Schedule & agenda

Please note that the schedule and panel lineup are subject to change. Kindly refer to this space for the most up-to-date information.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Registration and networking

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM

PANEL: Financing the future: How green banks are powering the clean energy transition

Moderator:

  • Bhagyashree More, ESG Reporting and Compliance, FedEx

Panelists:

  • Chris Cucci (Climate First Bank)
  • Rokas Beresniovas (Montgomery County Green Bank)

As the world accelerates toward a low-carbon future, green banks are emerging as pivotal players in financing sustainable infrastructure and clean energy innovation. Cucci and Beresniovas, two leading green bank executives, will share how their institutions are mobilizing capital, de-risking investments, and driving inclusive climate solutions at scale.

Join us for an inside look at how green banks are transforming public and private dollars into catalytic climate action — supporting everything from solar deployment and energy efficiency to community resilience and environmental equity.

10:45 AM - 11:25 AM

PANEL: Against the headwinds: Building climate businesses in a policy-adverse era

Moderator:

  • Bhagyashree More, ESG Reporting and Compliance, FedEx

Panelists:

  • Chiara Henke, Senior Manager Risk Consulting Sustainability, EY
  • Ben Brenner, SVP, Boundary Stone Partner

What happens when the policy climate doesn’t support the planet’s climate? This panel brings together founders and executives from climate-focused startups and green businesses who are navigating the growing disconnect between science, market demand, and federal policy.

With rollbacks on environmental regulations, skepticism toward clean energy, and reduced federal support for climate action, these entrepreneurs are finding ways to stay resilient, attract investment, and create real-world impact.

Join us for a candid conversation about the regulatory hurdles, creative workarounds, and the urgent need for private-sector leadership in the absence of public-sector support.

11:30 PM - 12:15 PM

Scaling climate tech startups

Moderator:

  • Rohit Tripathi, Hillcrest Venture Partners and VU Capital

Panelists:

  • Mike Ducker, Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator
  • Chad Gallinat, Foundry Director, Conservation X Labs

What does it take to build and scale a successful climate tech startup in today’s fast-evolving green economy? This panel will feature founders and innovators who are tackling climate change through breakthrough technologies in carbon capture, sustainable materials, AI for climate, and more. Panelists will discuss the challenges of securing funding, navigating policy landscapes, and building technologies that balance environmental impact with commercial viability. Ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers looking to understand what’s next in climate innovation.

12:15 AM - 01:15 PM

Workshop

Using AI to Accelerate Green Projects and Startups

Instructor: Mo Hasan, Founder & CEO, Intupower

In this hands-on workshop, AI strategist and educator Mo Hasan will explore how startups and sustainability leaders can harness the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate green innovation. Whether you're building a clean energy solution, launching a climate-focused startup, or scaling an existing sustainability venture, AI can be a transformative tool — if used wisely.

You’ll learn:

  • How AI can streamline operations, improve forecasting, and optimize resource use
  • Real-world examples of AI driving impact in energy, agriculture, and circular economy
  • How to apply The Hasan Method™ to align AI tools with purpose-driven projects
  • Key pitfalls to avoid when integrating AI into climate and sustainability ventures

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Networking Lunch