PG&E Launches Innovation Pitch Fest to Drive Energy Solutions with Up to $25M in Funding

PG&E Corp launched the 2025 Innovation Pitch Fest to develop energy solutions, offering up to $25 million in funding. The event aims to address challenges in the energy sector and integrate AI solutions to improve safety, affordability, and reliability. PG&E is tapping into a diverse pool of ideas and technologies to strengthen its market position and align with industry trends towards sustainability and technological integration.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced the 2025 Innovation Pitch Fest, a three-day event set to take place from September 23-25, 2025, at PG&E's Oakland headquarters. The event aims to identify and foster breakthrough technologies to address critical challenges in the energy sector. With up to $25 million in funding available, PG&E seeks innovative solutions that can help shape a cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy grid [1].

The Innovation Pitch Fest is part of PG&E's ongoing efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and improve the company's innovation practices. Jason Glickman, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Planning, and Strategy at PG&E, emphasized the importance of collaboration with external innovators, stating, "We're not just looking for ideas—we're looking for partners who are ready to roll up their sleeves and help us build the energy system of the future, now" [1].

PG&E has identified 10 key problem statements where bold ideas for rapidly scalable solutions are urgently needed. These include accelerating load growth, particularly for AI data centers, equitably advancing neighborhood electrification projects, reducing wildfire risk, improving safety and affordability through AI, and enhancing operational efficiency to lower energy costs for customers [1].

The funding for this initiative is provided through PG&E's electric R&D budget under the public purpose program Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC). EPIC enables California investor-owned utilities to demonstrate new technologies and evaluate their impact on safety, reliability, affordability, environmental sustainability, and equity objectives for the benefit of all California electric customers [1].

PG&E's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the energy sector, aligning with industry trends towards technological integration and environmental responsibility. The company's focus on AI and other emerging technologies underscores its dedication to driving forward the future of energy.

References:
[1] https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGEs-2025-Innovation-Pitch-Fest-Seeks-Breakthrough-Technologies-to-Shape-the-Energy-Future/default.aspx