NextEnergy's mission is to accelerate advanced energy investment and jobs in Michigan through several services: vetting technologies, providing business consulting and funding matches, hosting demonstrations, and informing policymakers. The panel discussed the core differences energy startups face compared to other sectors, like longer development cycles and a need for prototyping. Specifically in Michigan, programs providing funding and partnerships with investors, corporations, and universities have benefited energy companies, though more relationship building and tailored incubator support could further help startups navigate to market. The next Michigan Energy Forum event will focus on distributed energy storage opportunities.