Explore the Cutting Edge of energy and electrification in Minnesota
For the first time ever, six of Minnesota’s leading energy and electrification organizations are joining forces to create the most comprehensive energy innovation event of the year.
Join us on October 13 at the McNamara Alumni Center for a day of cutting-edge technology, insightful presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities with the leaders driving Minnesota’s energy and electrification future.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with Minnesota’s energy community, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation driving energy innovation in the state.
Registration is closed.
Organizing partners
This year’s Energy Innovation Summit brings together the annual Electroposium, Recharge Minnesota Symposium, Electrify MN, and MN Cleantech Innovation Summit events under one roof.
Sponsors
A big thank you to our sponsors for supporting energy innovation in Minnesota and making this year’s summit possible.
With additional funding from Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development and Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
Speakers
Adesewa Adesiji
Brad Bauer
Joseph Block
Alireza Khani, PhD, PE
Jessica Miller
Rebecca Olson
Grant Ovsak
Vikki Palony
Kathy Quick
agenda
More information on the venue, parking, and other event logistics.
7:30am – Registration & Light Breakfast (Memorial Hall)
Grab a light bite to eat, check out the exhibitors in University Hall, and mingle with your fellow energy innovators.
8:30am – Opening Session (Memorial Hall)
Opening Address from Bethany Owen, President & CEO of Allete
Bethany Owen, President & CEO of Allete, will open the Summit with a utility perspective on energy innovation.
What's Next for Energy Innovation? Challenges & Opportunities for Minnesota's Energy Sector
Four of our region’s most impactful leaders will take the stage to discuss the state of energy innovation in Minnesota and offer their forecast for challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
Panelists: Bethany Owen (Allete), John Marshall (Xcel Energy), Shashank Priya (University of MN – Research Innovation Office), and Bill Weber (3M)
Moderator: Nina Axelson (Grid Catalyst)
9:45am – Coffee Break (Memorial Hall)
10:15am – Breakout Session #1
Realizing Geothermal's Potential: From Single-Family Homes to Thermal Networks (Johnson Great Room)
From single family homes to entire housing developments (networked geothermal) to thermal energy networks (TEN), geothermal heat pump (GHP) technologies constitute one of the most impactful and scalable electrification options available today. As the nation moves to decarbonize and ‘future-proof’ both new and existing buildings, GHP technology is uniquely positioned as the most efficient and effective, grid-friendly infrastructure choices for sustainable, all-electric space conditioning and water heating.
Speakers: Dan King (Darcy Solutions), Scott Niesen (WaterFurnace), and Michael Hinde (Great River Energy)
Moderator: Steven Koep (Geo Exchange Organization)
Innovation in Aviation: Electric Aircraft and Sustainable Fuels (Thomas H. Swain Room)
This session explores cutting-edge advancements in aviation, focusing on the development and implementation of alternative fuels and electrification technologies to create a more sustainable future for air travel.
Speakers:
Joseph Block from MNDOT’s Office of Aeronautics will share the results of their Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (or MEAN) Study that lays the framework for statewide electric aircraft operations.
Julia Silvis from GreaterMSP will provide updates on the progress of the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub, followed by a discussion of what these advancements mean for the decarbonization of aviation.
Moderator: Ryan Fedie (Axelergy)
Electric Cooperatives: Cases for Partnerships and Innovation (Ski-U Mah)
This session will highlight how Minnesota’s electric cooperatives and their partners are employing different governance structures, technological advancements, and business models to drive energy innovation.
Speakers: Christian Kennedy (Zero Homes), Rebecca Olson (Center for Energy and Environment), Jeff Haase (Great River Energy), John Berge (Dakota Electric)
Moderator: Jamie Stallman (Great River Energy)
11:15am – Breakout Session #2
Fleet Electrification Strategies: From Pilots to Full Deployment (Johnson Great Room)
The transportation sector accounts for 28% of Green House gas emissions in the U.S. Regulatory pressures, grant opportunities, and rapidly changing technology is driving growth in the fleet electrification space. The presentation will share tips and advice on fleet electrification from pilots to fleet wide deployments.
Speaker: Mark Reierson (TKDA)
Demonstrating Next-Gen Energy Tech: Startup Showcase – Part 1 (Thomas H. Swain Room)
Learn about five first-of-a-kind technologies launching in Minnesota this year through the Grid Catalyst Demonstration Cohort program, made possible through the support of the state’s Minnesota Energy Alley initiative. Part 1 features:
- Flow Environmental Systems – Commercial CO2 heat pumps (Sean Jarvie)
- LiquidCool Solutions – Liquid-immersion cooling for data centers (David Roe)
- C-Motive Technologies – High-efficiency electrostatic motors (Brandi Kochera)
How to Lead Effective Cross-Sector Partnerships (Ski-U Mah)
New collaboratives often encounter challenges when converting their motivation to do good into action. Learn how the Center for Integrative Leadership, University of Minnesota, has created a minimum viable benefit process for agenda-setting that can help collaborators start up and stay on track.
Speaker: Kathy Quick (Center for Integrative Leadership, Univerity of Minnesota)
12:00 – Lunch (Memorial Hall)
Lunch will be provided with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
1:00pm – Breakout Session #3
Electrifying Transit & Mobility-On-Demand: Optimization Tools for Smart Planning (Johnson Great Room)
Dr. Alireza Khani (University of Minnesota, Twin Cities) will present research on the electrification of transportation systems, with a focus on transit, mobility-on-demand services, and agency fleets. The work centers on advanced modeling and optimization tools that support fleet transitions and charging infrastructure planning, enabling cost-effective, reliable, and seamless operations.
