Innovation Ecosystem Strategist
Innovation Ecosystem Development
Identify, map, and maintain relationships across venture capital firms, startup accelerators, incubators, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems aligned with electric power sector priorities.
Monitor emerging technology trends in artificial intelligence, grid modernization, electrification, distributed energy resources, flexibility markets, energy infrastructure, and related sectors.
Develop and maintain awareness of venture-backed companies and investment activity relevant to EPRI’s strategic priorities.
Facilitate connections among investors, startups, utility members, and EPRI technical experts to accelerate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
EPRI Vantage Platform Support
Support the development, growth, and activation of EPRI Vantage and related innovation platforms.
Identify high-potential startup companies and emerging technology providers for participation.
Assist in defining and refining value propositions for utilities, technology innovators, and ecosystem participants.
Contribute to platform engagement strategies and interaction models that encourage collaboration and technology evaluation.
Advanced Technology Programs (ATP)
Serve as a liaison between startups, investors, and EPRI technical teams.
Identify opportunities where ATP methodologies and programs can accelerate technology assessment, validation, and adoption.
Support development of strategic collaboration opportunities and pilot engagements.
Coordinate stakeholder activities that advance technology evaluation and innovation readiness.
DCFlex and Emerging Energy Initiatives
Identify innovators, startup companies, and strategic partners focused on data center flexibility, load management, distributed energy resources, and grid-interactive technologies.
Support ecosystem-building activities that strengthen participation in DCFlex and related EPRI initiatives.
Help develop industry engagement pathways supporting future demonstration, validation, and commercialization efforts.
Innovation Programs, AI Challenges, and Ecosystem Events
Support the design and execution of AI-focused innovation initiatives, pitch challenges, innovation competitions, and ecosystem engagement activities.
Recruit and engage founders, technologists, researchers, venture investors, and industry experts to participate in EPRI innovation programs.
Coordinate external stakeholder participation and communications.
Ensure alignment between innovation programming and EPRI’s broader strategic objectives.
Strategic Analysis and Thought Leadership
Conduct market, technology, and ecosystem assessments to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
Develop presentations, briefings, reports, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts supporting EPRI’s innovation and technology commercialization activities.
Represent EPRI at industry conferences, venture ecosystem events, startup forums, and innovation-focused meetings.
Organizational Relationships
This Position Works Closely With
EPRI program managers and technical leaders
Innovation and commercialization teams
Utility members
Startup founders and leadership teams
Venture capital and strategic investment organizations
National laboratories, universities, and research organizations
Technology ecosystem partners
Pay
The salary range for this position is $90,000 USD to $110,000 USD annually.