Powerful Innovation Day was a really successful and exciting day with several interesting presentations and exciting encounters. Approximately 100 participants gathered at Infocenter, ABB in Ludvika to take advantage of the extensive content.
First up among the speakers was Karl Elfstadius, head of Smart Grid in ABB's Power Products and Power Systems. He gave an overview of ABB's work on Smart Grids and energy suply worldwide, with major pilot projects in the Stockholm and China. He also gave a picture of the political situation around the world and the challenges that comes with this types of increasing energy needs. He also pointed to the requirements for ABB as a company if they want to remain the leading global player. The challenge is to continue to find effective solutions, as well in terms of transmission as the economy.
This was followed by a panel discussion in which, among others, Carl Öhlén from STRI and Birger Drugge ABB continued to develop their ideas on Smart Grid.
After lunch, participants were taken on an exciting journey into space. Cecilia Hertz, founder of Umbilical Design spoke about her work in space design for NASA, and how she by unconventional thinking came up with unusual design solutions for materials in commercial products. Her presentation showed how far one can go and what amazing results can be achieved by "thinking outside the box".
Last out of the days speakers were Anthony Pereira, a true New Yorker who through the mysterious ways of love ended up in Hagge just outside of Smedjebacken. Anthony told us about his company altPower that in ten years become one of the most successful companies in the Pacific Northwest in renewable energy. Now he has established offices in both the U.S. and Britain and could also during his presentation reveal that they are planing an establishment in Ludvika.
Over lunch and coffee breaks, the participants could also take part in interesting exhibits from ABB, STRI, and several colleges that High Voltage Valley cooperates with. This was the first time that High Voltage Valley parent Powerful Innovation Day. Considering what a success it was, we already are looking forward to next year's edition.
If you want to see the speakers presentations you can view them here.