Abstract: As the world navigates the twin challenges of climate resilience and equitable development, clean technologies are no longer optional—they are imperative. This roundtable convenes global thought leaders and technologists to explore how emerging innovations in clean tech, microgrids, AI, and sustainable energy systems can be harnessed to create scalable, inclusive solutions. The dialogue will spotlight cross-sectoral synergies and the role of education, media, and digital platforms in accelerating sustainability transitions.
This roundtable features four experts worldwide who are stalwarts in the areas of Clean Technologies, Renewable Energy, Battery Management, Microgrids, Sustainability, and AI.
The Key Themes that will be discussed in this round table are:
• Decentralized Innovation for Rural Sustainability
How can clean tech be tailored to local needs while remaining globally scalable?
• Grid Resilience & Battery Breakthroughs
What are the latest advances in energy storage and smart grid technologies that support renewable integration?
• Microgrids & Community Energy Models
How can microgrids empower communities and build climate resilience?
• AI, Edutech & Media for Sustainability
What role can AI and digital platforms play in shaping public understanding and accelerating sustainable practices?
• Cross-Border Collaboration & Policy Alignment
How can academia, industry, and governments co-create innovation ecosystems that transcend silos?
The expected outcomes from this webinar are:
• Identify actionable pathways for deploying clean tech in underserved regions
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across energy, education, and digital sectors
• Surface policy recommendations and funding strategies for scalable impact
• Inspire future-ready educational models that integrate sustainability and emerging technologies
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Panelist: Prof. Suresh Jangamshetti, Vice Chancellor, Haveri University, India. Champion of rural innovation, decentralized technology deployment, and an educationist.
Chair Elect, IEEE PES Bangalore Chapter, Chair, IEEE Education Society Bangalore Chapter
With decades of experience in developing context-sensitive technologies for underserved communities, Prof. Jangamshetti, brings insights into how academic institutions specifically focused research can catalyze grassroots innovation and bridge the urban-rural divide through sustainable tech.
Panelist: Dr. Rushali Thakkar, Electrification Production department, Intercel Energy Solutions B.V Haarlem, Netherlands – Expert in energy storage, smart grids, and decarbonization pathways.
Dr. Rushali is a leading voice in energy transition especially Battery Design and Production. She will share perspectives on grid modernization, battery innovation, and policy frameworks that enable clean energy integration at scale.
Panelist: Ms. Gautami Nadkarni, Senior Customer Engineer, Google, New York, US. Driving sustainability through digital transformation and AI
Hailing from the industry domains of Cloud Computing, Publishing in Media, Education Technology, and based in New York, Gautami explores how AI-powered platforms in education and media can foster sustainability literacy, behavioral change, and data-driven decision-making. Their work intersects technology, storytelling, and systems thinking.
Moderator: Dr. Kumudhini Ravindra, Chief Mentor & Founder, Blue Lotus Inc, India – Architect of resilient energy systems for emerging economies. Chair, Industry & Entrepreneurship subcommittee, WIEC.
With pioneering research in designing community microgrids and renewable energy solutions across diverse terrains, Dr. Kumudhini has built scalable models for energy access, community ownership, and climate adaptation. She will layout how new architecture for energy access can promote transition back to a sustainable planet.
