Innovation Ecosystem Strategist

Innovation Ecosystem Strategist – Palo Alto, CA Job Summary: The Innovation Ecosystem Strategist serves as a key contributor supporting EPRI’s emerging innovation platforms and strategic initiatives at the intersection of artificial intelligence, energy systems, and technology commercialization. The role focuses on ecosystem development, strategic relationship management, and innovation pipeline creation by connecting startups, investors, utilities, researchers, and EPRI technical experts. This position supports the advancement of strategic programs including EPRI Vantage, Advanced Technology Programs (ATP), DCFlex, the Innovation Ecosystem Lab (IEL), and Open Power AI (OPAI). The role is designed to build and activate innovation networks, identify emerging technologies, and create pathways for collaboration that position EPRI as a leading convenor within the energy innovation ecosystem. This position is not primarily responsible for direct sales or revenue generation. Rather, the role emphasizes strategic engagement, ecosystem growth, opportunity identification, and development of future collaboration pathways. Key Responsibilities 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 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 Qualifications Required: Master’s degree in engineering, business, technology management, energy systems, data science, innovation management, or related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas: Energy industry and power systems; Artificial intelligence and digital technologies; Venture capital or startup ecosystems; Strategic partnerships; Innovation management; Business development. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills. Ability to manage multiple initiatives and work effectively in a dynamic environment. Preferred: Experience working with startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, or innovation programs; Knowledge of utility strategy, grid operations, distributed energy systems, or energy technology markets; Familiarity with technology commercialization, technology scouting, or innovation portfolio management; Demonstrated ability to evaluate emerging technologies and identify strategic partnership opportunities. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $90,000 USD to $110,000 USD annually. The role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program and standard employee benefit programs, which include medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay). EEO Statement EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.