As the global energy landscape changes, groundbreaking research in energy storage, alternative fuels, and infrastructure offers hope for strengthening domestic energy supplies in both the near and long term.
However, how much of this groundbreaking research only exists in the annals of journals as opposed to private and public industries? The Laboratory to Launchpad Conference at Johns Hopkins University will offer meaningful insights into the evolving nature of research translation and equip attendees with the tools they need to turn their work into impactful products.
With a host of options for learning about grant writing, public speaking, project management, and mentorship, researchers are trained to gracefully navigate the scientific community. But what does it look like to move to the next step after research funding is secured? When is the right time to file intellectual property? What does it mean to license technology? What does it take to spin off a company? How are we preparing researchers to present and sell their high-impact work to the public at large and make meaningful change in the world through their discoveries?
This one-day workshop will not only spark conversation around the transition of energy-related technologies but also will offer attendees actionable tools and strategies for commercializing their work.
The Laboratory to Launchpad Conference is made possible by a Nexus Convening grant from the Johns Hopkins University Provost’s Office. This event is co-sponsored by the Carey Business School, the Whiting School of Engineering, and the Applied Physics Lab.
At-a-Glance Agenda
| TIME | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00am – 9:00am | Registration and Welcome Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 9:15am | Opening Remarks |
| 9:15am – 10:00am | Keynote: David Gates (CTO Thea Energy) |
| 10:00am – 11:00am | Panel: Working Across Disciplines |
| 11:15am – 12:00pm | Lab to Launchpad Workshops |
| 12:15pm – 1:15pm | Working Lunch Featuring a Fireside Chat with Anthony Pugliese |
| 1:15pm – 2:00pm | Lab to Launchpad Workshops |
| 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Pitch Competition Session 1 |
| 3:15pm – 4:15pm | Pitch Competition Session 2 |
| 4:15pm – 4:30pm | Closing Remarks |
| 4:30pm – 6:00pm | Happy Hour Networking Reception |
Keynote | Thea Energy CTO Dr. David Gates
Join Thea Energy CTO David Gates as he discusses his journey from a physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab to the co-founder of Thea Energy and developer of the Planar Coil Stellarator. In his talk, he will explore the challenges he faced in founding his company and what it takes to keep capital coming in while a product is still developing.
Panel | Working Across Disciplines 10:00am - 11:00am
Rashad Howard is the Founding Executive Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Ethics & Innovation at the University of Mount St. Vincent in New York, leading the institution's mandate to advance responsible AI development at the intersection of governance, national security, and emerging technology. His work positions ethical AI not as a constraint on innovation, but as a competitive and strategic imperative for organizations operating at the frontier.
Dr. Jon R. Owens received a BSc (2011) in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and MSc (2012) and PhD (2015) degrees in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Since 2019 he has been a scientist at GE Vernova Advanced Research studying computational methods for material discovery and characterization, including CO2 and H2O sorbents, thermal barrier coatings, thermoelectric materials, and magnetic materials
Dr. Ahmed Diallo is a former ARPA-E Program Manager and the current Division Head of Enabling Technologies for Energy & Science (ETES) at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, he leads a division accelerating fusion technologies across seven technical pillars — from liquid metal plasma-facing components and superconducting magnets to MW-class RF heating and digital twins — advancing innovations from fundamental research to industrial deployment.
Dr. Mark Jackson is a theoretical physicist and the Senior Quantum Evangelist at Quantinuum. He received his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from Duke and his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Columbia. Dr. Jackson has authored nearly 40 technical articles, served as Adjunct Faculty at Singularity University and is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Yale Ventures. He has delivered over 300 keynote and panel talks, and is widely recognized as a leading voice in the field.
Workshop Breakouts | 11:15am - 12:00am
From speaking to pitching and from inception to growth, these workshops will cover each stage of the commercialization process and help attendees tackle challenges in whatever stage of the process they are in.
Fastballs and Curveballs: How to Pitch Your Research Effectively
From NSF proposals to elevator pitches, translating research into real-world impact involves more than strong science—it requires the ability to communicate clearly and strategically. In this workshop, Dr. Steven Cohen of the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School will introduce a practical framework for structuring and delivering compelling research pitches. Participants will learn how to distill complex ideas into persuasive narratives, tailor messages to different audiences, and move conversations toward a clear “yes”—whether for funding, collaboration, or support.
Dr. Steven Cohen
Finding the “Fun” in Funding: The Secrets to Securing Federal Funding
For academic research, the first step for developing a technology starts with securing federal research dollars to purchase critical equipment, hire graduate students, and communicate the results. As competition for federal research dollars grow, so to does the need for researchers to develop their grant acquisition toolbelt. In this workshop, Dr. LaRico Treadwell, CEO of E4Power Consulting, will work with attendees to uncover the secrets of writing successful grants and equip attendees with the tools to successfully compete in a translation-focused science world.
Dr. LaRico Treadwell
Research to Revenue: Navigating IP and Market Strategy for Commercialization
In this workshop facilitated by Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), attendees will learn about intellectual property, market assessment, the process for licensing university technology to industry, and commercial partnership strategies. Participants will gain clarity on commercialization pathways and how to access resources as they seek to maximize the translational potential of their work.
