Calgary, AB – Innovate Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Hirsch as Director of the Energy Transition Centre.
Hirsch is a leading expert on managing the transition to a new global economy. A visionary in his field and an in-demand speaker, he inspires audiences around the world to re-think the modern economy, and directs leaders to re-imagine how to survive and thrive in an ever-changing world. From 2007 to 2022, he was the VP and Chief Economist at ATB Financial.
A collaboration between Innovate Calgary, Avatar Innovations and the University of Calgary and funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), CIBC and other partners, the Energy Transition Centre (ETC) opened in downtown Calgary in fall 2022.
The ETC connects industry and community with the research and technology developed at the University of Calgary – creating opportunities for the sector to tap into the talent, expertise and resources available on campus.
By supporting the research and development of new energy technologies while accelerating the commercialisation of promising innovations by supporting new startups, the ETC nurtures, improves and steers emerging energy transition technologies into profitable businesses.
“Our vision for the ETC is a collision space that fuels the creation of new technologies and innovative energy solutions, generating employment and economic development opportunities,” says John Wilson, CEO, Innovate Calgary. “We are thrilled Todd is joining us and look forward to the perspectives and leadership he will bring to this role.”
“Our energy economy is at a turning point, and Canada has every opportunity to lead the world. That leadership takes effort, talent and focused resources. The Energy Transition Centre is doing this — bringing together the brightest entrepreneurs and researchers, and creating the space to collaborate,” says Hirsh. “Personally, I’m thrilled to be a part of this transition. For years as an economist, I’ve encouraged us to think about energy transition not as a penalty, but rather the single greatest economic opportunity we’ve seen in a generation.”
Hirsch will work part time in the downtown Energy Transition Centre office. Puneet Mannan will continue to serve as Associate Director, Energy Transition Centre. For more information about the Energy Transition Centre, its membership model for researchers and startup companies, and its programs and events, visit https://innovatecalgary.com/energy-transition-centre/
Media inquiries
Megan Geyer
Head, Marketing & Communications
Innovate Calgary
mgeyer@innovatecalgary.com | 403-270-2431
Innovate Calgary was founded in 1986 to support the University of Calgary’s innovation community. Our team of experts offers intellectual property and business incubator services to researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses within the advanced technology sector. Innovate Calgary supports commercialization by providing business and technical advice, workshops, assessments for commercial potential, access to sector resources and networking events, licensing and intellectual property protection, impact measurement discovery, company creation/incubation programs, and office and lab space. Learn more about Innovate Calgary.