2026 Energy Innovation Summit: Grid to Growth
About this Event
Can Ohio power the AI economy?
The rapid growth of AI infrastructure is reshaping the conversation around energy. Decisive leadership is necessary to enhance grid resilience while fueling economic opportunity. At the 2026 Energy Innovation Summit, attendees will hear from local, state, and national leaders about what drives them, what excites them, and what concerns them about our energy future in the age of AI.
Through innovation-driven programming and cross-sector engagement, the 2026 Energy Innovation Summit: Grid to Growth will explore the decisive leadership required to enhance grid resilience while fueling economic opportunity.
This focused, half-day conversation will bring together utility leaders, policy experts, energy founders, technology companies, manufacturers, and investors for candid conversations about the opportunities and challenges ahead. Structured round tables, fireside chats, and panels build toward one idea: the leaders we need for a better tomorrow are already in the room.
Attendees will make meaningful cross-sector connections and leave with a clearer understanding of how energy innovation is shaping Ohio's economic future. Whether you're interested in showcasing your technology solution, sharing your perspective on AI infrastructure growth, or simply understanding more about Ohio's grid realities, the Energy Innovation Summit is your opportunity to participate in this critical energy moment.
Are you building a startup in grid resilience, energy storage, advanced cooling, or related energy technologies? Apply for our Startup Showcase! Selected founders will receive complimentary exhibit space to present their technologies to 250 utility, tech, and investor leaders.
The 2026 Energy Innovation Summit is hosted by , Ohio's only advanced energy incubator and accelerator. BRITE Energy Innovators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of accelerating the advanced energy economy.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Natalie Ryan ([email protected]) to learn more.
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Check-in
Info: Settle in, say hi to your colleagues, and meet the Startup Showcase vendors
🕑: 01:00 PM
Programming Begins
Info: Welcome remarks by Jade Davis, CEO of BRITE Energy Innovators
🕑: 01:10 PM
I. Keynote Fireside Chat
Info: Energy and Ohio’s economic future | Alex Fitzsimmons, U.S. Department of Energy & Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio. Followed by a 25 min. structured break.
🕑: 02:15 PM
II. Capacity
Info: How AI infrastructure is reshaping grid realities. Followed by a 25 min. structured break.
🕑: 03:20 PM
III. Mobilization
Info: Operators, builders, and capital providers enabling Ohio’s next chapter of energy innovation. Followed by a 25 min. structured break.
🕑: 04:25 PM
IV. Frontier
Info: What’s possible? A look at the energy innovation meeting this moment.
🕑: 05:05 PM
Share-Outs & Closing
Info: Crowd share-outs and recognition of the startups, sponsors, and speakers making this convening possible.
🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:15 PM
Networking Happy Hour
Info: Complimentary happy hour + open networking while you check out the Startup Showcase.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 135.23