Demonstrating Next-Gen Energy Tech: Startup Showcase – Part 2 (Thomas H. Swain Room)
Learn about five first-of-a-kind technologies launching in Minnesota this year through the Grid Catalyst Demonstration Cohort program, made possible through the support of the state’s Minnesota Energy Alley initiative. Part 2 features:
- Enspi – Digital twin software for utility security and operations (Dwayne Caldwell)
- Ecosnap – Cutting-edge approach to mini-split heat pump installations for multi-unit building electrification (Diana Fisler). Project host Precipitate Architecture (Elizabeth Turner) will be joining to talk through their experience installing 4 Ecosnap units in a mixed-use building in South Minneapolis as part of their energy-efficient renovations.
Growing Your Energy Business in Minnesota: An Overview of DEED Programs & Resources (Ski-U Mah)
The MN Department of Employment & Economic Development is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED’s focus is to provide and promote programs for business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development. DEED’s Workforce Strategy Consultants will provide an overview of DEED, its programs, and resources available to support business development.
Speakers: Adesewa Adesiji (DEED), Jessica Miller (DEED), Kevion Ellis (Governor’s Workforce Development Board, DEED), Molly Ingram (Labor Market Information Office, DEED)
2:00pm – Breakout Session #4
Mapping an Electric Future: Mankato's Example (Johnson Great Room)
This session will showcase how Mankato, Minnesota, is building a practical, community-driven roadmap for transportation electrification—offering a replicable model for other cities across the state and beyond. Attendees will learn how local government, businesses, nonprofits, and residents came together to identify priorities, overcome barriers, and plan investments in charging infrastructure and fleet electrification. The conversation will highlight the process behind the roadmap’s creation, the importance of aligning local goals with state and federal opportunities, and the lessons learned in balancing innovation with community needs. Through Mankato’s example, participants will leave with actionable insights for mapping their own electric future.
Speakers: Ashley Eimer (Mankato Area Foundation) & Jon Olseth (Olseth Family Foundation)
Moderator: Kirk Brown (Recharge America)
Funding Energy Innovation: Navigating Today's Capital Landscape (Thomas H. Swain Room)
With significant changes in public and private funding dynamics in 2025, what do innovators need to know to navigate the market and secure capital? We are bringing together regional experts to share their insights on tax credits, green banks, and private investment opportunities for energy innovation.
Speakers: Jeremy Kalin (Avisen), Kari Groth Swan (Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority), & Matt Schmitt (Structure Climate)
Designing Electrification Training Programs: Thermo King's Example (Ski-U Mah)
Recently, Thermo King and the University of Minnesota collaborated to produce asynchronous employee development training to enhance Thermo King’s workforce. This training was tailored to Thermo King personnel needing insights into electrification technologies, history, and modern developments. The presentation will discuss how this training was developed/executed, grant opportunities available from The Minnesota Department of Employment Economic Development (DEED) to develop tailored training for your organization, and how the training enhanced the skill set of Thermo King’s employees.
Speakers: Brad Bauer (University of Minnesota, Technological Leadership Institute), Grant Ovsak (ThermoKing), Vikki Palony (DEED)
2:45pm – Coffee Break (Memorial Hall)
3:15pm – Closing Session (Memorial Hall)
The Future of Minnesota's Energy Economy: Workforce, Innovation, and Community Resilience
Energy innovation is deeply intertwined with our local and regional economic vitality, driven by the combined leadership of the public and private sectors. The advancement of our energy system is tethered to the future of our workforce, academic and research systems, business and sector growth, and opportunities for more resilient communities across the state.
Join our closing panel to hear expert perspectives from Commissioner Matt Varilek (MN Department of Employment and Economic Development), Assistant Commissioner Lissa Pawlisch (MN Department of Commerce), and Jonathan Rowntree (Niron Magnetics).
4:00pm – Reception (Heritage Gallery)
Stick around to connect with energy leaders and innovators from across the state. Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks provided. Cash bar.
agenda & Topics
Breakout session topics are in development under five core themes: Technology and Innovation, Workforce Development and Training, Policy, Partnerships and Collaboration, and Startups.
Session topics and timing will be confirmed by August 1, 2025.
- Building Electrification Training Programs (Workforce)
- Geothermal for Sustainability (Technology/Innovation)
- Community Electrification Planning (Partnerships)
- Grid Resilience and Security (Technology & Innovation)
- The Federal Policy Landscape (Policy)
- Energy & Cleantech Startup Pitches (Technology & Innovation)
- MN Department of Employment and Economic Development Programs (Workforce)
- Energy & Cleantech Startup Pitches (Startups)
- Clean Energy Initiatives for Communities with Recharge America (Partnerships)
- Electrification of Transit and Mobility On-Demand Systems (Technology/Innovation)
- Funding for Energy/Cleantech Innovation and Deployment (Partnerships)
- State-Level Clean Energy Best Practices – Lessons from Across the Country (Policy)
| October 13, 2025 | Morning Sessions |
|---|---|
| 7:30am | Registration & Light Breakfast |
| ⚡️ Lightning Talks | |
| 8:30am | Kickoff Address - Speaker TBA |
| 9:00am |
Opening Plenary Session: Panel on Energy Trends, Innovation, and Opportunities |
| 9:45am | Networking |
| 10:15am | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:15am | Breakout Session 2 |
| October 13, 2025 | Afternoon Sessions |
|---|---|
| 12:00pm | Lunch (Provided) |
| 12:45pm | Breakout Session 3 |
| 1:45pm | Breakout Session 4 |
| 2:30pm | Coffee Break |
| ⚡️ Lightning Talks | |
| 3:15pm | Final Session |
| 4:30pm | Closing Remarks |
Registration is closed.