting,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE executive director.

Applicants may currently submit their innovation/business plan until October 8 by filling out the online webform application. All energy related businesses and ideas are encouraged to participate. Eight innovators will be selected to participate in this exciting “Shark Tank” style pitch competition from the pool of applicants by a team of judges the week of Oct 9.

“Investors from around the state are motivated to invest in new energy related innovations coming for this exciting event,” said Pete Prados, INNOV8 Acadiana director. “Whether you are a start-up or a thriving business with room for growth, now is the time to launch to the next level of success!”

The selected candidates will be given complimentary table space at LAGCOE’s new Energy Innovators Pitch Tent to showcase their emerging innovation or idea and pitch their ideas one at a time to everyone interested on October 26. Each innovator will be given 3 minutes to pitch their idea to a panel of investors following a 3-minute Q&A in front of a live audience.

Winners will be chosen in two categories – judges’ favorite and crowd favorite – with cash, awards, and other prizes handed out immediately following all the presentations. All innovators will be eligible to present their full business plan to Acadiana Angels with the potential for funding and partnerships.

“There has never been a better time in the industry than now to launch an energy idea to streamline a process, make something safer or open new doors of commerce,” Prados stated. “No opportunity is too small or large to pitch to investors.”

“This area is rich with generational innovators who have made it big in the energy industry. It’s time for the next generation to get their piece of the action and grow something meaningful that creates commerce and builds wealth. Get in on the action and see if you have what it takes to build the next big thing.”

LAGCOE 2017 is the ideal place for companies to showcase the latest energy industry technological advancements. In addition to the Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge, one LAGCOE 2017 technical session will be dedicated to recognizing exhibitors' best forward-thinking solutions by giving them an opportunity to present a brief overview of a recent innovation or technological advancement. the New Technology Showcase. LAGCOE 2017 exhibiting and sponsoring companies are invited to apply for a New Technology Showcase through Friday, June 30, 2017 at www.LAGCOE.com/new-technology-showcase-application.

Lauren Rabalais | LAGCOE Marketing Coordinator