RTCC Cleantech Catalyst: Energizing the Battery Belt Through N.C. Innovation

Join the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) and the North Carolina Battery Industry Partnership (NCBIP) on Tuesday, June 10, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Grapes & Grains Tavern for a special RTCC on the Road edition of our Cleantech Catalyst series. This event will bring together battery and energy storage leaders from across the state for an evening of networking, insight, and innovation. 

North Carolina is emerging as a key player in the Southeast’s Battery Belt, a region that has attracted more than $78 billion in EV and battery-related manufacturing investments and is projected to generate over 73,000 jobs. From Toyota’s $13.9 billion battery facility in Randolph County to research hubs and startups across the state, N.C. is helping drive national progress in clean energy storage. 

At this Cleantech Catalyst, we’ll feature brief “spark talks” from an industry leader and four academic institutions showcasing cutting-edge battery research, technology breakthroughs, and real-world applications. You’ll also have plenty of time to connect with peers and partners working across the battery supply chain. 

RTCC is proud to support NCBIP and to lead its B2B and Collaboration Working Group focused on accelerating impact through connection. Whether you work in the cleantech industry, economic development, research, or workforce development, this event is your chance to plug into the energy storage ecosystem and help shape what’s next. 

Event Highlights:

• Dr. Anthony Bombik, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Science – UNC Charlotte 
• Dr. Hemali Rathnayake, Director, BRIGHT Institute – UNCG 
• Dr. Sharlini Sankaran, Director of External Partnerships, Office for External Partnerships – Duke University 
• Dr. Mark Schmidt, Associate Vice Chancellor, Partnerships – NCSU