Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today’s episode, host Karan Takhar has the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Vanessa Chan, Former Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions at the U.S. Department of Energy and current Vice-Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chan and I speak about the genesis of the Liftoff Reports and how the mantra the DOE has – ‘private sector led, government enabled’ – encourages the private sector to invest in early-stage technologies. They chat briefly about the pathway to commercial liftoff for various technologies and the challenges that come up as those technologies aim to reach widespread adoption. Dr. Chan shares insights she’s gleaned throughout her inspiring career and the advice she would have given herself 5 and 15 years into her professional life.

Credits:
Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios