Global Exposure
Pitch in person at Trellis Impact 26 in San Francisco, CA, amplifying you and your solution to thousands of professionals accelerating innovative solutions to our planet’s biggest challenges.
Startups to Watch at Trellis Impact 26
Startups to Watch is a fast-pitch competition featuring entrepreneurs with innovative climate technologies across three strategic categories. Selected finalists will compete in Trellis webinars with broad reach to business, government and thought leaders with deep experience investing in and partnering with entrepreneurs. The winners of each category will pitch in person at Trellis Impact 26 (Moscone Center, San Francisco) for the chance to be deemed Trellis Group’s Startup of the Year.
Benefits
The Perks
Corporate Connections
Pitch directly to our 100+ member Trellis Network during a virtual convening after Trellis Impact 26.
Direct Introductions
Receive live feedback from industry experts, giving you direct exposure to investors, corporates and decision-makers with deep experience working with entrepreneurs.
Networking
Connect with corporate partners, investors and other Trellis Impact 26 attendees throughout the three-day, in-person event.
Ongoing exposure
Beyond the live event, finalists will benefit from broad amplification via Trellis.net editorial coverage, including Climate Tech Startups to Watch and the Startup of the Year.
Startup Expo Discount
Startups are eligible for a discounted booth in the Trellis Impact Expo Hall – reach out to sponsorships@trellis.net to sign up.
Eligibility Criteria
Successful applicants must be:
- A startup developing a climate tech solution in Data Center Solutions, Material Innovation, or Climate Adaptation.
- At the Seed to Series A stage of funding.
- Incorporated and have a product or service ready for testing or deployment.
- At least one full-time employee.
- Available to pitch in person at Trellis Impact 26 from June 23-25, 2026.
*Startups to Watch Finalists receive a comp ticket to TI26 and are responsible for their travel and stay.
Timeline
March 4 – March 27: Entrepreneurs submit applications, including a one-minute pitch video.
May: Finalists announced on the “15 Climate Tech Startups to Watch” feature on Trellis.net highlighting the top 5 finalists in each category.
May – early June: Preliminary rounds conducted via Trellis webinars. Three webinars will be held (one per category), where startups pitch to judges and attendees virtually. Community voting on finalists.
June 23-25, 2026: The final pitch sessions will take place in person at Trellis Impact 26 in San Francisco.
Competition Categories
Data Center Solutions
Solutions related to energy storage, batteries, grid-optimization, generation, software/AI demand flexibility, cooling, energy efficiency, water solutions. AI-enabled solutions and circular economy innovations are woven throughout each category as appropriate.
Material Innovation
Solutions related to low-carbon cement, steel, and building materials; circular materials recovery, sustainable mining for critical minerals, captured GHG to materials, and bio-based materials.
Climate Adaptation
Solutions that help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate extremes—including severe storms, floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat. This includes AI-enabled forecasting and risk analytics, sensing hardware (air quality, water, soil), emergency response platforms, and ecosystem protection and restoration technologies.