Applications for the 2027 Avatar Ignite cohort are opening soon. Join the waitlist to be first in line.
Avatar Ignite 2027 is a 14-week launchpad for mid-career energy professionals. You’ll use AI, data, and cross-functional teams to deliver real outcomes for your company.
No lecture marathons, you’ll build prototypes, validate them with data, and pressure-test them with senior executives
Why now? What you’ll gain:
Why people join Ignite
You stop talking about innovation and actually build something real.
You learn faster here than you ever will in your day job.
You plug into a network of people who actually move the industry.
You get in front of leaders who notice and reward good work.
You leave with momentum, not just a certificate.
Outcomes
By the end of Ignite, you will have:
Operational wins: Faster cycle times, fewer errors, and clearer decisions using AI workflows.
A business case that holds up: A data-backed story leadership can say yes to.
A real portfolio: Prototypes, validation data, and a network of senior sponsors you can point to in reviews, promotions, or your next move
Curriculum
What you learn (selected outcomes)
Apply AI for analysis, drafting, and decision support in real projects.
Use energy economics & geopolitics to ground your business case in reality.
Translate ideas into fit-for-industry pilots in Avatar Studio.
Program Dates: View the 2026 Program Dates Here.
How Ignite works for you
Hands-on AI & teamwork: Day-to-day playbooks for analysis, drafting, decision support, and working with vendors — the stuff you use Monday morning.
Leadership in today’s electrosphere: Energy economics, geopolitics, finance, and how to use AI as an enabler, not a buzzword.
Executive-grade outcomes: You’ll present to a Shark Tank–style panel of senior leaders who can fund, deploy, or sponsor what you build.
For Employers
Measurable performance lift: Team KPIs tied to speed, cost, quality, and safety—not AI vanity metrics.
De-risked tech adoption: A governed path from Ignite to Studio → Ventures for pilots with clear success criteria.
Fit-for-facility: Tailored solutions via university/test partners; artifacts your org can actually operate.
Existing Entrepreneurs
New for 2027 we are introducing an entrepreneurial track for individuals & small teams with a bold idea to solve a real energy problem. Click Here to Learn More. (CLOSED)
Solo or small teams welcome to apply.
Not yet incorporated and free of third-party IP conflicts.
Based in Calgary, AB or Houston, TX
Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
Ignite 2027 is built for mid-career professionals who want to accelerate their skills, expand their network, and work on real energy challenges — without stepping out of their current role.
Format:
Part-time over 14 weeks with live sessions, team sprints, and executive reviews.
(Full virtual participation is supported globally.)
Tuition:
$5,000 CAD for independent applicants not covered by a partner organization or scholarship.
We can invoice employers directly so participants can use professional-development budgets.
Who Should Apply
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- You work in, or are committed to, the energy sector — operations, engineering, technology, finance, policy, or adjacent fields.
- You’ve shown strong performance and the ability to take on stretch assignments.
- You want to build real solutions, not sit through more training.
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- Comfortable collaborating across disciplines.
- Open to feedback and fast iteration.
- You want to use AI as a practical performance tool inside your day-to-day work.
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If your employer is an Avatar partner, there is no direct cost to you — tuition is typically covered.
Participation is still competitive, and final approval comes from your organization.
If your company is not a partner, we can invoice them directly so you can use professional-development funds.
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Ignite is designed to fit alongside a full-time job.
Plan for 2–4 hours per week, including:
- Bi-weekly live sessions (generally Friday afternoons)
- Team collaboration
- Prep for Avatar Shark Tank
Recordings are provided if you have travel or work conflicts.
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Ignite runs in a hybrid format:
- Calgary and Houston hubs for in-person sessions
- Full virtual access for participants anywhere in the world
If you can join workshops live (online or in person) and collaborate with your team, you can participate.
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You don’t need to bring an idea or problem from your company.
You’ll join a cross-functional team and choose from curated technology streams aligned with real industry challenges.
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A limited number of scholarships are available for:
- Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doc students
- High-performing professionals not employed by corporate partners, where cost would be a barrier
Current scholarship partners include Young Women in Energy, YPP USA, and Tex-E.
If you’d like to be considered, indicate this in your application.
Applications Closed: January 20, 2027
For any questions, reach out at ignite@avatarinnovations.energy.