Atlanta’s CleanTech Community Connects at The Clubhouse
Clean technology, or CleanTech, is a hot topic as of late, with Atlanta setting its sights on becoming the next hub. And with a growing focus on the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, we invited local innovators and experts to help spread the word and share their insights.
Our ATL CleanTech Connect event, hosted at The Clubhouse, gathered community members, partners, and other locals interested in sustainability and technology to discuss the current state of CleanTech in our city and how we need to collaborate to become a hub.
In addition to helping organize this meetup, complimentary bites and beverages were also provided by the following sponsors:
While attendees networked and discussed ways to reduce negative environmental impacts, a few representatives took the stage to share how they’re helping this initiative:
Mark Wasiele, Chief Executive Officer, TEQ Charging
Dorrier Coleman, Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer, TEQ Charging
Cynthia Curry, Senior Director, Smart Cities & CleanTech Ecosystems, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Allen Fox, Director of Small Business Outreach, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)
In general, the speakers shared their enthusiasm for the work happening within Georgia. According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia is the #11 top city in the country for percentage of green office space (37%), #7 in the country for solar energy production, and has the #1 greenest film studio in the United States.
As far as local impact goes, one example is that the TEQ Charging technology was recently implemented in the Centergy Parking Deck. The technology can be used on any charger, as they retrofit existing stations to maximize efficient usage, and on average, users see an 80 percent cost reduction per station!
Others joined in on the conversation as well, sharing their work and interest in the topic. While some participants who had yet to work on a CleanTech project found new opportunities to get involved, others shared the successes they have already found in the field.
For instance, Alex Edquist, Founder and CEO of Good Agriculture, aims to support farmers in scaling their business in regenerative agriculture. And Thad Oviatt, Founder and CEO of ParkENT Cycles, developed his e-bike charging technology right here in Tech Square!
Additional responses of attendees surrounding what they’re doing to help make Atlanta a CleanTech hub included building DC fast charging stations and software solutions, installing e-bike charging stations, supporting industry startups, and hosting networking events to engage the community, attract others to join, and help spread the word overall.
Speaking of local gatherings, take a peak at all the action during our ATL CleanTech Connect event:
And while there is so much happening already to be excited about, everyone also acknowledged how much there is left to do. Cynthia Curry said it best – "collaboration is Atlanta's superpower” – and that’s exactly what needs to happen in order to foster CleanTech growth.
DID YOU KNOW?
What are you doing to make Atlanta a CleanTech Hub? Let us know in the comments below.