2026 Climate, Energy, Sustainability Conference

Join CES Group for our Inaugural Conference!

Our flagship conference explores cutting-edge climate, energy, and sustainability topics via panels, mentorship, startup pitches, and networking. Attendees include UChicago students, alumni, faculty, researchers, startup founders & operators, and professionals across climate, energy, and sustainability.

By attending the conference, you will learn from industry leaders about a range of topics spanning infrastructure, policy, economics, entrepreneurship, and career pathways. You will also have opportunities to connect directly with speakers, founders, researchers, and other attendees throughout the day.

Full Schedule Includes:

9:00–9:30am: Check-in
Registration for conference attendees.

9:30–10:00am: Breakfast & Fair
Kick off the day with breakfast and an introductory fair highlighting student organizations across campus. Meet peers, discover opportunities, and set the stage for the discussions ahead.

10:00–10:15am: Opening Remarks
Hear from CES Co-chairs about the group’s initiatives and an overview of the conference.

10:15–11:00am: Keynote Speaker
Opening remarks from Sunny Elebua, a leading voice at the intersection of climate, energy, and sustainability.

11:15am–12:00pm: Panel 1 — Energy Transition to Energy Stability
Explore pathways toward a reliable, low-carbon energy future. Leaders in renewable energy, grid modernization, and resilient infrastructure will discuss the technologies and strategies shaping tomorrow’s energy systems.

12:00–1:30pm: Lunch & Keynote Speaker
Break for lunch, informal networking, and insights from our midday keynote speaker.

1:45–2:30pm: Panel 2 — Power, Influence & Policy
Examine how political dynamics, regulation, and policy decisions are influencing the climate landscape. Panelists will discuss how institutions, governments, and stakeholders shape the pace and direction of climate action.

2:45–3:30pm: Panel 3 — Mapping the Money: Who’s Shaping the Game?
Dive into the financial forces behind climate and sustainability. This panel will unpack funding trends, investment opportunities, the rise of climate entrepreneurship, and how innovators are navigating the “missing middle” in climate technology.

3:45–4:30pm: Panel 4 — Career Pathways to Energy Transition
Hear firsthand from professionals building careers in climate, energy, and sustainability. Panelists will share day-in-the-life insights, offer mentorship, and outline the diverse entry points into the sector.

4:30–4:45pm: Closing Remarks
Wrap up the day with reflections, key takeaways, and a look ahead at what’s next for climate, energy, and sustainability at UChicago.

4:45–5:30pm: Happy Hour, Startup Pitches & Networking
Join a casual networking session with students, alumni, and professionals. Hear pitches from emerging climate and clean-tech startups and connect with founders driving new solutions.

File Attachments: Climate_Energy_Sustainability_Conference_Materials_2

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