Cleantech Institute
Program Description
The purpose of the Cleantech Institute is to expose the fundamental economic, political and innovation equations to creating and commercializing cleantech innovation.
By dissecting the process the Cleantech Institute will not only create a more efficient industry standard but will also help to shape the thinking of future cleantech leaders. Participants will gain the knowledge necessary to catalyze the industry into achieving its potential through the application of novel concepts learned at the Cleantech Institute.
Methodology
The Cleantech Institute is a two-day intensive program where participants will immerse themselves in the traditional, current and future economic, political and innovation environment. Discussion will then lead to the lifecycle of a cleantech company from concept through commercialization and conclude with discussion on the future of the industry as a whole.
The programming is structured to optimize the opportunity for interactive discussion and healthy debate; achieved through a combination of group discussion, moderated panel discussion, case-study review and lecture. Speakers will be represented from both the private and public sectors and embody a mix of "been there, done that" industry executives as well as academic theorists.
Additionally, participants will be privy to bleeding edge technology developments and scientific breakthroughs through a technology showcase. This unique combination will help to bridge the gap between theory and practice and provide a comprehensive view of the cleantech industry.
Need
In order for cleantech to prevail as the economic savior, a new breed of researchers, executives, entrepreneurs, policy makers, academics, investors and service providers must be created to capitalize on the cleantech revolution. A platform for thought leaders to debate and discuss the next generation of cleantech, particularly within an economic model specific to the industry will be critical to its success.
Current models should be examined and scrutinized, theory should be tested and knowledge sharing must be restored as the cornerstone of the innovation process. California and the Bay Area in particular, are primed to lead such a cleantech revolution for both national use and international export due to the region’s established reputation of leading emerging technology. The Cleantech Institute will provide the setting for such a dialogue and much more.
Who Should Attend
The target audience of the Cleantech Institute is comprised of four distinct categories: traditional industry executives, executives from other industries looking to transition, cleantech executives, and investors. These categories are defined as follows:
- Traditional Industry Executives and Experts – expert scientists and executives with deep knowledge of the needs and
possibilities of energy, but are in need of commercialization know-how. These professionals may have been in more
traditional industries such energy, utilities, and fuel but have not been exposed to all the elements within the lifecycle of a
cleantech company from concept through the commercialization. They may also have a stronger background in research
and development rather than business and require the tools to move beyond the lab and into the market.
- Silicon Valley Executives and Entrepreneurs – those with a deep understanding of commercialization from other
disciplines such as software, telecom, and biotech whose companies who are looking to move or have recently moved
into the cleantech industry. These professionals may have extensive business experience but are interested in an indepth
understanding of the industry for credibility within the cleantech sector and amongst their peers.
- Current Cleantech Executives –looking to continue their professional development by staying on top of the political
and scientific environment.
- Investors and Buyers –this category includes investors seeking information on how to increase their ROI in their cleantech portfolio and an opportunity to identify new technologies.
