![Conversations in Cleantech](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1.jpg)
Conversations in Cleantech offers insight into the opportunities, challenges and rewards of working in the cleantech space from the investors, leaders, entrepreneurs, accelerators & technologists within it. We talk all things cleantech, sustainability, renewables, agritech, solar, wind, e-mobilty, hydrogen & energy storage. The time for cleantech is now – join the revolution and live your purpose. Conversations in Cleantech is bought to you by Brightsmith, the cleantech search specialists.
Episodes
![Unveiling the Potential of Brownfield Sites with Carey Kling, Director at CleanCapital | Season Seven, Episode Thirteen](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech our host, Ben Sparks chats with Carey Kling, director at CleanCapital, a 20-year cleantech veteran with a fascinating background that blends geology, environmentalism, and economics.
Imagine a world where former industrial sites become beacons of clean energy. This episode explores that very idea, delving into the potential of brownfield sites to become the next generation of solar and storage facilities.
Carey, with her unique perspective, sheds light on the exciting possibilities of brownfield redevelopment. She'll discuss the key advantages these sites offer - existing infrastructure, zoning perks, and minimal environmental disruption – making them prime candidates for clean energy investment.
But it's not all sunshine and solar panels. The conversation will also tackle the challenges of brownfield development, from navigating environmental concerns to ensuring project profitability in a fluctuating financial landscape.
Join Ben and Carey for an insightful discussion that explores the potential of brownfields to accelerate the clean energy transition. Learn how these overlooked spaces can be transformed into sustainable powerhouses, paving the way for a greener future.
00:49 - Introduction to Carey
01:32 - Can you tell us about your journey to CleanCapital, including your background and the key experiences that shaped your career in cleantech?
04:28 - What does living your purpose look like for you?
04:56 - Can you explain what brownfield sites are and why they're becoming key players in the clean energy transition?
06:04 - Can you elaborate on CleanCapital's current focus on brownfield acquisitions and their competitive edge in this space?
06:54 - Looking back, what criteria have you used to identify organisations with strong purpose, culture, and the right team, ensuring a good fit for you?
07:34 - You mentioned your love for the outdoors. How did that passion lead you to a career in renewable energy?
08:20 - What are the biggest tailwinds and headwinds you see for investing in brownfield projects?
10:08 - Beyond financing, what are the main differences between brownfield and traditional utility-scale solar projects, and why do you think utility-scale dominates the US market currently?
11:37 - For someone interested in developing brownfield sites but lacking a hydrogeological background, what key challenges might they face, and what advice would you offer to overcome them?
13:36 - Is outright acquisition becoming a more common strategy for developers compared to leasing these sites?
14:32 - As we look towards the future of the US renewable energy sector, how do you see brownfield development playing a role, and what's your overall outlook on the financial health of renewables?
15:20 - While investor interest in renewables remains strong, there are signs of increased competition for funding. How do you see this shift in the investment landscape impacting project financing?
16:35 - Beyond brownfield development, which other areas of the renewable energy sector do you find particularly exciting?
Connect with your host Ben Sparks on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Carey Kling on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Investing for Impact with Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures | Season Seven, Episode Twelve](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our hosts Alexa Mangeant and Hetty Lowther chat with Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures, about the dynamic world of cleantech investing.
Andrew's journey began with founding his first solar company back in 2002, a time when cleantech was still emerging. He witnessed solar panel costs drop from $10/watt to an astonishing $0.15/watt, a change that surpassed all expectations.
At Obvious Ventures, the focus is on companies that transform industries with a "well positive" approach. They’re backing innovations in electric vehicles, energy storage, carbon markets, and aviation. Notably, Senken, a platform facilitating the world's first public sale of carbon forward tokens, is among the impactful companies supported by Obvious Ventures.
For those aspiring to enter the cleantech field, Andrew shares his insights, emphasising the growth potential when purpose meets profit.
Join us for a captivating conversation, rich with insights from an experienced investor and operator, showcasing how Obvious Ventures is helping to shape a sustainable future.
02:17 - Introduction to Andrew
02:56 - Can you tell us a bit about you and your journey into the VC route?
07:03 - Are you good at spotting the big trends that are about to kick off?
07:35 - What initially drew you to solar technology?
11:18 - For those who may not be familiar with Obvious Ventures, can you share more about your mission as a business?
15:50 - What specific qualities or attributes do you look for in a company that make you believe it has significant potential?
