By Crystal Carter, Texas A&M Innovation – December 9, 2024
Texas A&M Innovation hosted Innovation Forward 2024, a three-day conference from November 12-14, bringing together in its first year over 400 industry leaders, researchers, and visionaries to discuss transformative advancements in technology, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and national security. The event celebrated Texas A&M’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration across industries and academia.
Day 1: Igniting Innovation
The conference opened with powerful remarks from Dr. Joe Cunningham, who passionately declared, “Innovation is very clearly near and dear to my heart.” Texas A&M leaders, including Vice Chancellor of Research Joe Elabd and Chancellor John Sharp, set the tone by highlighting recent achievements, such as Texas A&M’s ranking as the top university in Texas by The Wall Street Journal and its ascent to the nation’s #1 engineering research program, surpassing MIT.
Aerospace & Defense Innovation
Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play, emphasized the newly formed Aerospace and Defense Innovation Triangle partnership, which includes Texas A&M, Plug and Play, and local organizations. This collaboration aims to position Texas A&M as a hub for cutting-edge innovation in aerospace and defense.
The Future of AI and Energy
Discussions on AI and energy featured NVIDIA’s Aaron Erickson highlighting the role of AI in driving demand for reliable energy sources like nuclear power. Jeffrey Olson of Kairos Power detailed a groundbreaking partnership with Google to deliver multi-plant solutions for clean energy.
The evening concluded with insights with John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, and Rick Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Texas Governor, and a spectacular drone show over Kyle Field, featuring dazzling visuals that paid tribute to Texas A&M traditions.
Day 2: Pioneering Pathways
Day 2 was filled with thought-provoking panels, a vibrant Innovation Showcase featuring 20 cutting-edge technologies from Texas A&M researchers, rare access to Texas A&M’s nuclear reactor tour and a comprehensive tour of Texas A&M – RELLIS Campus!
Energy Transition and Nuclear Power
Panels highlighted Texas’s leadership in renewable energy and its growing role in nuclear innovation. Experts like Andrew Dessler and Reed Clay discussed how energy storage and small modular reactors could redefine the future energy landscape.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Fuels
Discussions focused on sustainability and resource efficiency. Dr. Rabi Mohtar called for a human-centric approach to agriculture, while Matt Reisdorf emphasized the complementary role of biofuels, electro-fuels, and fossil fuels in achieving zero emissions.
Innovation Showcase
The showcase unveiled groundbreaking technologies in AI, hybrid race cars, renewable energy, and bioplastics, demonstrating Texas A&M’s dedication to addressing global challenges with innovative solutions.
Innovation Tours
Two tour opportunities were provided for attendees to experience Texas A&M’s cutting-edge research facilities. The nuclear reactor tour offered a rare glimpse into the groundbreaking work being done to advance nuclear technology and safety. The Texas A&M – RELLIS comprehensive tour showcased Texas A&M’s commitment to innovation and education, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that foster interdisciplinary research, testing, and training.
The evening concluded with a lively rally featuring entertainment, games, and even an appearance by an AI-powered android.
Day 3: Shaping the Future
Global Case Studies in Energy and AI
Day 3 was about visions for the future. The first panel highlighted how two countries are addressing energy challenges using AI and sustainable resources. From Bahrain’s shift away from oil to Ireland’s success with wind power, this session gave insights into building resilient energy futures. “One lesson to learn, there is no clear pathway for energy transition – you have to make mistakes and learn from your mistakes.” – Abdulla Alabbasi, Ph.D., Director of the Energy and Environmental Studies Program, Bahrain
The “Navigating 2040: Energy Innovation and Future-Ready Investments” panel addressed critical issues, with experts Rich Voorberg of Siemens Energy and Sri Srinivasan of Halliburton emphasizing the role of innovation in reducing oil and gas extraction costs in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
The conference closed by unveiling Future 12, a list of the most transformative emerging innovations compiled from direct insights from the marketplace through Texas A&M’s extensive network of senior industry leaders. These innovations span fields like healthcare, sustainable energy, AI-driven cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. See all the action and visit our photo gallery.
Looking Ahead to IF2025
As the conference concluded, anticipation for Innovation Forward 2025 was already building. Pete O’Neill, Chief Innovation Officer at Texas A&M, encapsulated the spirit of the event: “Innovation Forward is a conversation about what’s possible. We heard profound insights from amazing thought leaders, about innovations that have the potential to deliver benefits for all of us.” Save the date and join us for November 11-13, 2025.
