IMPEL TIMELINE and PIPELINES
2024 - 2025 Program Year
IMPEL Innovators pursue their innovation journey through these opportunities.
PHASE 1: FOUNDATIONAL TRAINING
(October 2024 - February 2025)
Pitch Workshops
Workshop 1 @ Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
October 15, 2024
Workshop 2 @ Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, California
October 29, 2024
With the intensive guidance of IMPEL Expert Coaches, Innovators refine and practice pitches. Activities include real-time tailored exercises, on-video training, and live one-on-one coaching with professional critique. By the end of the workshop, Innovators will have developed a well-formulated pitch with effective value propositions that are compelling to critical non-technical audiences.
Special SBA Commercialization Resources Webinar
November 8, 2024
IMPEL will host a special webinar featuring U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR Program Managers, Dr. Eileen Chant and Dr. Carol Rabke for a deep dive into the DOE SBIR/STTR Programs. DOE SBIR/STTR provides early-stage, non-dilutive R&D funding for small businesses to develop and commercialize their technology. This session is tailored for IMPEL’s Innovator cohorts from all years, particularly those with early-stage technologies that have commercial potential.
Innovators will learn about:
The surprising breadth of topics funded by DOE SBIR/STTR
How to access DOE SBIR/STTR application and awardee assistance programs
What they need to consider now to advance their commercialization and partnering goals
Technical Tools Training & Showcase
Training:
November 18, 2024
Showcase: December 2 - 5, 2024
This webinar introduces open-source tools for estimating and highlighting the energy impacts of their technologies in their pitches.
Innovators will be asked to run calculations using one of the technical tools presented and then present their findings to their peers and experts from the DOE, Berkeley Lab, and Argonne Lab in a weeklong showcase in December 2024.
Mentoring Seminars
Virtual
February 2025
All Innovators will have a facilitated opportunity to engage with the IMPEL Executive Team and mentors from diverse organizations who play a critical role in the building innovation journey. Our mentors include:
Investment experts from boutique and impact funds to corporate ventures and financial giants
Policy and Demonstration experts from universities, state energy offices, and federal entities
Subject-matter experts from the National Labs
Entrepreneurs with invaluable first-hand experience
This is an opportunity to apply learnings from the workshop and receive specific, actionable feedback about their projects. Innovators are encouraged to contact IMPEL mentors after this event for further guidance, mentorship, and potential collaboration opportunities.
PHASE 2: ADVANCED TRAINING
(April - September 2025)
Business Seminars
Berkeley, CA
April 28 - 30, 2025
Selected Innovators will participate in three days of Business Seminars for personalized coaching to develop an initial business plan and customized strategies for their project.
This training will include strategies for partnering with industry and enhancing public sector capital stack engagement through public grants.
Office Hours
Virtual
June - September 2025
Innovators selected to participate in IMPEL's pipelines will have a chance to meet individually with our coaches to help prepare for the pipeline events and refine their pitches to a unique audience.
PHASE 3: PIPELINES
(April - September 2025)
IMPEL offers pipelines to the public and private sectors.
HUD Innovative Housing Showcase
Washington D.C.
Date TBD
The Innovative Housing Showcase by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a three-day event featuring new building technologies and housing solutions that are making housing more innovative, resilient, and affordable for American families.
Selected Innovators specializing in the residential space will be selected to exhibit at the showcase with demonstrations of their technology, alongside IMPEL.
Greentown Labs-IMPEL Building Sector Pitch Day
Location TBA
September 3, 2025
In collaboration with IMPEL, Greentown Labs hosts a building tech pitch day featuring selected Innovators. The event is a platform for strategic connections between the selected IMPEL Innovators and Greentown and IMPEL’s combined network of corporates, public agencies, investors, and others who can play a key role in startups’ success.
Following the Pitch Day, selected Innovators will have continued access to certain aspects of Greentown's member-only programming.
IMPEL National Showcase at DOE-BTO Peer Review
Washington D.C.
Date TBD
The IMPEL National Showcase takes place at the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office Peer Review. The 4-day event showcases key BTO efforts and facilitates direct engagement between BTO and various building sector stakeholders.
IMPEL Poster Session: Selected Innovators from the current IMPEL cohort will be selected to display a poster about their technology.
IMPEL Pitch Session: Selected Innovators from the current IMPEL cohort will be selected to pitch.
IMPEL Alumni Panel: Selected IMPEL Alumni will give lightning presentations and a panel discussion.
Community Engagement
Quarterly Networking Events
Virtual
As our program grows yearly, IMPEL continues highlighting our Innovators' successes and providing a space to relax, get to know one another, and have open discussions.