18:41 - What are some of the key technologies or innovations in the cleantech sector that you're currently focusing on?
22:52 - Could you elaborate on the opportunities you see in the carbon market, considering its dynamic nature and the diverse range of players involved?
27:22 - What advice or wisdom would you offer to someone starting a career similar to yours?
29:13 - Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with listeners passionate about sustainability and cleantech, who are eager to step into this space?
Connect with your hosts Alexa Mangeant and Hetty Lowther on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Andrew Beebe on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Revolutionising the Electric Vehicle Market with Martin Beaumont, CEO at Electric Green | Season Seven, Episode Eleven](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
In this episode, our host Nick sits down with Martin Beaumont, CEO at Electric Green, to discuss cleantech investing and the electric vehicle industry.
Imagine a world where charging your EV is as simple as pulling into your driveway. Electric Green's innovative wireless charging technology aims to make that a reality.
In this episode, we explore how wireless charging can be the game-changer for EVs, making charging effortless and accessible for all.
But the road to clean isn't always smooth. Martin dives into the real-world challenges faced by cleantech companies, like securing funding and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. He also sheds light on the current investment landscape, highlighting the importance of strong business models to attract vital funding in the green sector.
Discover why Martin believes wireless charging is the missing piece to unlock mass adoption of EVs and accelerate the transition to a cleaner future.
00:49 - Introduction to Martin
03:23 - Can you tell us more about your role at Electric Green and the company's innovative work in wireless charging?
08:46 - What have been the biggest achievements of Electric Green so far?
10:32 - What challenges has Electric Green faced and had to deal with?
13:23 - What inspired you to work in the fast-paced cleantech sector?
15:00 - What valuable lessons have you learned at Electric Green that would be helpful for aspiring clean tech professionals?
16:48 - Given the current investment climate, what are your thoughts on how the investment in the sector looks at the moment?
18:52 - How do you see cleantech investment changing in the coming years?
20:50 - Given the limited funding available in the cleantech sector at the moment, what has your experience been like when seeking investment for Electric Green?
22:12 - What advice can you give to anyone listening who is currently seeking investment for themselves?
24:01 - Looking beyond investment, what are your predictions for the competitive landscape in the EV market?
27:25 - How do you see key challenges facing EV adoption evolving in the next few years, and what role will Electric Green play in navigating these challenges?
31:00 - What advice can you offer for people looking to enter the cleantech industry?
Connect with your host, Nick McCullough on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Martin Beaumont on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![The Challenges and Opportunities of US Hydrogen with Roxana Bekemohammadi, Founder & Executive Director at United States Hydrogen Alliance | Season Seven, Episode Ten](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
In this episode our host Carmen Davis chats with Roxana Bekemohammadi about navigating the exciting yet challenging world of clean technology, specifically focusing on the hydrogen industry.
For over 14 years, Roxana's journey has taken her from the technical trenches of fuel cell engineering to the forefront of hydrogen policy. Driven by a deep-seated desire to be an environmental steward, she has become a leading voice in this critical field.
This episode offers a candid exploration of both the excitement and challenges inherent to clean technology. Roxana shares her insights, balancing passionate advocacy for hydrogen's potential with a clear-eyed view of deployment hurdles. Together, they delve into the complexities of market development and the ongoing evolution of the US hydrogen landscape.
Beyond the technical advancements, the conversation also tackles critical issues like workforce development and the hydrogen industry's role in driving economic growth.
00:40 - Introduction to Roxana
01:23 - Could you please tell us a little bit more about your career journey?
05:00 - Tell us a little bit more about what being an environmental steward means to you?
07:28 - How do you navigate that balance between advocating for hydrogen technology, while still cautioning about the challenges within the deployment?
12:00 - Can you tell us a little bit more about your role?
17:17 - How have role models, particularly female leaders, influenced your career journey?
21:00 - Can you share your thoughts on the current hydrogen market landscape, especially considering the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and ongoing political factors?
28:41 - Can you elaborate on your advocacy work with Manacor Partners?
29:41 - Beyond the technical advancements, where do you see the hydrogen industry fueling job creation, economic growth, and workforce development?
39:26 - For aspiring individuals considering or already in the hydrogen industry, especially those concerned about current challenges, what advice can you offer to navigate their careers?
