BIC YouTube Videos

Video testimonial featuring STAT (System Thinking for the Application of Technologies) Program alumni. #ManufacturingAcademy #STATProgram #HumanSkills #SystemsThinking #CareerGrowth #BerkshireInnovationCenter

Video testimonial featuring STAT (System Thinking for the Application of Technologies) Program alumni. #ManufacturingAcademy #STATProgram #HumanSkills #SystemsThinking #CareerGrowth #BerkshireInnovationCenter

Video testimonial featuring STAT (System Thinking for the Application of Technologies) Program alumni. #ManufacturingAcademy #STATProgram #HumanSkills #SystemsThinking #CareerGrowth #BerkshireInnovationCenter

This is Part 3 of the Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 event held at the Berkshire Innovation Center on September 17, 2025. In this session, Sarah Cullinan, Senior Program Director for the Net Zero Grid Program at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), presents an in-depth overview of Massachusetts’ transition to the future electric grid. Sarah explains how statewide decarbonization goals, aging infrastructure, and rapid adoption of heat pumps, EVs, renewables, and energy storage are driving unprecedented grid transformation. She outlines the purpose and structure of the state’s new Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) and the role of the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC). Topics covered include: • The factors pushing Massachusetts toward a modernized, two-way, data-rich grid • How electrification and DER growth impact peak demand and infrastructure needs • Why utilities must shift from reactive to proactive long-term planning • The ESMP process, five-year cycles, regulatory requirements, and GMAC oversight • Barriers to innovation, reliability constraints, and affordability challenges • Opportunities in AI, advanced grid technologies, and distributed energy solutions • Grid tech case studies funded by MassCEC (smart circuit breakers, AI planning tools, transmission congestion solutions) • The need for statewide energy literacy, municipal engagement, and stronger customer feedback channels • Q&A on workforce development, grid planning participation, procurement, regulatory barriers, and the future of distributed systems This session also includes discussion from CELG members, Williams College, climate-tech startups, and regional business leaders on what comes next for clean energy in the Berkshires.

This session of the Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 event features Tanja Srebotnjak (Executive Director, Zilkha Center for the Environment) and Jason Moran (Assistant Director for Energy & Utilities) from Williams College, presenting an in-depth look at the college’s ongoing decarbonization journey. They outline Williams’ goal of reducing stationary Scope 1 and all Scope 2 emissions by at least 80%, their Energy & Carbon Master Plan, and the technical, geological, and regulatory barriers they’ve encountered. The session covers: - Williams’ path from carbon neutrality (since 2020) to deep operational decarbonization - Evaluation of replacement energy sources: biomass, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, electrification, heat pumps, and small modular reactors - Why heat pump–based electrification became the preferred strategy - Failed geothermal test wells and geological constraints - National Grid limitations on peak load growth - Required upgrades to campus electric distribution infrastructure - Challenges aligning decarbonization with major capital projects (athletics, housing, dining, accessibility) - Opportunities in thermal energy storage, battery storage, and load management - Permitting, tariff, contractor availability, and regulatory hurdles - Lessons learned about site-specific solutions, stakeholder alignment, and campus-wide construction impacts This session follows the CELG’s microgrid presentation and is Part 2 of the day’s programming.

Dr. Dennis Rebelo reflects on the purpose of My Story Vault and why surfacing personal work-life narratives impacts individuals, families, students, and communities. In this solo episode, he explains the narrative process, decision points, and the conditions that allow stories to reveal meaning. In this special solo episode of My Story Vault, Dr. Dennis Rebelo steps out from behind the interviewer’s chair to reflect on the purpose and impact of the podcast series. He explains why he and the team dedicate extensive time and resources to uncovering compelling narratives—stories that guests often don’t realize hold deep professional and personal meaning. Drawing from examples such as Rich Peters, a truck driver who became a chief scientist at SABIC, Dr. Rebelo reveals how the podcast has helped community members, coworkers, and families see individuals in new ways. Throughout the episode, he highlights how students, teachers, and guidance counselors have responded to these stories, noting that the podcast’s accessible narratives can ignite inspiration during moments of uncertainty. Dr. Rebelo describes the technical and human elements involved in the story-unpacking process, from creating generative dialogue to setting conditions that help guests articulate formative experiences he calls “blue dots.” He discusses resistance, creativity, adaptability, and self-leadership—central concepts that arise in the narratives shared in the Vault. He also outlines the recurring questions he asks each guest: What were you raised for? What do you want to be known for? What are you doing about it now? These closing questions help link past experiences to present identity and future direction. Dr. Rebelo reflects on decision points, the role of receptivity, and the positive “viral effect” of narrative coherence as guests integrate their stories into their lives. He closes by encouraging listeners, educators, and career centers to use these stories as tools for learning and reflection, emphasizing that every story matters and can help illuminate a path toward understanding and possibility. Links Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org

