Colorado remains one of the top states in the nation within the cleantech industry and is currently ranked #6 (U.S. Clean Tech Leadership Index). As the seventh-ranked market in tech deployment within clean electricity, clean transportation and green buildings, the state’s commitment to renewable energy, advanced materials and energy storage is showcased. This mindset is trickling-down into local startups. One of the key drivers in this market is the solid-state battery, which is predicted to revolutionize the energy storage sector in the near future. Join our panel of experts as we discuss how and why solid-state batteries are going to power our future.

Panelists:

Doug Campbell, Solid Power CEO

Doug is a serial entrepreneur with experience in commercializing new technologies in the cleantech, aerospace and military markets. He is currently the CEO of Louisville-based Solid Power, a developer of next-generation, all solid-state batteries for the electric vehicle market stemming from groundbreaking solid-state battery technology research at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Longmont-based Roccor, a manufacturer of space and military products. Both companies have experienced explosive growth over the past several years as evident by their ranking by BizWest Magazine as the 3rd and 4th fastest growing companies during the period of 2014-2016.

Doug has considerable experience in securing developmental funding from the Federal government, including the SBIR program, having secured >$50M over the past decade. He is particularly passionate about transitioning technologies developed under programs like SBIR into the commercial marketplace. Doug holds an M.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of New Mexico and began his career in new technology development as a Research Assistant at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, NM.

Katie Hoffner, Prieto Battery SVP of Strategy

With more than two decades of securing high-level investment and building strategic partnerships, Katie excels at connecting ideas, people and resources with the intention of shaping extraordinary outcomes. A process best described as alchemy.

She is currently the Senior Vice President for Prieto Battery, a revolutionary 3D advanced Li-ion battery technology, with its roots springing from Dr. Amy Prieto's academic research at CSU. Katie plays a pivotal role in shaping Prieto's strategic direction with OEMs and investors, including their most recent infusion of funds from Intel Capital and Stanley Black & Decker.

Katie also stewarded the process for the first solar Feed-in Tariff policy in Colorado and helped stage the first ever Hydrogen Energy Expo in Denver.

Katie is a member of the Dean's Advisory Board for School of Engineering at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and also serves as a Board Member of Pretty Brainy, an innovative program combining interdisciplinary STEM studies for girls.

Katie is a 4th-generation Coloradoan and grew up on the back of a horse. Her education includes an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and a BA dual degree from Sweet Briar College, where she graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Moderator:

Ed Williams, Colorado Cleantech Industries Association Chairman

Mr. Williams currently serves as Chairman of the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA) and has a 25-year career successfully driving accelerated growth and profitability for both Fortune 500, and entrepreneurial start-up technology businesses in software, energy storage and advanced materials.

In the Clean Tech market sector for more than 10 years, Mr. Williams drove the turnaround of an advanced materials company, supplying the domestic power utility industry, and recently led an energy storage technology company through an accelerated growth path bringing an award-winning advanced technology product into the market in record time.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams spent 15 years in the information technology sector leading software and service companies, including a stint as an eight-year senior executive at Apple Inc., where Mr. Williams was a proven turnaround specialist bringing business units to exceptional growth and profitability, culminating with the successful turnaround of an $830M business unit.

Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics, and an MBA in Finance and Marketing. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and a guest lecturer at the University of Colorado undergraduate and graduate business schools.