May 1st marks an exciting day for the clean energy community of Minnesota! The 2013 Energy for Defense II event will center on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)—the world’s largest consumer and developer of power and energy solutions—and will showcase to the DoD the innovative energy solutions available in the Midwest region.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense of Operational Energy Policy & Programs, the Honorable Sharon Burke, will be the keynote presenter at the 2013 Energy for Defense II event. Accompanying Burke will be Minnesota Senator Al Franken (invited) who is Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The event also includes interactive sessions about operational and facilities’ energy needs, now and for the future.
This incredible event will not only feature powerful speakers, but will also provide a great opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase clean energy innovations through exhibiting and sponsorship. Princeton, Minnesota-based company, e-ride Industries, a sponsor for the event, will be exhibiting one of their innovative Medium Weight Electric Vehicles that is already being purchased by the DoD. Exhibiting space is available starting at $250.
Cleantech Open, one of the Energy for Defense II co-hosts, will highlight its annual accelerator program at the event through a Lightning Round of Technology presentations where each presenter will get about two minutes to pitch a new idea or approach for clean energy solutions. The Cleantech Open is a 5-month business accelerator that helps fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy challenges. In order to participate in the Lightning Round, clean energy entrepreneurs and companies must apply by May 1st for the Cleantech Open. The application is available here, and costs $140 for professional teams and $90 for student teams.
Accompanying e-ride Industries is fellow sponsor Advanced Power & Energy Cluster (APC). Energy for Defense II is the Advanced Power & Energy Cluster (APC). APC is headquartered in the Twin Cities, and is operated by Defense Alliance, one of the nation’s three U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funded Advanced Defense Technologies Clusters. Work performed by the APC during the past two years has netted over $40.5 Million in contracts and over 500 jobs for its 121 members in 26 states.
The day-long event will conclude with a hosted reception sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts to facilitate networking within the defense energy sector.
Registration for the event is still open for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Active Duty Guard and Reserve members can attend for free. To view full details of the program and registration information you can visit the Defense Alliance website.
Event Overview:
- What: Energy for Defense II: Business Opportunities in Energy Technologies
- When: Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 8:30am-5:30pm
- Where: TCF Bank Stadium, DQ Club Room, University of Minnesota
- Cost: $50.00 per person
- Register: http://www.defensealliance.com
Special Guest Presenters:
- Sharon Burke – Assistant Secretary of Defense, Operational Energy Plans & Programs
- Senator Al Franken – Minnesota (Invited)
Agenda:
- 8:30am–9:15am Check-in/Registration, Networking, Exhibits
- 9:15am–12:00pm Welcome & Introductions/Industry Overview, Cleantech Open Accelerator, University of Minnesota Energy Technologies, Exhibits (Indoor & Outdoor) and Networking
- 1:00pm–4:00pm Department of Defense Energy Challenges & Opportunities, Defense Needs – Operational and Facilities Energy
- 4:00pm–5:30pm Networking Reception – Hosted by The Pew Charitiable Trusts
