

The Department of Energy has gotten serious about technology commercialization
45 snips Oct 16, 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Vanessa Chan, the DOE’s Chief Commercialization Officer, delves into the intricate world of clean energy technology. She shares insights on the newly launched frameworks like adoption readiness levels that enhance collaboration between public and private sectors. Dr. Chan emphasizes the importance of community engagement in commercialization efforts and explores the urgent need for innovative solutions in the energy landscape. Her personal journey from academia to leading commercialization initiatives offers a unique perspective on bridging research with real-world impact.
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Unplanned Path to DOE
- Dr. Vanessa Chan's career path, though unplanned, led her from academia to McKinsey, a startup, and back to academia.
- These experiences prepared her perfectly for her role as DOE's Chief Commercialization Officer.
TRLs vs. Commercialization
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), developed by NASA, assess if a technology works, which is insufficient for commercialization.
- Commercialization requires other factors like cost, permits, customers, and supply chains.
Adoption Readiness Levels
- Consider four key areas: value proposition, resource maturity, license to operate, and market acceptance.
- Evaluate risks within these areas to understand the technology's commercialization potential.