AI Cafe: AI for Climate Innovation
AI Cafe: AI for Climate Innovation
How can AI accelerate real-world climate solutions? This AI Cafe explores how emerging technologies are moving from breakthrough to deployment, and what it takes to turn climate innovation into real impact at scale.
Through real-world examples and open discussion, we’ll unpack how AI is shaping energy, sustainability, and climate resilience, and where the biggest opportunities exist to build, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.
Agenda
8:45 - 10am • Coffee and Socialize
10:00 - 11am • Talk and Presentation
April 9th, 2026
Derek Stoops is a strategic operator and commercialization expert with more than 25 years of experience building high-growth ventures across media, sustainability, and deep tech. He developed his venture-building instincts in the entertainment industry, helping launch American Idol and contributing to the growth of Sony Pictures Television’s Global Networks into a $2 billion business.
Since 2020, Derek has focused on cleantech and commercialization, advising startups, shaping go-to-market strategy for breakthrough technologies, and helping bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption. He is Co-Founder of Search2light Solutions, a commercialization firm advancing critical technologies, and Head of North America at Verv, an energy technology company using AI, machine learning, and high-resolution electrical data to reduce energy use and enable predictive maintenance.
Known for aligning public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders, Derek brings expertise in strategic partnerships, market access, and commercialization strategy. His work sits at the intersection of innovation and execution, where early-stage technologies are translated into practical deployment and market traction.
Sarah Wineland is the founder of Juniper Collective, a social impact design studio that partners with mission-driven organizations and companies committed to social justice. With 18+ years of experience, including 12 years at Deloitte, as well as work with federal agencies, international NGOs, and global corporations, she has designed strategies, built programs, and led nationwide stakeholder engagement across climate and sustainability, public health, anti-trafficking, and broader social impact initiatives.
With a master’s degree in global social work, Sarah has worked and lived across five continents, and also has had the privilege of cofounding two nonprofits and starting two small businesses.
An avid adventurer, life-long learner, surfer, musician, and bleeding heart, Sarah's work is shaped by her core values of wonder, justice, community, and adventure.
About The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top tier LA-based community of conscious entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
About Nerdstage
Communication training and high-impact events giving tomorrow a louder voice. Nerdstage hosts the Demo Day event series & the Nerdstage Podcast.
If you're a builder turning hard problems into progress, you might be a fit for the Nerdstage Pitch Accelerator.
Note: By attending this event, I hereby give my permission to the Horizon House LLC, their Releases, and to the photographer, my free and unlimited consent and permission to publish/broadcast, republish/rebroadcast or exhibit in the furtherance of their work, with or without identification of me by name, any photographs, videos or audios of myself, that have been obtained from my participation in KINN or Horizon Studio activities. I furthermore waive any and all claims for any compensation by reason thereof or for damages for reasons thereof.