Join DEIC on the road to Knoxville in November for an immersive energy innovation road trip!
November 19-20, 2025
DEIC, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Spark Innovation Center (UT Spark) and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), is excited to announce our first Energy Innovation Road Trip. This two-day event will connect energy startups, utility partners, and economic development leaders with Oak Ridge National Lab, the University of Tennessee, and members of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council community. We want you to be part of the Southeast’s strengthening energy innovation network!
Attend one or both days for connection, collaboration, and innovation discovery!
Day 1 – November 19:
Attend the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council’s Opportunities in Energy conference. See full agenda here.
Carl Coe, Chief of Staff Department of Energy
Carl Coe, Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will headline a fireside chat moderated by Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy. Coe helps manage all aspects of DOE with over 150,000 employees and a $50 billion budget. A key part of his role is working closely with the 17 National Labs and driving the agency’s top initiatives, including AI, Quantum, Fusion, Nuclear Energy, and Critical Minerals.
Moderator: Cortney Piper, Executive Director of TAEBC
Randy Boyd, President of the UT System
Stephen Streiffer, Director of Oak Ridge National Lab
Don Moul, President and CEO of TVA
Three of Tennessee’s most influential leaders take the stage together for a rare conversation about the future of energy. Representing a university that fuels talent, a national lab that drives discovery, and a utility that powers millions, these executives will share how they’re making bold moves, sparking innovation, and shaping what comes next for the Tennessee economy. This is a chance to hear directly from the decision-makers charting the course for energy in our region and how their leadership will impact community and economic development for decades to come.
Amir Vexler, President and CEO of Centrus Energy Corp.
Moderator: Robert Hardin, TAEBC Board President, WACKER
Simba Jonga, Founder and CEO, LaborUp
Sierra Noe, Project Coordinator, IACMI
Dr. Allen MacKenzie, Associate Dean of Research, TTU
As energy and manufacturing continue to transform at lightning speed, so does the demand for new skills. This conversation brings together leaders who are reimagining how Tennessee trains, supports, and elevates its workforce. From cutting-edge training models to partnerships that link industry and education, panelists will share how they’re preparing Tennesseans not just for today’s jobs, but for the opportunities that will define tomorrow’s economy.
Moderator: Steve Seifried, TAEBC Board Member, Ameresco
Stuart Hunter, TAEBC Board Member, FirstBank
Jason Mennino, TAEBC Board Member, Bridgestone Americas
Robert Hardin, TAEBC Board President, WACKER
Tennessee’s advanced energy economy is a powerful driver of growth, innovation, and opportunity. To fully capture this momentum, industry and the Tennessee Valley Authority must work hand-in-hand. In this conversation, board members of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council will share their vision for how TVA and industry can partner to unlock even greater economic success for the state and region. From advancing innovation to powering economic development success, panelists will highlight the pathways where collaboration can turn today’s energy opportunities into lasting prosperity for Tennessee.
Experience the UT Spark Cleantech Accelerator Demo Day featuring 12 startups
Network with peers and industry leaders
Day 2 – November 20:
Take a private tour at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, featuring Grid C & Manufacturing Demonstration Facility
Learn at a “Doing Business with Utilities” workshop hosted by DEIC with Dominion Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority innovation leaders
Enjoy a guided UT Research Park tour and community networking happy hour
This is an opportunity that opens doors to investors, utilities, and national lab partners
Exposure to emerging technologies and business models
Access to world-class research at ORNL and UT Spark
Practical collaboration with utility leaders on pilots and partnerships
Strengthen your role in the growing multi-state energy innovation network
Travel costs can be covered for DEIC program alumni and Virginia partners
As part of our IN2 Strategic Partner Award, DEIC will cover travel and accommodation expenses, up to $750, for DEIC program alumni and Virginia-based partners through a generous stipend.
Space is limited to 12 spots, so don’t miss this chance to join DEIC in Knoxville and be part of shaping the future of clean energy innovation in the Southeast.
Questions? Contact Braden Croy at Braden@dominnovation.com.