DIII-D experiments have investigated ITER startup scenarios, including an initial phase where the plasma was limited on low field side poloidal bumper limiters. In addition, li feedback control has been tested with the goal of producing discharges in ITER within the capabilities of the poloidal field coil set and favourable to the intended mode of operations in the subsequent constant current (flattop) phase. These discharges have been modelled using the Corsica free boundary equilibrium code. High performance hybrid scenario discharges (βN = 2.8, H98,y2 = 1.4) and ITER H-mode baseline discharges (βN > 1.6, H98,y2 = 1–1.2) have been obtained experimentally in an ITER similar shape after the ITER-relevant startup. Studies have been initiated to develop a reliable scenario for exiting the burn phase and ramping down the plasma current in ITER without disruptions.