We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from one of our very own VTCRC community members! Fermi Energy, Inc. has been named one of the Top 4 Global Champions out of over 1,200 applicants in the 17th Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC) — a prestigious international competition for startups developing breakthrough technologies in the automotive and mobility sectors.
Fermi Energy
Fermi Energy’s innovative work in advanced battery technologies and their drive to revolutionize clean energy storage captured the attention of industry leaders and judges on a global scale. Their achievement highlights the caliber of innovation happening within the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center community.
What is GAMIC?
The Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC) is a renowned international competition designed to identify and accelerate groundbreaking technologies and startups in the automotive and mobility industries. Powered by the MI Innovation Alliance, a 501(c)(3) corporation, GAMIC serves as a launchpad for early-stage companies ready to scale.
Since its inception in 2008, GAMIC has hosted a multi-stage global competition including:
- Quarter-Final rounds (December–January)
- Semi-Finals (February)
- Final Event each April at the SAE International WCX® World Congress in Detroit, Michigan
GAMIC offers startups an incredible opportunity to showcase their technologies in front of over 10,000 mobility experts and compete for a share of $400,000 in commercialization acceleration services, cash, industry mentorship, and facilitated connections with top OEMs and automotive decision-makers.
To date, past GAMIC champions have raised over $665 million, and GAMIC alumni have collectively secured over $1.26 billion in funding.
This year’s final event was held on April 7, 2025, at Huntington Place in Detroit. Fermi Energy’s recognition among the top four global finalists is not only a testament to their groundbreaking work, but also a proud moment for the innovation ecosystem at VTCRC.
Join the Innovation Conversation
GAMIC supporters and participants also continue to collaborate and share insights year-round in the GAMIC LinkedIn Group, fostering an ongoing community of innovation leaders and changemakers.
We couldn’t be prouder of Fermi Energy and their journey on this global stage. Their success shines a spotlight on the impactful work being done right here in Blacksburg — and it’s just the beginning.
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the innovators shaping the future of mobility.
Learn more about GAMIC HERE.