Connect with your host, Carmen Davis on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Roxana Bekemohammad on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Scaling Up in Cleantech with Raj Patel, CFO of Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions | Season Seven, Episode Nine](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
This episode dives deep into the challenges and strategies for scaling cleantech startups, featuring Raj Patel, CFO of Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS), alongside host Ben Sparks.
After success in traditional finance, Raj was drawn to the impact potential of climate solutions. His current role as CFO at EVCS, a company building essential charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, allows him to directly contribute to the clean energy transition.
The cleantech revolution is here, but scaling a startup in this exciting space comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode, Raj explores strategies for navigating these hurdles and achieving sustainable growth, as well as focusing on building a strong, communicative team and understanding the industry's unique language.
This episode is packed with insights – from navigating the EV charging ecosystem to aligning with investors. Tune in and supercharge your cleantech journey!
00:48 - Introduction to Raj
03:30 - Can you elaborate on how your current role at EVCS allows you to fulfil your purpose?
05:48 - Did you have any concerns when leaving finance and coming into the cleantech sector?
06:55 - Is there something specific about EVCS approach that contributes significantly to a more sustainable energy future?
08:26 - What sets EVCS apart and makes a real difference in that world?
09:14 - Is focus on uptime a recent shift you've observed in the industry, or has it always been a critical factor?
10:03 - As you look back over your career, what have been some of the stretch moments where you've really made the jump?
13:15 - Thinking about your own career moves, has finding a strong team to navigate challenges been a significant factor in your decision-making process?
15:03 - To give everyone a better understanding of your role, could you walk us through a typical day at EVCS?
17:19 - What are some key qualities you look for in team members who can thrive in this dynamic environment and contribute effectively when urgent situations arise?
19:00 - As more individuals transition from traditional sectors, what key areas of coaching would you recommend for a first-time CFO?
21:43 - Can you elaborate on some specific strategies you used to get up to speed quickly and ensure your contributions were most valuable to the team?
23:44 - Are there any specific headwinds that you believe investors are wary of when considering investment in the cleantech sector?
28:01 - What key actions can first-time cleantech founders take to stand out and become attractive investment opportunities?
28:25 - What excites you most about the future of EVCS and the EV charging market?
Connect with your host, Ben Sparks on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Raj Patel on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Forging a Cleaner Future through Green Nitrogen with Linda Thrasher, President & Co-Founder at Greenfield Nitrogen | Season Seven, Episode Eight](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
Hosted by Carmen Davis, in this episode, we hear from Linda Thrasher, who is blazing a trail in sustainable agriculture and clean tech.
Linda Thrasher's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional: from the hallowed halls of law school to the gritty frontlines of male-dominated industries, she has shattered glass ceilings with her unwavering determination and visionary leadership.
In this episode, Linda takes us through her career journey, from her Founding Executive role at agriculture giants like Mosaic to her groundbreaking co-founding of Greenfield Nitrogen. Brace yourself as she pulls back the curtain on the challenges she faced as a woman in a man's world, and how she overcame them with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in the power of diversity.
From the vast potential of green ammonia in agriculture, shipping, and beyond, to the details of risk tolerance, policy pieces and investor timelines, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and forging a greener future for us all.
00:50 - Introduction to Linda
01:27 - Can we start with a bit more about your career journey from starting out in law school on Capitol Hill, to becoming the Founding Executive at the Mosaic Company and then eventually co-founding Greenfield Nitrogen?
03:24 - How have you navigated the twists and turns of your career?
05:20 - As a female entrepreneur in the clean tech sector, what challenges have you faced and overcome throughout your career? And how have these experiences shaped your approach to business and leadership?
07:08 - Could tell us more about Greenfield Nitrogen and its mission?
11:56 - How do you think you integrate community involvement and promoting education for girls and women into the work at Greenfield Nitrogen?
14:40 - I'd love for you to touch upon your experience navigating Capitol Hill and the policy piece, and how that interplays with your role now?
18:53 - How is this world expanding, and what do you think the future might hold for this sector?
21:57 - What are your thoughts around investment in clean tech and what part it plays?
26:07 - Could you share some insights around the market dynamics and potential opportunities for low-carbon ammonia?
30:10 - What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to enter this sector? Or pursue entrepreneurship, especially coming from the backgrounds of law and policy?
Connect with your host, Carmen Davis on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Linda Thrasher on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Cracking the Clean Energy Code with Marko Virkebau, CEO at Stargate Hydrogen | Season Seven, Episode Seven](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
Join your co-hosts, Hetty and Alexa, as they delve into the exciting world of green hydrogen with Marko Virkebau, the CEO of Stargate Hydrogen!
