CLIMATE SCALE-UP’S
DAVOS WEEK 2026
AT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
JAN 18-22
Overview
Climate Scale-Up will make a flagship presence at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19–23, 2026, convening the world’s most ambitious climate innovators, investors, corporations, and policymakers. Serving as a trusted platform for action and capital formation, Climate Scale-Up will host a series of curated, invitation-only convenings designed to accelerate climate solutions at global scale. Positioned at the intersection of climate, capital, and technology, Climate Scale-Up’s Davos program will enable high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and deal-making that translate global ambition into deployable outcomes.
2026 Speakers
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William D. Lese
Braemar Energy Ventures, Managing Partner
William D. Lese is Braemar Energy Ventures’ Managing Partner and Co-Founder, with a background in Sithe Energies and Mantis Energy, recognized as a pioneer with over 30 years of experience in the energy technology sector.
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Hans Kobler
Energy Impact Partners
Hans Kobler is Energy Impact Partners’ Founder and Managing Partner, with a background as a senior leader at General Electric and CEO of ICx Technologies, recognized for pioneering the utility-backed coalition model in climate tech venture capital.
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Mahdi Aladel
Aramco Ventures, CEO
Mahdi Aladel is Aramco Ventures’ CEO, with a background in Saudi Aramco’s corporate planning and international joint ventures, recognized for leading the company’s multi-billion dollar investment strategy in decarbonization and digital industrial technologies.
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Evelyn Wang
MIT Vice President for Energy and Climate
Evelyn Wang is MIT’s Vice President for Energy and Climate and former Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), with a background as Head of MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, recognized for her pioneering innovations in phase-change heat transfer and water harvesting.
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Kim Hedegaard
CEO, Power-to-X, TOPSOE
Kim Hedegaard is Topsoe’s CEO of Power-to-X, with a distinguished background in chemical engineering and global operations, recognized as a key leader driving the industrial transition to green hydrogen and renewable fuels.
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Faisal Sultan
Lucid Motors, President, Middle East
Faisal Sultan is Lucid Group’s Vice President and Managing Director of the Middle East, with a background in the Saudi Ministry of Energy and Ford Motor Company, recognized for spearheading the establishment of Lucid’s first international manufacturing plant and driving the region's electric vehicle transition.
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Kelly Harrison
Whitby Wood, Director ESG & Impact
Kelly Harrison is Whitby Wood’s Director of ESG & Impact, with a background in structural engineering and timber design at Heyne Tillett Steel, recognized as a Top 50 Woman in Engineering: Sustainability and an industry leader in low-carbon construction.
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Cyrus Wadia
Activate, CEO
Cyrus Wadia is Activate’s CEO, with a background as a senior executive at Amazon and Nike and Assistant Director in the Obama White House, recognized for pioneering new models to bring science-based clean energy technologies to market.
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Matt Severson
Ex-Tesla, Englewood Capital
Matt Severson is Englewood Capital’s Founder and Managing Partner, with a background as a Senior Director at Tesla, recognized as the architect behind the global expansion of the Supercharger network and a leader in scaling EV infrastructure.
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Risto Väyrynen
The Impact Office, Founder
Risto Väyrynen is The Impact Office’s Founder and CEO, with a background as a senior executive at The Family Business Network (FBN), recognized as a global thought leader in empowering next-generation wealth owners to drive impact investing.
2026 Innovators
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Roberto Carnicelli
Eoliann, CEO and Co-Founder
Roberto Carnicelli is Eoliann’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background in strategic consulting and international management at Bocconi University, recognized for leveraging satellite data and AI to predict and quantify global climate risks.
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Susan Hunt Stevens
Tessi.ai, CEO and Co-Founder
Susan Hunt Stevens is Tessi.ai’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background as the Founder and CEO of WeSpire and Senior Vice President at The New York Times Company, recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year and a pioneer in using behavioral science technology to drive corporate sustainability.
