Frequently Asked Questions

The Avatar Program is a 3-stage innovation ecosystem designed to develop the leaders and technologies of the future. You don't need to join with a team, IP, or even a specific idea - as you progress, we'll connect you with customers interested in your approach. The program includes Avatar Ignite (leadership development), Avatar Studio (technology development), and Avatar Ventures (funding and scaling).

Industry professionals working in energy or related fields who want to develop leadership skills while working on real-world energy technology challenges. We welcome emerging leaders from oil & gas companies, academia, and other sectors.

No! Our unique model means you can join as an individual without a team, IP, or even a fully formed idea. You'll be matched with others and develop solutions through the program.

Avatar Ignite is a 16-week leadership development program that requires just 2-4 hours per week. Participants collaborate in cross-functional teams to tackle real-world energy technology challenges, guided by global business and academic leaders. The program covers energy economics, capital markets, strategy, finance, global energy geopolitics, and entrepreneurship. Participants will gain practical leadership skills and hands-on experience in solving complex industry problems. The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch to senior executives, who will select the teams to advance to Avatar Studio. Typically, 10-15 promising technologies are identified for further development.

We offer 10 technology streams including:

• Carbon Control - Putting it Back in Place

• Future Fuels - Sustainable Fuels to Power the World

• Mature Assets - Plugging the Past, Powering the Future

• The New Electrosphere - Next Generation Grid & Power

• Geothermal - Baseload Energy Below

• Production Optimization - Reshaping the Resource Curve

• Hyperlink - 5G, IoT and Scaling Connectivity

• Methane Mitigation - The Fruits within Reach

• Climate Shields - CDR and Climate Adaptation

• Natural Gas Pioneers - From the Well to the World

After launch day, you'll participate in 101-learning sessions where you're briefly introduced to each stream. Once you select your technology stream, you'll receive an in-depth 201-learning session on your chosen topic from a sponsor.

Avatar Ignite offers a more affordable alternative to traditional MBAs, which can cost over $50K per year, and business conferences that average $3,700 for just a few days. The program cost covers your complete Ignite experience, and if your team advances to Avatar Studio, participation is fully sponsored by industry partners—meaning no additional cost for the advanced technology development phase.

Applications open in October/November each year and close in mid-January. The new program starts around the end of January to beginning of February.

Throughout the program, you'll receive:

• Educational content and learning sessions

• Access to extensive professional networks

• Mentorship from industry experts

• In Avatar Studio: Industry champions and leadership coaches

• In Avatar Ventures: Access to our network of venture companies and investor documentation support

Top projects from the Ignite "Shark Tank" pitches proceed to Avatar Studio. Teams that show the most promise and potential for real-world impact are selected to move forward.

No, Avatar Studio is exclusively for the most promising solutions emerging from Avatar Ignite. You must complete the Ignite program first.

IP initially sits within Avatar Innovations. Upon creation of a venture company or at your request as a participant, we'll transfer it accordingly. Every venture situation is unique and handled on a case-by-case basis.

We operate as a hybrid program primarily in North America. However, we're open to co-crafting solutions in other jurisdictions with the right clients and participants.

Through out primary hubs in Houston and Calgary we delivery in-person speakers and sessions that are also live streamed for virtual attendees.

Secondary hubs are determined based on cohort size within that particular region.

Sponsors provide expertise and support for specific technology streams. You'll deliver in-depth learning sessions to participants in your area of expertise and help guide technology development in areas relevant to your business.

Partners gain:

• Early access to innovative technologies and solutions

• Engagement with emerging energy leaders

• Collaboration opportunities with other industry players

• Pipeline of potential new technologies and business opportunities

• Connection to validated, industry-ready solutions

Each partnership is unique and customized to your organization's goals and strategic priorities. We work collaboratively to design an approach that delivers value for your specific situation.

Absolutely! Many of our participants come from partner companies. It's an excellent leadership development opportunity for your emerging leaders while they work on real-world energy challenges.

All concepts and IP are industry-validated through our partner network. In Avatar Studio, teams work directly with customers and industry experts to ensure market relevance and commercial viability.

We've seen strong results including ventures like CO2 Brew and Splice N'Connect. You can find more success stories and testimonials in the testimonials section of our website.

We're primarily North American-based but operate with hybrid delivery models. We're open to co-crafting solutions in other jurisdictions with the right clients and strategic fit.

Yes! We work with partners to create tailored solutions that address your specific strategic priorities and innovation challenges.