Agenda

5:15-6:15 p.m. Networking
6:15-7:30 p.m. Presentation
7:30-7:45 p.m. Q&A
8:00 p.m. Networking at Polvos Downtown

Event Summary

The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more pressing. From extreme weather events to the strain on our power grids, the impacts of climate change are undeniable—and human progress is a significant contributor. But amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for innovation and transformation. Join us for an enlightening panel presentation with several climate tech innovation experts, who will offer a comprehensive overview of the causes, risks, and potential solutions to the climate crisis.

Delving into the realm of emerging technologies, the panel will illuminate how groundbreaking innovations are poised to mitigate and avert the worst impacts of climate change. From renewable energy breakthroughs to cutting-edge sustainability solutions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of technology in combatting climate change.

But the conversation won't stop there. The panel experts will provide actionable recommendations for individuals, communities, and stakeholders, outlining a clear pathway for collective action. Whether you're a technologist, entrepreneur, or investor, this presentation will inspire you to contribute to the development of much-needed solutions and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the solution. Join us as we explore the challenges, solutions, and emerging technologies in the fight against climate change, and learn how you and/or your company can join the fight.

Attendance Instructions

You will be checked in at the front desk of the Austin Central Library event space. Parking information can be found here. Please join us from 5:15 to 6:15 for networking and food. We look forward to chatting with you face-to-face!

Panelists

**Jacob Borgeson**, Product Marketer and Co-founder, Austin Climate Innovation Collective

Jacob Borgeson is the Product Marketer and Co-founder of Austin Climate Innovation Collective. Jacob has worked at building companies as a product marketer, product manager, and thought leader in a variety of industries in Austin for over a decade. He has picked up a wide perspective while keeping climate change at the front of his mind while working in semiconductors, logistics, collaboration, marketing, government contracting, and community. Jacob enjoys building communities and solutions around big problems. He is an avid Austin FC fan, father of 2 young kids, and aspiring pillar of the community. For over a year, Jacob has been partnering with Palm Venture Studios to help grow the Austin Climate Innovation community through a partnership with Palm Venture Studios by hosting monthly gatherings and discussions around core climate challenges, connecting experts, founders, and investors in the space to help make Austin a hub for climate tech.

James Gray is the founder of Seren Labs, the data platform for discovering breakthrough companies and emerging trends in climate tech. Seren Labs combines thousands of data signals from industry and research networks to identify solutions that are gaining traction and ready to scale. Prior to Seren Labs, he led go-to-market strategy, enterprise sales, and new product development at data.world and SpareFoot. He’s an Emergent Ventures Fellow, co-founder of the Austin ClimateTech Coffee Meetup, and a passionate advocate for establishing Texas as the next major hub for climate technology and research.

**Sylvie Guillon**, Consulting Partner, ADelta Impact

Sylvie has a passion for helping companies transform their business and implement sustainability strategies to find new opportunities for success: to generate efficiency, cost savings and future-proof their business. She helps companies engage with all their stakeholders to understand their expectations and foster collaboration. She helps promote and communicate companies’ commitments to ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and their achievements. She knows how to bring people together and drive the success of cross-functional complex projects. She has a Master's in Marketing Strategy and recently graduated from the ClimateBase fellowship program as well as the OnePointFive Academy in Sustainability consulting.

**Margaret Morales**, Director of Carbon, GreenBiz Group

Margaret Morales is the director of carbon at GreenBiz Group. She has over a decade of experience in climate policy, communications, and project development. Before GreenBiz, she led the marketing and communications team at forest carbon project developer Terraformation. She also launched the research program on natural carbon capture in working lands for the climate policy think tank Sightline Institute. She holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Duke University and a master's degree from the University of British Columbia.

**David J. Neff**, Partner, Ecliptic Capital

David J. Neff is a senior-level executive, Venture Capitalist, and serial entrepreneur, who has 23 years of creating experiences that impact consumers' lives across roles in software development, digital product, and strategy.

Currently, he serves as a Partner at Ecliptic Capital where he works with portfolio companies on people, process, marketing, strategy, and culture. He spearheads the fund’s concentration on climate change and energy transition as part of Ecliptic Capital’s Deep Tech thesis.

**Dr. Michael E. Webber**, CTO, Energy Impact Partners; and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas

Dr. Michael E. Webber, a distinguished figure in energy resources, is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the CTO of Energy Impact Partners, a leading cleantech venture fund. Formerly serving as the Chief Science and Technology Officer at ENGIE in Paris, his expertise lies in engineering, policy, and commercialization, particularly in innovation, energy, and the environment. He authored "Power Trip: The Story of Energy" and created an award-winning companion series. With numerous publications and patents to his name, he's a Fellow of ASME and a member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars. An entrepreneur and educator, he co-founded DISCO Learning Media. Holding degrees from UT Austin and Stanford University, he's been recognized for his teaching prowess and contributions to industrial ecology.