Recorded September 17, 2025 at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), Pittsfield, MA. Part 1 of 3 – CELG Microgrid Objective at the William Stanley Business Park This session opens the Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 event hosted by the BIC’s Clean Energy Leadership Group (CELG). The discussion includes remarks from Ben Sosne, framing comments from Doug Crane, and a detailed presentation from Isabella Hennessy on the concept of a community-scale microgrid at the William Stanley Business Park. Garth Klimchuk also provides context on wind, solar, and battery components of the proposed system. Topics covered include: • The Berkshires as a potential clean energy pilot zone • Microgrid design using solar, wind, battery storage, and advanced controls • Load modeling and scaling for future park development (4–6 MW range) • Brownfield incentives and unique site characteristics • Resilience, islanding capability, and interconnection considerations • Comparisons to existing MA microgrids (UMass Amherst, Provincetown, Chelsea/Boston) • Q&A on wind turbine height, FAA considerations, grid impacts, incentives, ownership, and policy challenges Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 focused on regional clean energy strategies, sustainability planning, and opportunities for businesses, municipalities, and startups throughout Berkshire County. The event emphasized collaboration, economic development, and building resilient, cost-effective clean energy solutions for Western Massachusetts. Agenda (Session Captured Here): 9:40–10:25 AM — Session 1: CELG Microgrid Objective at the William Stanley Business Park The Clean Energy Leadership Group (CELG)—Doug Crane, Tyler Fairbank, Garth Klimchuk, Ben Sosne, and Tanja Srebotnjak—is dedicated to advancing affordable clean energy, job creation, and climate resilience in Western Massachusetts.

Rich Peters shares his remarkable path from pro truck driver to Chief Scientist and educator. In this episode, he and Dr. Dennis Rebelo explore lifelong learning, applied engineering, and how curiosity and service define his life’s work. From the Catskills to Colorado to the Berkshires, Rich Peters’ story is one of discovery, reinvention, and service. A former professional truck driver turned Chief Scientist at SABIC, Rich reflects on a life that proves learning doesn’t follow a straight line. Growing up in a working-class family where education wasn’t emphasized, Rich discovered his passion for learning later in life — after a chance encounter with Carl Sagan’s Cosmos while parked in his rig. That spark led him to community college, RPI, and eventually to a career leading polymer process development for engineering plastics used in automotive and aerospace applications. Rich describes his time at SABIC’s Polymer Processing Development Center in Pittsfield as an “engineering playground,” where he worked on innovations like nanofibers and recyclable thermoplastics for the aviation industry. Now retired — or as he jokes, “bad at retirement” — he teaches at the Berkshire Innovation Center as part of the MIT Tech AMP program, helping technicians bridge the gap between theory and practice as technologists. Beyond engineering, Rich has devoted decades to community service as a ski instructor and volunteer with STRIDE Adaptive Sports, helping people of all ages and abilities experience the joy of skiing. His story embodies curiosity, humility, and lifelong learning — showing how applied experience, education, and giving back can align into a life of purpose and meaning. Links: Berkshire Innovation Center (MIT Tech AMP Program): https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/ STRIDE Adaptive Sports: https://www.stride.org/ Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Rich Peters, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan #RichPeters, #SABIC, #PolymerEngineering, #AppliedLearning, #MITTechAMP, #BerkshireInnovationCenter, #CommunityService, #STRIDE, #AdaptiveSports, #EngineeringPlastics, #Pittsfield, #RPI, #LifelongLearning, #Curiosity, #Education, #Mentorship, #SkiInstruction, #Technologist, #Manufacturing, #Innovation, #Family

Startups face unique challenges navigating their path to market and making difficult choices while sustainably building a company. In this Stage 2 Accelerator Catalyst Day panel, hosted by the Berkshire Innovation Center, three accomplished entrepreneurs share real-world insights on startup growth, customer discovery, and de-risking development: 🔹 James Kupernik, CTO at Airship – a B2B software firm helping HVAC contractors streamline quoting and increase proposal value.🔹 Mike Stone, Partner at Cofab Design – a mechanical product development studio in Holyoke that develops clever products, technologies, and manufacturing strategies for clients at every stage of development.🔹 Joe Cunningham, Co-Founder of Zulu Pods – creators of the world’s first decentralized lubrication system for limited-life applications, reducing cost and improving readiness for defense customers. Moderated by Tim Butterworth, Director of Applied Technology at the BIC, this conversation explores how founders can balance innovation and sustainability, build trust through iteration, and make data-driven decisions as they move from prototype to production. 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 🎓 Learn more about the Stage 2 Accelerator and how to apply for the next cohort: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program #Stage2Accelerator #BerkshireInnovationCenter #Startup #Entrepreneurship #InnovationEcosystem #AdvancedManufacturing #LifeScience #ClimateTech #TeamMassachusetts #InTheBerkshires