BRITE Energy Innovators has announced our inaugural 2026 Energy Innovation Summit, Grid to Growth. The Energy Innovation Summit is a one-day leadership forum to be held in Columbus on Sept. 10, 2026. The Summit comes at a pivotal moment for the State of Ohio, as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, data center growth and the reshoring of advanced manufacturing drive an unprecedented spike in regional energy consumption.
The Summit features a keynote panel with Alex Fitzsimmons, Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Marc Reitter, President and COO of AEP Ohio. The opening fireside chat will examine regional transmission infrastructure advantages, the landscape for Ohio ratepayers, and proactive energy solutions.
“Ohio is at a historic crossroads as artificial intelligence drives unprecedented energy demand across our state,” said Jade Davis, President and CEO of BRITE. “Innovation is the ultimate tool to ensure our power grid remains reliable and affordable for everyone, serving as a solution where utilities, policymakers, and tech pioneers all win. By rolling up our sleeves and deploying real hardware breakthroughs right here in the Silicon Heartland, we can meet the grid challenges of the next twenty-four months while creating high-paying local jobs.”
The day is designed for energy, not just about energy. Structured round tables, fireside chats, and panels build toward one idea: the leaders we need for a better tomorrow are already in the room. The program moves through four connected chapters, each paired with a structured small-group discussion:
- Vision: A keynote dialogue featuring utility and federal leadership perspectives on translating tech innovation into responsible systems growth.
- Capacity: A panel on the grid realities, what is needed, and what it actually takes to deliver energy at scale.
- Mobilization: A panel highlighting the collaboration between operators, builders, and capital providers enabling Ohio’s next chapter of growth.
- Frontier: A strategic discussion about the energy innovation ecosystem and what’s possible in the next 24 months.
Following the final panel, attendees will transition to a dedicated Startup Showcase and complimentary happy hour where regional industry leaders can connect directly with emerging energy innovators and technologies.
Early-bird registration is now open until August 10, 2026. To secure tickets or to view the full event schedule, please visit the official summit platform at brite.org/summit.