Synthetic semiconductors are driving a new wave of innovation in energy and electronics, offering breakthroughs that extend far beyond traditional silicon-based technologies. In photovoltaics, they enable higher efficiency, lower cost, and scalable solutions that are critical for advancing clean energy adoption. At the same time, their unique tunability and functionality are unlocking opportunities in areas such as optoelectronics, sensing, and next-generation computing.

Bridging the gap from laboratory discovery to large-scale commercialization will be essential to fully realize their potential. Success will create opportunities not only for sustainable power generation but also for transformative applications across multiple industries.

Presented by LeVass Ventures, MetroNational & University of Washington Clean Energy Institute

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Agenda

8:30 – 9:30 | Cup of JoeY: Local Ecosystem Networking
Hosted by Joey Sanchez, Founder, Cup of Joey

9:45 – 10:00 | Welcome and Introductory Remarks

Dr. Jan E. Odegard, Founder & CVO, 62x Ventures, and

Ryan LeVasseur, Managing Principal, LeVass Ventures

10:00 – 10:30 | Opening Keynote

US-MAP consortium history and consensus statement on constructive government policy, Prof. Billy Stanbery, Research Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington Clean Energy Institute

10:30 – 11:45 | Startup Panels
Topic: Startup strategies for navigating weak domestic policy and global competition

Short Description: Exploring how startups are adapting to a laissez-faire policy environment, balancing global competition, and shaping commercialization strategies for next-generation deep tech enabling technologies.

Panel 1 Moderator: Taylor Chapman, Investment Principal, New Climate Ventures

Panelists:

Scott Graybeal, CEO, Caelux,

Tim McCaffery, CEO, CubicPV, and

Scott Wharton, CEO, Tandem PV

Panel 2 Moderator: [TBD]

Panelists:

Jinsong Huang, Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; CEO, Perotech Inc, and

Cory Perkins, Founder and CEO NextTC Corp

Z. Jason Yu, Co-Founder & CEO, Beyond Silicon,

11:45 – 1:30 | Lunch Break & Lunch Keynote

Message from the Sponsor [TBD]

Lunch Keynote (~12:15): Pathways to developing supply chain depth, Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy

1:30 – 2:15 | Academic R&D Panel
Topic: The State of Synthetic Semiconductors and Photovoltaics

Short Description: This session will highlight current advances in synthetic semiconductors, emerging materials for PV, and other key technologies shaping the future of the energy transition. Faculty leaders will share perspectives on progress, barriers, and opportunities at the frontier of academic research and commercialization.

Moderator: Dr. Yolanda Norman, Partnerships Director, TEX-E (Texas Exchange for Energy & Climate Entrepreneurship)

Panelists:

Aditya Mohite, Faculty Director, Rice Engineering Initiative for Energy Transition and Sustainability (REINVENTS), William M. Rice Trustee Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Professor, Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry, Rice University & Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer, DirectH2, Inc

Venkat Selvamanickam, M.D. Anderson Chair Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Houston & Founder/CEO, AMPeers LLC

Linda Katehi, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering, O'Donnell Foundation Chair II, and Member, National Academy of Engineering, Texas A&M University

2:15 – 3:00 | Investor Panel
Topic: Investing in frontier technologies

Short Description: Commercializing deep tech is notoriously difficult, requiring patient capital, strong partnerships, and clear strategies to overcome multiple “valleys of death.” This panel will focus on what investors look for in frontier technologies, with perspectives on risk assessment, portfolio strategy, and how best to position startups for successful fundraising and scale-up. Panelists will share best practices, lessons learned, and insights into the future of hard-tech investing.

Moderator: Dr. Christine Galib, Director, Advancing Photonics Technologies, Princeton University

Panelists

Taylor Chapman, Investment Principal, New Climate Ventures

Chad W. Bown, Managing Director, Innovation, Venture Capital, bp

Zoey McKenzie, Founding Partner, Public Ventures

3:00 – 4:00 | Networking & 1:1 Startup-Investor Meetings
Topic: Startup-Investor speed “dating”

Short Description: A structured networking session where startups meet directly with investors and local industry in a series of short, focused conversations. This format is designed to accelerate relationship-building, provide quick feedback to founders, and open pathways for potential partnerships, pilots, or investment discussions.

4:00 | Closing Remarks