2026 Energy Innovation Summit

Founders Civic Leaders Policymakers Investors Builders Join us for the

Sep 10, 2026 | 12-6pm | Columbus, OH

Exploring Ohio’s most pressing energy opportunities with an innovation-centric lens

The rapid growth of AI infrastructure is reshaping the conversation around energy. As energy demand rises and data centers expand, questions around grid capacity, affordability, reliability, and sustainability are becoming increasingly urgent. At the same time, Ohio has a unique opportunity to capture the economic benefits of AI infrastructure growth.

Through innovation-driven programming and cross-sector engagement, the 2026 Energy Innovation Summit: Grid to Growth will focus on the decisive leadership required to enhance grid resilience while fueling economic opportunity.

This focused, half-day conversation will bring together local, state, and national leaders to discuss what drives them, what excites them, and what concerns them about our energy future in the age of AI.

What to Expect

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. You’ll participate in:

Solutions-oriented leadership panels and fireside chats
Startup Showcase highlighting the innovations driving grid resiliency
Structured small-group discussion sessions to digest big ideas in energy

Cross-sector networking and audience share-outs

Complimentary networking happy hour

Featured Speakers

Alex Fitzsimmons

Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy and Senior Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Marc Reitter

President and Chief Operating Officer, AEP Ohio

Andrew Burchwell

Founder and Executive Director, Ohio Blockchain Council

Joshua Davis

U.S. Lead, Business Development – Gas Utility, Enbridge Gas

Kayce Kasten Borders

Projects Real Estate Senior Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright

Aaron Marcovy

Chief Business Development Officer, NOPEC

Scott Satterlee

4th District International Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

John Seryak

Managing Partner, Go Sustainable Energy

Gena Shelton

Executive Director, Ohio Business Energy Partnership

More speakers to be announced soon.

Want to contribute to the conversation? Share your perspective for a panel here.

Agenda

Each panel is followed by a 25-minute structured break for small-group discussion, networking, and recharging.

12pm

Check-in

Settle in, say hi to your colleagues, and meet the Startup Showcase vendors

12pm

1:10pm

I. Keynote Fireside Chat

Energy and Ohio’s economic future

Alex Fitzsimmons, U.S. Department of Energy

Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio

1:10pm

3:20pm

III. Mobilization

Operators, builders, and capital providers enabling Ohio’s next chapter of energy innovation

3:20pm

4:25pm

IV. Frontier

What’s possible? A look at the energy innovation meeting this moment

4:25pm

5:05pm

Share-Outs & Closing

Crowd share-outs and recognition of the startups, sponsors, and speakers making this possible

5:05pm

5:15pm

Happy Hour + Light Bites

Complimentary happy hour + open networking while you check out the Startup Showcase

5:15pm

Thank you to our Sponsors

Bronze

Supporting

Startup Showcase Sponsor

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to deliver meaningful visibility, strategic access, and right-fit value. View sponsorship tiers here or share your perspective for a panel here.

Why Wait?

Join us as we dive deep into Ohio's critical energy moment and hear from the innovators shaping its future.

View sponsorship opportunities

Hosted by BRITE Energy Innovators

BRITE Energy Innovators is 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating the advanced energy economy in Ohio and beyond through our incubator, accelerator, fractional executive, and ecosystem-building programming.