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Dr. Tim Heidel
VEIR, CEO
Dr. Tim Heidel is VEIR’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background as a Program Director at ARPA-E and Principal at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, recognized for leading the MIT "Future of the Electric Grid" study and pioneering high-temperature superconductor technologies to solve global transmission bottlenecks.
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Shiv Bhakta
Active Surfaces, CEO and Co-Founder
Shiv Bhakta is Active Surfaces’ CEO and Co-Founder, with a background at ExxonMobil and the U.S. Department of Energy, recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and winner of the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition for revolutionizing flexible solar technology.
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Peter Godart
Found Energy, CEO and Co-Founder
Peter Godart is Found Energy’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background as a scientist at NASA JPL (working on Mars rovers) and a Ph.D. from MIT, recognized as an MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 and winner of the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit for his aluminum-based clean energy technology.
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Mahesh Konduru
Momentum Technologies, CEO
Mahesh Konduru is Momentum Technologies’ CEO, with a background in corporate strategy at Proterra and private equity, recognized for leading the commercialization of sustainable battery recycling technology developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
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Jarna Hyvönen
Volare, CEO
Jarna Hyvönen is Volare’s CEO and Co-founder, with a background in deep tech research and commercialization at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, recognized for pioneering circular food solutions that convert industrial side streams into sustainable insect protein.
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Jake Jurewicz
Blue Energy, CEO and Co-Founder
Jake Jurewicz is Blue Energy’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background in corporate strategy at Exelon and nuclear research at MIT, recognized as a 2025 Nuclear News "40 Under 40" honoree for pioneering shipyard-manufactured modular nuclear power plants.
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David Peto
Gridfire, CEO and Co-Founder
David Peto is Gridfire’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background in technology scaling and critical infrastructure protection, recognized for pioneering AI-driven solutions to enhance grid resilience and mitigate wildfire risks. -
Eron Bloomgarden
Emergent Climate
Eron Bloomgarden is Emergent’s Founder and Executive Director, with a background in impact investing and environmental markets at Climate Finance Partners, recognized as the architect of the LEAF Coalition and a global leader in mobilizing finance for tropical forest protection.
Returning Alumni
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Russ Wilcox
ArtifexAI, CEO and Founder
Russ Wilcox is ArtifexAI’s CEO and Founder, with a background in physics and data science policy (formerly at GovTribe), recognized as a 2024 Autodesk Global Sustainability Leader and a key voice in AI governance and sovereign infrastructure.
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Kate Kallot
Amini.ai, CEO and Founder
Kate Kallot is Amini.ai’s Founder and CEO, with a background as Head of Emerging Areas at NVIDIA and in strategic roles at Intel and Arm, recognized as a TIME100 AI leader for her work in building sovereign data infrastructure for Africa and the Global South.
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Philip Kessler
TURN2X, CEO and Co-Founder
Philip Kessler is TURN2X’s CEO and Co-Founder, with a background as a serial deep tech entrepreneur (understand.ai) and in research at Mercedes-Benz, recognized as a member of the Energy Resilience Leadership Group (founded by Breakthrough Energy) and a pioneer in commercializing Power-to-X technology to ensure Europe’s energy sovereignty.
2026 Flagship Events
Ski Summit
January 18, 2026, 10:00–12:00 PM
Register to see location | Learn more
The Ski Summit offers a unique blend of networking, recreation, and reflection. Set against the pristine slopes of Davos, this exclusive event provides an informal yet impactful environment for decision-makers and innovators to connect.
Details:
9:30 am - Meet at bottom of Jakobshorn lift
9:30-10 am - Short hike to Jatzhütte
10 am - 12 pm - Morning workshop at summit
Optional skiing before from 8:30 am and after 12 pm
Attire: Warm winter casual
Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony
January 18, 2026, 6-10 pm
Register to see location | Learn more
Our Gala Dinner is a celebration of creativity, community, and impact. Held in an alpine, eco-chic setting, the gala brings together a diverse audience of philanthropists, celebrities, advocates, and public figures.
