March 16, 2018 

The final day of the 2018 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit kicked off with a networking breakfast for the electrochemical flow cell community. Electrolytic components such as membranes, catalysts, MEAs and full electrolytic systems are critical to assemble world class flow cells, fuel cells and electrolyzers, yet they can be isolated in their individual technology silos. This opening session was a chance for this diverse community to connect with commercial and technical colleagues, compare notes, and potentially plan future collaborations, projects and partnerships.

Attendees at the Electrochemical Flow and Fuel Cells networking breakfast.

A highlight of the third day was the final round of ARPA-E Program Director and Fellow “Fast Pitches” a rapid-paced succession of exciting current program concepts as well as some completely new, “out-of-the-box” ideas. Fast Pitch topics covered were:

• "SWITCHES on Steroids: Making Gains in Grid Hardware"
• "Taking a Leaf out of Nature’s Book: Applying Insights from Biology to Industrial Catalysts"
• "Nuclear Technology: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"
• "Manufactured Chemistry: Rethinking Reactor Design in the age of Advanced Manufacturing"

Dr. Fadl Saadi presents his fast-pitch, “Taking a Leaf out of Nature’s Book: Applying Insights from Biology to Industrial Catalysts

Our afternoon mainstage highlights included a keynote from Dr. Ganesh Kailasam, and a lively panel on clean energy investing.

Dr. Ganesh Kailasam, Technology Director, Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) Climate Investments presents his main stage keynote.

Ms. Katie Rae, Dr. David Miller, Dr. Steven Kloos, and Mr. Matthew Nordan discuss the changing dynamics of clean energy investing.

The Summit concluded with a final session in the Tech Showcase - one last chance for attendees to make connections and see all the innovative technology.