Innovation Challenge
Data Center World will host its 5th Annual Innovation Challenge at the Data Center World Conference in Washington, D.C., on April 22–23, 2026.
This year, 24 selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch directly to venture capitalists, accelerators, utilities, hyperscalers and ABB executives, gaining valuable exposure to key decision-makers across the data center ecosystem.
The Data Center World Innovation Challenge, powered by ABB, will showcase the most exciting and impactful data center technologies currently on the market. Discover startups driving transformation, explore breakthrough solutions, and connect with the ecosystem shaping the future of data centers.
New for 2026!
- Innovation Alley: Start-ups will showcase their solutions to thousands of data center professionals via our dedicated exhibit space.
- Innovation Challenge: Pitch your solution to a panel of esteemed judges, with a chance for data center glory!
- Dedicated Networking Reception: Mix and mingle with the movers and shakers in the industry.
- Keynote Level Exposure: Winners will be announced at the Thursday DCW keynote.
Interested in participating? Applications are due by Friday, February 20, 2026.
Innovation Categories
Startups applying must align with one of the five innovation categories defined for this year’s challenge:
Grid and Power for Data Centers
Power Inside AI-Scale Data Centers
Cooling & Thermal Breakthrough
Data Center Build and Operations
Networking and IT
Application Process
Please review the eligibility requirements before applying.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
Selection of 24 Startups: March 9, 2026
Event Week: April 20, 2026
The Jury
The jury members will be announced in the following weeks.
Startup Selection
A total of 24 selected startups will receive:
- One complimentary conference pass
- A dedicated booth in the Innovation Alley (powered by ABB)
- The opportunity to pitch live to industry leaders and investors
Innovation Challenge Awards
Most Promising Startup (for each of the categories)
ABB Innovation Award
Award winners will be recognized at the Data Center World keynote, acknowledged in a Data Center World press release, provided with promotional assets to use for marketing purposes, and given an awards plaque.
2025 Innovation Challenge
Data Center World held its 4th annual tech startup competition at our annual conference in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 2025. The Innovation Challenge contest pitted data center technology startups against each other. The panel of judges included:
- Vlad Galabov, Senior Director, Enterprise Infrastructure Research, Omdia
- Raymond Parpart, Director Data Center Strategy & Operations | IT Services, The University of Chicago
- Tara Gibb, Senior Director, Data Center World