Details:
6–7 PM: Networking & drinks
7–9 PM: 3-course dinner, keynotes, awards
9–10 PM: Drinks & conversations
Attire: Black-tie / climate-inspired elegance
Deal Day
January 22, 2026, 12-4 pm
Register to see location | Learn more
Deal Day is all about driving outcomes. This event brings together investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers for a day of high-energy deal-making and strategic collaboration. The program includes panels on public - private - philanthropic - partnerships, speed networking sessions, and demo space where our cohort companies showcase their innovations.
Details:
12-4pm Panels followed by networking
Attire: Business formal
Deal Day Agenda
January 22, 2026, 12:45-1:15 pm
Families as Catalysts for Scale-Ups
Refined Topic: Mobilizing Patient Capital, Industrial Assets & Generational Leadership to Accelerate Climate Technologies
Synopsis: Family enterprises hold a unique combination of patient capital, industrial assets, and multigenerational leadership that can accelerate the global deployment of climate technologies. This session highlights how families can move from impact awareness to impact implementation by piloting innovations within their operating companies, offering offtake and supply-chain access, and reshaping investment mandates around long-term value creation. Positioned within the mission of Climate Scale-Up, TIO, and FBN, the discussion will explore how families—especially next-gen leaders—can act not just as investors, but as catalysts who help climate technologies prove, scale, and transform markets.
Speakers: Alexis du Roy de Blicquy (Family Business Network, CEO), Risto Väyrynen (The Impact Office, Founder).
January 22, 2026, 1:15-1:40 pm
Leveraging AI for Climate Resilience
Refined Topic: Predictive, Adaptive Systems for Agriculture, Cities & Critical Infrastructure
Synopsis: AI is rapidly becoming the backbone of global climate resilience. This session examines how advanced forecasting models, digital twins, and automated decision-support systems are transforming agriculture, urban environments, and critical infrastructure. Leaders will discuss how AI-enabled anticipation—rather than reaction—is driving a new paradigm of climate-ready food systems, heat-resilient cities, and operationally secure supply chains.
Speakers: Roberto Carnicelli (Eoliann, CEO and Co-Founder), Susan Hunt Stevens (Tessi.ai, CEO and Co-Founder), Russ Wilcox (ArtifexAI, CEO and Founder), Kate Kallot (Amini.ai, CEO and Founder), Kelly Harrison (Whitby Wood, Director ESG & Impact), William D. Lese (Braemar Energy Ventures, Managing Partner).
January 22, 2026, 1:40-2:05 pm
Next-Generation Renewable Energy
Refined Topic: Superconductors, Flexible Solar & the Infrastructure for 24/7 Carbon-Free Power
Synopsis: Achieving round-the-clock clean energy requires breakthroughs that extend beyond traditional renewables. This panel explores innovations such as ultralight, deploy-anywhere solar materials and high-capacity superconducting transmission that unlock gigawatts of new renewable potential. Discussions will highlight how these platform technologies accelerate decarbonization, enhance grid reliability, and enable a globally scalable clean power system.
Speakers: Dr. Tim Heidel (VEIR, CEO), Shiv Bhakta (Active Surfaces, CEO and Co-Founder), Philip Kessler (TURN2X, CEO and Co-Founder), Kim Hedegaard (CEO, Power-to-X, TOPSOE), Evelyn Wang (MIT Vice President for Energy and Climate).
January 22, 2026, 2:05-2:30 pm
Corporates as Catalysts for Scale-Ups
Refined Topic: Leveraging Corporate Assets, Market Access & Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Climate Technologies
Synopsis: Large corporates hold unique levers for scaling climate solutions beyond capital alone. By deploying operational assets, industrial infrastructure, supply-chain networks, andmarket reach, corporates can act as early partners who de-risk innovation, guarantee adoption, and catalyze rapid deployment of breakthrough technologies. This session explores how strategic engagement—from piloting solutions within existing operations to creating market pathways—enables climate technologies to move from prototype to commercial scale. Panelists will discuss frameworks for corporate collaboration, ecosystem-building, and long-term partnerships that amplify impact across sectors and geographies.