Stargate Hydrogen is at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting-edge ceramic-based alkaline electrolysers to produce green hydrogen, supporting the global transition to a zero-carbon economy.
From Stargate’s story so far and their scale-up efforts, the power of partnerships when it comes to R&D and commercial activities, to funding the future including the challenges of obtaining grants and the need to bring down production costs: this episode is a treasure trove of insights.
Marko's journey offers valuable lessons for leaders in the clean energy space too, with practical takeaways for clean energy enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Finally, Marko shares the hurdles the hydrogen industry faces, such as a lack of offtake agreements, with how insights into how Stargate are tackling these challenges.
So, be sure to tune in and get a glimpse into the future of green hydrogen!
00:50 - Introduction by Hetty and Alexa
02:14 - Introduction to Marko and Stargate
04:47 - What was your journey to founding the business?
05:57 - Where did the name for your novel catalyst material come from? What makes it revolutionary in the green hydrogen space?
06:56 - As a business based in Estonia, how are you finding the green hydrogen market there?
08:27 - How are you finding the regulation side in the European market?
09:27 - What's the future for your geographies?
10:15 - The team at Stargate have a wealth of knowledge and quite diverse backgrounds. Can you share how you came together?
11:43 - How have you found the journey of growing the business to almost three times the size in two years?
14:00 - How have you achieved commercialisation so early in your journey?
15:17 - How have you gone through your fundraising journey to achieve these key milestones?
16:54 - Can you tell us more about your EU funding story?
17:52 - How do you see these trends emerging from an investment perspective within hydrogen?
19:10 - What's the next stage you're anticipating for Stargate hydrogen?
20:02 - How important have partnerships been for you so far?
21:30 - What attracted you to green hydrogen being the solution for the climate crisis and the net zero transition?
22:27 - For those who are in the early stages of their business, is there any specific advice that you would give?
Connect with your hosts, Hetty Lowther and Alexa Mangeant on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Marko Virkebau on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Funding the Tech of Tomorrow with Juan Muldoon, Partner at Energize Capital | Season Seven, Episode Six](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
Join your host, Ben Sparks, for this episode with Juan Muldoon, Partner at Energize Capital.
Energize is on a mission to scale sustainable innovation through climate software and in this episode, Juan, a clean energy finance pioneer, dives into this exciting world where tech is transforming how we power our planet.
Taking a leap of faith with his career to go from working on Wall Street to now fueling Energize Capital, Juan shares all about his journey, how Energize Capital works, and plenty of cleantech wisdom, particularly for those in the cleantech SaaS space.
From investment case studies like Aurora Solar and Monta who are making solar power installation a snap and EV charging a seamless experience, to first-time founder advice and investment industry insights, this episode with Juan packs in plenty of value.
Buckle up, the future of energy is bright and brimming with software-powered innovation!
00:50 - Introduction to Juan
04:02 - How are you living your purpose, inside and outside of work?
05:15 - What inspired you to move into cleantech?
07:35 - What gives Energize Capital a competitive edge?
10:53 - Can you give us a macro view of why mobility as a service, or how SaaS platforms, are pivotal in the energy transition in the US and globally?
14:35 - Are there any niche market segments that you're super excited by at the moment?
16:37 - What are some of the “stretch” moments you’ve had in your career to date?
19:11 - If you could go back to that time and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
19:45 - Since you’ve been at Energize, what are some of the landscape shifts in investing that you’ve seen?
22:54 - Do you have to coach people to invest in cleantech? What are the main differences between a traditional, enterprise SaaS player and clean tech SaaS startup?
26:27 - How would you be coaching a first-time founder right now?
29:58 - Any thoughts for the sector moving forward, as you look into your crystal ball?
Connect with your host, Ben Sparks on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Juan Muldoon on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Making Green Hydrogen Universal with Nick Van Dijk, CEO at Oort Energy | Season Seven, Episode Five](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
Join your hosts for this episode, Hetty Lowther and Alexa Mangeant, to crack the code of clean hydrogen with Nick Van Dijk, CEO at Oort Energy!
From innovation through collaboration to the passion behind the cleantech, in this conversation, you can expect to uncover fascinating insights into both the hydrogen technology Oort Energy is pioneering and Nick’s career in clean energy so far.
