A Network Powered by Research. Led by Playmakers. Focused on the Future.
The Energy Champions Network, powered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center and NLR’s foundation, brings together forward-thinking corporations and their innovation leaders shaping the future of energy. Members gain curated and supported access to NLR —a national leader in applied energy research and commercialization—and join a community of peers equally committed to innovation and collaboration.
Through exclusive briefings, follow-up sessions with NLR’s senior researchers, and quarterly member meetings, Champions learn directly from experts at the cutting edge of science and technology. But what truly sets the Network apart is the peer-to-peer collaboration—the ability to learn from and work alongside industry counterparts on real projects, shared challenges, and new opportunities emerging across the energy landscape.
Benefits of Membership
Energy Champions receive exclusive opportunities to engage with national lab researchers, emerging technologies, and other industry first-movers. Membership includes:
Curated Access to NLR Expertise
Quarterly briefings, follow-ups with senior researchers, and insight into cutting-edge technologies.
Peer Collaboration
Learn from and work with industry counterparts on shared challenges, new project ideas, and emerging innovation opportunities.
Early Exposure to Innovation
Judge startup pitches, explore pilot projects, and access insights from NLR’s leading-edge research and commercialization pipelines.
Thought Leadership Opportunities
Contribute to white papers, panels, and startup mentorship that influence national technology and workforce priorities.
Funding and Partnership Visibility
Receive alerts and introductions to funding pathways— ARPA-E grants, collaborative research opportunities, TCF grants, and more.
Ecosystem Impact
Membership contributions support the Foundation in expanding programs for startups, talent development, and industry innovation needs.
Network with Peers
The Energy Champions Network is a growing community of energy innovation leaders—companies and institutions committed to shaping the energy future together. Members include anyone looking to manage and use energy including, utilities, Fortune 500 companies, universities, local governments, developers, and global technology firms.
Through ongoing virtual and in-person gatherings, Champions connect with:
- Peers tackling similar challenges and opportunities
- NLR world-class researchers and the Researchers in Residence
- Early-stage companies across the emerging energy landscape
- A national innovation ecosystem of startups, investors, and partners
Your Commitment
- Energy Champions commit to a two-year MVP membership with a $50,000 annual contribution to NLR’s Foundation.
- A strong commitment to both learning and action withing your organization.
- Members designate two primary Energy Champion contacts and executive sponsor.
- Required active participation in quarterly meetings and peer networking with members and national lab experts.
- Required participation in annual in-person gathering.
- Champions contribute thought leadership or mentorship —helping strengthen the innovation ecosystem and advance the future of energy.