Speakers: Mahdi Aladel (Aramco Ventures, CEO), Hans Kobler (Energy Impact Partners), Faisal Sultan (Lucid Motors, President, Middle East), Cyrus Wadia (Activate, CEO).
January 22, 2026, 2:30-2:55 pm
Critical Minerals & Supply Chain Resilience
Refined Topic: Sustainable Extraction, Circular Recovery & Resource Efficiency at Scale
Synopsis: The clean energy transition hinges on reliable access to critical minerals—yet today’s supply chains remain fragile, carbon-intensive, and highly centralized. This session delves into next-generation solutions for low-impact extraction, high-efficiency recycling, and recovery from industrial and post-consumer waste. The conversation will focus on building distributed, circular, and geopolitically resilient materials pathways that support batteries, EVs, wind turbines, and grid infrastructure.
Speakers: Peter Godart (Found Energy, CEO and Co-Founder), Mahesh Konduru (Momentum Technologies, CEO), Matt Severson (Ex-Tesla, Englewood Capital).
January 22, 2026, 2:55-3:20 pm
Advanced Nuclear & Fusion Pathways
Refined Topic: Coolant Innovation, Microreactors & Fusion: Redefining Zero-Carbon Baseload Power
Synopsis: Nuclear power is being reinvented through breakthroughs in reactor design, coolant systems, and fusion technologies. This session highlights how advanced coolants—from molten salts to organic materials—are enabling compact, efficient, and inherently safe next-generation reactors. Combined with microreactors and emerging fusion architectures, these innovations point toward a future where firm, zero-carbon energy can be deployed rapidly and cost-effectively. Discussion will explore commercialization milestones, regulatory innovation, and the role of advanced nuclear in global net-zero plans.
Speakers: Jake Jurewicz (Blue Energy, CEO and Co-Founder), David Peto (Gridfire, CEO and Co-Founder), William D. Lese (Braemar Energy Ventures, Managing Partner).
January 22, 2026, 3:20-3:45 pm
Nature-Based Solutions & Blue Economy
Refined Topic: Restoration, Blue Carbon & the Natural Infrastructure of the Net-Zero Economy
Synopsis: Healthy terrestrial and marine ecosystems are among the most powerful levers for climate mitigation and resilience. This session explores the next generation of nature-based and blue-economy solutions—from reforestation, coastal and blue-carbon restoration, and regenerative resource management to high-integrity MRV, bio-based materials, and sustainable aquaculture innovations. Leaders will discuss how both land and ocean ecosystems can function as essential climate infrastructure, delivering measurable carbon removal, biodiversity gains, community resilience, food-system stability, and long-term economic value.
Speakers: Jarna Hyvönen (Volare, CEO), Eron Bloomgarden (Emergent Climate).
Who Is Climate Scale-Up For?
Climate Scale-Up is designed for key change-makers driving the climate transition: innovative scale-ups, catalytic investors, and strategic partners. It serves growth-stage climate tech companies with scalable, high-impact solutions ready for global expansion. It connects these innovators with a global network of investors—venture capital firms, family offices, and institutional funds—who are actively seeking curated, trusted opportunities. The program also engages enablers such as governments, corporates, and service providers who play a critical role in building innovation ecosystems, deploying technologies, and unlocking new markets. Together, these stakeholders form the collaborative ethos needed to accelerate climate solutions from breakthrough to scale.
Scale-Ups
We empower growth-stage climate tech startups with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to scale globally. Our program provides access to top-tier investors, corporate partnerships, and market expansion opportunities.
Sashank Samala, CEO, Heirloom Carbon
Investors
Irina Gorbounova, Head of XCarb, Arcelor Mittal
Gain exclusive access to curated deal flow from high-impact climate tech companies that are scaling transformative solutions. Join our global investor network to collaborate, co-invest, and accelerate the deployment of breakthrough technologies.
Partners
Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer, Google
Governments, corporates and service providers play a crucial role in scaling climate innovation. Partner with Climate Scale-Up to build local ecosystems, develop innovation pipelines, and expand client portfolios.