Research Seminar Series: Accelerating the Energy Transition with Industrial Impact with Micah Kotch, Blackhorn Ventures
NYU CUSP is pleased to host our annual Research Seminar Series, featuring leading voices in the growing field of urban informatics. The seminars will examine real-world challenges facing cities and urban environments around the world, with topics ranging from citizen and social sciences to smart infrastructure.
Accelerating the Energy Transition with Industrial Impact
Accelerating the energy transition is paramount for sustainability, national security and economic competitiveness. The focus of this conversation will highlight key sectors—transportation, real estate, supply chain, and energy —where industrial impact is instrumental. Examining strategies and technologies, this session will focus on startup companies helping transform these sectors with AI, robotics, automation, and distributed energy resources. From storage-integrated fast charge EV infrastructure to resilient shipping supply chains and grid modernization, the talk will emphasize collaborative efforts among policymakers, businesses, and innovators. Shared insights will offer a targeted roadmap for any student interested in engaging with startups shaping the energy transition.
About the Speaker
Micah Kotch is a Partner at Blackhorn Ventures. He was previously part of the BMW Group, where he served as Managing Director of URBAN-X; the platform for startups reimagining city life. Micah is a Founding Partner of C3, an AngelList syndicate backing companies working to reduce emissions, mitigate the worst effects of climate change, and help humanity adapt to a changing world.
Micah served as Strategic Advisor for Innovation at NYSERDA where he led NY Prize; a $40M community microgrid initiative focused on energy resilience and evolution of the utility business model. At the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Micah served as Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where he launched NYC’s first sponsored tech incubator and the Urban Future Lab – helping emerging companies capitalize on the clean energy transition. He is a core national faculty member for the National Science Foundation’s I-CORPS program which helps commercialize federally-funded research and ‘tough tech’.
Micah graduated Colgate University with a degree in China studies and started his first company putting games on phones in China in 1998. He is a Brooklyn native (where he lives with his family) and a proud board member for Green City Force, an Americorps program that engages young adults from low-income communities in national service related to the environment. Micah is a Next City Vanguard Fellow and a member of the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network.
How to Attend
NYU CUSP Research Seminars are only open to faculty, students, and staff at NYU – they are not open to the public at this time. This event will be held in-person, but we are now offering hybrid access to attendees! If you'd like to attend virtually, check the bottom of your confirmation email for the Zoom link.