Ron Klopfer
CEO, Hyfluence Systems Corp.   

Ron Klopfer is an experienced technology entrepreneur, having co-founded, financed and managed four technology startups over the past 15 years, three of which have attained exits with strong returns to investors. Ron has also consulted to various technology companies on market strategy, sales, mergers and operations. Ron holds an MBA in technology marketing from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Computer Engineering from the University of B.C.

Tom Dielschneider
Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain, Svante

Tom leads the Global Supply Chain function at Svante. He is charged with building a network of strategic partners to deliver our carbon capture vision. After a career in management consulting with a specialization in Distribution and Logistics, Tom held senior Supply Chain leadership roles in the fuel cell industry, advanced hybrid vehicles, and industrial distribution. His work experience spans Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. Tom received a Bachelor of Science degree with High Honours in Physics, and a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Physics, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He received an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. Tom holds a Certified Management Consultant designation, a Certificate in Production and Inventory Management, and is a designated Supply Chain Management Professional.

Jason Owen
Director, District Energy Development at CORIX Group of Companies (Canada)

Jason Owen is a Director, District Energy Development for Corix Utilities in Vancouver, BC. He is a professional engineer and urban planner with 20 years of experience in the fields of municipal infrastructure, green buildings, renewable energy systems and climate action policy.  Jason has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from McGill University and a graduate degree in urban planning from the University of British Columbia.  Before joining Corix, Jason spent 13 years at the City of Surrey where he was the manager responsible for the development and operations of the City-owned district energy utility as well as the City’s climate action portfolio.  

Dean Chamberland
Vice President, Cleantech at RBCx

Dean Chamberland is Vice President, Cleantech at RBCx, Royal Bank's specialized team dedicated to empowering Canada’s most daring innovators and idea generators. Since joining RBC in 1998, Dean has leveraged his industry expertise, network, and the broad resources of Canada’s largest bank to help grow and guide companies in the Technology sector. Dean is an experienced leader in Venture Debt, Cleantech, lending on MRR, and other non-dilutive methods that allow disruptive companies to manage cashflow more efficiently, extend cash runways, and grow market share. Dean has been awarded for excellence in mentoring others, has twice been recognized for the RBC Convention, and has received the bank’s highest honour, the Leo Award. Dean is active in CleanTech industry events and associations, and enjoys sharing his knowledge, insights and making connections with others who can contribute to scaling Cleantech in BC and beyond. A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Dean was born and raised in Vancouver, where he continues to reside with his wife and two teenagers. A life-long volunteer with Variety the Children’s Charity and other local causes, you’ll also find him leading mountaineering or alpine touring ski trips with the BC Mountaineering Club throughout the year.

Kalie McGratten
Manager, Business Innovation at FortisBC

Kalie McGratten has over 12 years of experience in the energy sector and is currently the Manager, Business Innovation at FortisBC. Outside FortisBC, she has contributed time supporting the David Suzuki Foundation, Engineers without Borders, and Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports. Kalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Western University, an Environmental Engineering degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Project Management Professional, Certified Energy Manager, and Certified Measurement and Verification designations.