STUDENT PROGRAM

What is the Student Program?

The Summit’s Student Program is for the next generation of energy innovators who want to forge the future together. 

• Connect with executives, start-ups, non-profits, and policymakers looking to hire new talent
• Learn about new energy initiatives from industry thought-leaders and scientific researchers 
• Form relationships to secure funding and contribute to groundbreaking research 

This competitive program includes graduate-level students from universities across the country. Selected students receive complimentary registration for the entire Summit, individualized panel sessions and programming, and access to industry recruiters looking to hire talented energy professionals. 
 

Who participates in the Student Program?

Join a diverse mix of technical, scientific, business, and policy students from top universities and institutions. These students are energy leaders on their campuses, eager to learn more about high-risk energy technologies, and hope to transition to a professional career in the energy sector. Admission to the Student Program is restricted to graduate-level students at accredited institutions. 
 

How do I apply for the Student Program?

Energized and passionate graduate-level students can apply to the Summit Student Program here: 

STUDENT PROGRAM APPLICATION 
 

Application Period Opens: October 2024
Application Period Closed: January 6, 2025
Students will be notified of application decisions: January 15, 2025
If accepted, Students must confirm participation by: January 22, 2025
 

How can my company participate in the Student Program?

Interested in hiring early career innovators? Participation in the Student Program is at no additional cost to your Summit registration. You can receive access to a digital resume book in advance of the Summit with the resumes of Student Program participants and engage with students during a dedicated networking session. An email will be sent to all Summit registered companies in the spring of 2025 with more information on how to participate.

ARPA-E STUDENT PITCHES

Proposing Ideas for Technologies that can Harness Energy Sustainably (PITCHES)

Do you have a potentially disruptive energy technology idea? Do you find yourself often brainstorming ways that a process could be done better? Do you wish you had the opportunity to share these ideas with a broader audience? Good news! ARPA-E wants to hear from you at the 2025 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit!

How it works: 

• Students accepted to participate in the Summit’s Student Program will be invited to submit their ideas for consideration to the ARPA-E Student PITCHES session. 
• Selected student pitchers will prepare a five-minute pitch that summarizes their innovative energy technology idea and present it to an audience and a panel of industry judges. 
• Previous judges come from companies and start-ups like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, GE Vernova, Koloma, BASF, and Chevron Tech Ventures. 
• The judges will ask questions, provide feedback, and ultimately select a winning pitch. 
• The winning Student Pitcher will have the chance to give their pitch on the Summit’s main stage to thousands of leading industry leaders, investors, academic researchers, and government policymakers. 

How do I apply for Student PITCHES? 

Students accepted to the Summit’s Student Program are invited to submit a written proposal for PITCHES. Ideas will be evaluated based on communication style, novelty, technical depth, and potential impact. More information about the application and selection timeline will be provided after Student Program decisions are sent. We look forward to hearing your ideas!