Christina DeMur
Don’t Just Grow, Thrive: The Different Stages of Growing a Business
You have launched a startup company—now what? In this workshop facilitated by Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), attendees will explore the critical stages of startup growth, from early traction to scaling, highlighting key risks, inflection points, hiring decisions, and value-creation strategies. Through real-world case studies and practical discussion, participants will gain insight into pressure-testing business models, strengthening sales and marketing, and leveraging regional resources to build durable, high-impact companies.
Fireside Chat with Anthony Pugliese
Anthony Pugliese is the Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization and the Chief Commercialization Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In this role, he leads efforts to accelerate the commercialization of innovative energy technologies, strengthen public-private partnerships, and enhance technology transfer across the DOE’s National Labs. Before joining DOE, Mr. Pugliese held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. In the private sector, he focused on energy, permitting, economic development, and national security, advising businesses and organizations on navigating regulatory landscapes and advancing strategic initiatives. In the federal government, Mr. Pugliese previously served as the Chief of Staff at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Along with overseeing the Commission’s daily activities, he led efforts to improve interagency coordination. He negotiated key Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) promoting efficiencies between several federal agencies, most notably the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation and with the U.S. Department of the Interior. He also spearheaded MOUs with several countries including Mexico, Japan, India, and Israel to strengthen energy cooperation. Prior to his role at FERC, Mr. Pugliese served as the Senior White House Adviser at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he played a key role in overseeing all aspects of the department, including the various modes and regulatory reform. Earlier in his career, he was Director of Legislative Affairs for the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office and at the Department of Community and Economic Development where he served on several technology and economic boards.
Workshop Breakouts | 1:15pm - 2:00pm
From speaking to pitching and from inception to growth, these workshops will cover each stage of the commercialization process and help attendees tackle challenges in whatever stage of the process they are in.
Fastballs and Curveballs: How to Pitch Your Research Effectively
From NSF proposals to elevator pitches, translating research into real-world impact involves more than strong science—it requires the ability to communicate clearly and strategically. In this workshop, Dr. Steven Cohen of the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School will introduce a practical framework for structuring and delivering compelling research pitches. Participants will learn how to distill complex ideas into persuasive narratives, tailor messages to different audiences, and move conversations toward a clear “yes”—whether for funding, collaboration, or support.
Dr. Steven Cohen
Finding the “Fun” in Funding: The Secrets to Securing Federal Funding
For academic research, the first step for developing a technology starts with securing federal research dollars to purchase critical equipment, hire graduate students, and communicate the results. As competition for federal research dollars grow, so to does the need for researchers to develop their grant acquisition toolbelt. In this workshop, Dr. LaRico Treadwell, CEO of E4Power Consulting, will work with attendees to uncover the secrets of writing successful grants and equip attendees with the tools to successfully compete in a translation-focused science world.
Dr. LaRico Treadwell
Research to Revenue: Navigating IP and Market Strategy for Commercialization
In this workshop facilitated by Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), attendees will learn about intellectual property, market assessment, the process for licensing university technology to industry, and commercial partnership strategies. Participants will gain clarity on commercialization pathways and how to access resources as they seek to maximize the translational potential of their work.
Christina DeMur
Don’t Just Grow, Thrive: The Different Stages of Growing a Business
You have launched a startup company—now what? In this workshop facilitated by Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), attendees will explore the critical stages of startup growth, from early traction to scaling, highlighting key risks, inflection points, hiring decisions, and value-creation strategies. Through real-world case studies and practical discussion, participants will gain insight into pressure-testing business models, strengthening sales and marketing, and leveraging regional resources to build durable, high-impact companies.
Energy IP Pitch Competition | 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Dr. Ian Tolfree is a Principal at Emerald Development Managers LP and a theoretical physicist turned commercialization generalist. He joined the firm in 2019 as Entrepreneur-in-Residence and was named Principal in 2022. At Emerald, Dr. Tolfree leads scientific and technology diligence on potential new investments and supports portfolio companies in a variety of ways, including operations, business development, and research.
Carter is a Senior Associate at Ultratech Capital Partners, an early-stage venture firm investing in frontier critical technologies. Carter leads all aspects of deal flow at Ultratech, including new deal origination, screening, and due diligence.
Rakesh Radhakrishnan has over 25 years of energy industry experience commercializing innovative technology solutions. He is currently a senior advisor at Prithvi Ventures where he supports early-stage hardware and software companies in the energy and industrial sectors.
Closing Remarks | 4:15pm – 4:30pm
Reception | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
This conference brough to you by The Energy Translation Steering Committee (ETSC) at Hopkins. With support from a NEXUS Convening Grant and additional support from the JHU Planetary Health Foundation.
ETSC Members: Dr. Corey Oses (Whiting School of Engineering), Dr. Steven Cohen (Carey School of Business), Dr. Jonah Erlebacher (Whiting School of Engineering), Dr. Avi Bregman (Applied Physics Laboratory)