Key conversational points include why Nick made the switch from batteries to hydrogen electrolysers; how Oort is unlocking super-efficient and affordable hydrogen and why fundraising is key to this; Nick’s passion for the hydrogen industry and how he believes it can change the world; the challenges cleantech organisations face when it comes to commercialisation and unexpected setbacks; and much, much more.
If you’re looking to learn about the next frontier in clean energy and be inspired to live your purpose, this episode is a must-listen!
00:50 - Introduction to Nick
02:09 - The electrolyser landscape has really picked up in the last couple of years. What is it that allows you to stand out in the market?
04:50 - All hydrogen businesses are aiming to become commercial and have a commercial product. How is Oort approaching that? And what challenges are you seeing in the future?
07:53 - Do you think that having that scientific background has also allowed you to see the route to market from a different perspective?
09:26 - You came from the battery space; why is green hydrogen the way you want to take your career?
12:25 - What's been one of the most rewarding moments for you in this transition?
16:11 - I'm interested to hear a bit more about how your investment journey is going, and where you are at in that process?
21:07 - Do you see any kind of significant investment trends within the hydrogen sector specifically?
22:29 - in terms of partnerships, have there been any interesting alliances for Oort?
26:10 - Is there any advice that you would either give kind of your younger self or other business owners on this journey?
Connect with your hosts, Hetty Lowther and Alexa Mangeant on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Nick Van Dijk on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.
![Fueling the Future with Jessica Elwell, COO at OxEon Energy | Season Seven, Episode Four](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11493735/S7_Artwork85qr1_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!
From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.
Join this episode’s host, Carmen Davis, for a dive into the world of sustainable fuels with Jessica Elwell, the COO who is leading cleantech company OxEon Energy. Buckle up as we journey from Jessica's unique career path - from Wisconsin to working with NASA - to her current mission of developing clean energy solutions.
As well as her role at OxEon, Jessica is Secretary Board of Directors for the United States Hydrogen Alliance, Board of Governors for 47G, and a founding member of Women Who Succeed - an impressive range of roles!
In their conversation, Carmen and Jessica tackle the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, with Jessica sharing her experiences and the importance of mentorship for aspiring leaders. We then take flight and explore OxEon's innovative technologies for sustainable aviation fuels and space travel propellants (as found onboard the Mars 2020 Rover!).
But innovation isn't a solo mission. The episode emphasises the power of collaboration – Jessica discusses how partnerships, education, and community involvement are crucial for scaling up clean energy production and building a thriving hydrogen economy.
Thinking of getting investment for your cleantech company? Want to know more about funding future tech? This episode is your pre-flight briefing! We explore the latest trends and the skills needed to navigate the exciting – and rapidly evolving – world of hydrogen and clean energy.
00:50 - Introduction to Jessica
02:43 - Can you share more about your background and what sparked your interest in science and technology?
05:01 - What do you think have been some of your defining moments or experiences in your journey that have shaped that career path, and driven your passion around sustainability and innovation?
07:57 - You mentioned transitioning from R&D to entrepreneurship can be quite a leap. So can you tell us about that decision, and some of the challenges and rewards from that?
09:45 - Can you tell us about mentorship throughout your career?
13:04 - In terms of being a leader in a more male-dominated field, how have you faced some of those unique challenges or barriers along your journey?
15:54 - What advice would you have for other women aspiring to break into these STEM fields?
18:06 - One of OxEon’s claims to fame involves Martian propellant production and breathable oxygen, making your team the first ever to produce a useful commodity off the face of the Earth. Tell us about the challenges and triumphs involved in that milestone.
22:15 - You mentioned you have been working on a project with the Navy regarding jet fuel production, can you provide a little bit of insight into this?
25:23 - What are your main priorities in scaling up operations and navigating the intricacies of product development, compliance and customer acquisition?
27:46 - Could you discuss the role of venture capital and strategic partnerships in advancing the shared vision - especially considering regulatory challenges?
30:26 - What would you say are some of the larger trends you've seen across investment within the hydrogen and green gas sector?
31:51 - What do you think we can do as a collective to keep the momentum for the sector and encourage funding, both public and private?
34:28 - What advice would you give to others considering careers in the sector and where could they find mentors?
36:25 - What skills and knowledge do you think are essential for success in this rapidly evolving field?
Connect with your host Carmen Davis on LinkedIn.
Find your guest Jessica Elwell on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith.
This is a Loaded Hype production.