Our Speakers

Behdad Bahrami

Title of the Talk: AI-Based Operations for Decarbonization and Clean Energy Solutions

Behdad Bahrami is the CEO and Co-Founder of Edgecom Energy, a B Corp certified AI-powered energy management company based in Toronto. Edgecom's platform serves over 1000 MW across 220+ facilities— including 3M, Bell, RBC, Celestica, Brookfield, and Teva — delivering AI-driven demand flexibility, peak prediction, and grid-interactive solutions for commercial and industrial operations.Edgecom holds FERC licenses and operates across multiple North American energy markets including Ontario, PJM, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and more.Behdad's contributions to the energy sector have been recognized with the Association of Energy Engineer's (AEE) Energy Innovator of the Year Award (2024), and Canada's Clean16 Award (2026), given to the professionals driving forward sustainability in Canada. Edgecom's additional awards include winning the ABB Startup Challenge (2024) and Shell's New Energy Challenge (2024), and CIX Top 20 Early Growth company designation.Behdad is passionate about making demand flexibility accessible and scalable for all facilities — bridging the gap between grid needs and building-level intelligence through AI-native energy optimization.

Inês Ribeiro Canella

Title of the Talk: Energy Storage 101- Powering the Energy Transition

Inês Ribeiro Canella brings over a decade of experience in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors. In her current role, Inês is responsible for developing energy storage projects, most recently as a key contributor to the 250MW/1000MWh Oneida Battery Energy Storage Project. Prior to this, she led development efforts for wind projects and microgrid projects, managed a 1,200km high-voltage transmission project feasibility study and held a position as the Commercial Manager of a 46MW wind farm in Alberta. She is experienced in contract administration, stakeholder engagement, project permitting, planning and operational performance.

Dr. Ibrahim Dincer

Title of the Talk: Decarbonization and Clean Energy Solutions

Ibrahim Dincer is a full professor of Mechanical Engineering and is recognized as a leader in the field of clean energy technologies he has authored/co-authored many books and book chapters, along with many refereed journal and conference papers. Dr. Dincer has chaired many national and international conferences, symposia, workshops and technical meetings. Dr. Dincer has delivered many keynotes and invited lectures. Dr. Dincer is an active member of various international scientific organizations and societies, and serves as editor-in-chief, associate editor, regional editor, and editorial board member on various prestigious international journals. Dr. Dincer is a recipient of several research, teaching and service awards, including the Premier's research excellence award in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Dincer’s research portfolio is diverse and primarily focussed on sustainable energy solutions, sustainable communities and cities, district energy systems, green buildings, renewable energy technologies, energy storage technologies, hydrogen energy technologies, and waste to energy technologies.

Dr. Kevork Hacatoglu

Title of the Talk: An Overview of Demand-Side Management in Ontario

Dr. Kevork Hacatoglu is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines focusing on the development of energy efficiency policies and program frameworks. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Ontario Tech University, a Master of Environmental Studies from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Toronto.

Dr. Atef Mohany

Title of the Talk: Resilience of Energy Infrastructure Under Extreme Climate-Induced Loading

Dr. Mohany is a Professor at Ontario Tech University and Founding Director of the Aerodynamics and Climatic Adaptation Research Center. A former University Research Excellence Chair and Nuclear R&D Engineer at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, his work advances aeroacoustics, fluid–structure interaction, flow-induced vibrations, and structural integrity for energy, aerospace, and automotive systems. He has authored over 180 publications, holds a U.S. patent, is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering, and has received multiple research excellence awards.

Joanna Osawe

Title of the Talk: Perspectives on Resilient and Equitable Energy Future for All

Joanna Osawe is a distinguished leader and advocate for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. As the President & CEO of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), she is at the forefront of advancing the role of women and underrepresented groups within the energy sector. With a dynamic 15+ year management career spanning prominent renewable and energy companies across Canada and the United States, Joanna has a proven track record of steering complex projects from conception to completion. Her unique background in languages, holding an Honours BA from Western University, has provided her with a distinct advantage in navigating the intricate landscape of the global energy transition. Recognized for her expertise, Joanna was appointed to the federal Sustainable Development Advisory Council, where she advises Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. This role underscores her significant contributions to shaping national and international energy policy and her commitment to a resilient and equitable energy future for all.