NEDO Silicon Valley Foresight Seminars: Inventing the Future:

You are cordially invited to an in-person seminar exploring innovation in Energy-Saving Technologies for Data Centers. This is the 16th NEDO Silicon Valley Foresight Seminar Series featuring solutions to advance the goal of a sustainable future with Net Zero emissions by 2050.

~Energy-Saving Technologies for Data Centers~

Data centers are huge consumers of energy and there are many technologies being developed to make them more efficient. This seminar on Data Centers brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of data center energy use and transformative technologies. Please join us for this insightful and exclusive event as we explore how data center technology is evolving to meet the demands of the digital world while addressing critical energy and environmental concerns.

The audience will have a chance to learn about the opportunities in data center technology, as well as to network in person to share their thoughts and experiences with peers and to speak in-depth with each panelist after the formal panel presentation.

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm (registration and networking begin at 5 pm)

Location: Plug and Play Tech Center (440 North Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94085)

Cost: Free but registration is required

Agenda:

5:00 - 5:30 Registration and Networking

5:30 - 7:00 Program: Panel Presentations + Q&A

7:00 - 7:30 Networking

Speakers :

Akira Shimaya, Ph.D., Director of Sales at Supermicro

Carlo Vergara, Data Center Expert

Kim Kolt, Investor and Advisor at Exowat t, General Partner at Bay Bridge Ventures

Mike Brinck, Strategic Accounts, Global Data Center at Bloom Energy

Moderator:

Richard Weinberg, Sr. Consultant, USAsia Venture Partners

Speakers & Moderator's Bio:

Akira Shimaya, Ph.D is the Director of Sales at Supermicro, where he provides cutting-edge solutions tailored to strategic accounts in AI, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and IoT/Edge. A multicultural and visionary leader, he is an expert in AI and digital transformation (DX), delivering innovative, goal-driven technologies that drive organizational success and solve complex business challenges. With over 30 years of experience at NTT before joining Supermicro, He played a pivotal role in pioneering advanced technologies and business strategies. His accomplishments include serving as a Senior Research Engineer in Computer Vision and AI at NTT Human Interface Laboratories, leading the successful launch of NTT’s Video-on-Demand service during the Nagano Winter Olympics, and heading NTT USA’s Business Development Center, where he spearheaded NTT’s first B2B e-commerce and web services initiatives. As General Manager of the Americas at NTT Advanced Technologies, he oversaw the US office’s operations and successfully tripled its revenue. Throughout his career, Akira has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, expand market reach, and transform organizations through emerging technologies.

Carlo Vergara is a former director of Hyperscale data center build and operations at Black Box and now leads a team to expand the data center services business for Supermicro. He is an accomplished and results-driven technology leader with a proven track record of transforming functional teams into high-performing organizations. With 24 years of progressive leadership experience across diverse industries—including consulting, manufacturing, finance, and technology — Carlo specializes in strategic business planning, operations management, and technological innovation. A visionary leader, Carlo excels in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and fostering a culture of excellence. His expertise spans data center management, cloud computing, security, and enterprise network solutions. Adept at global program management, he has successfully led cross-functional teams across North America and Asia Pacific, delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions that drive business success for companies like Trendmicro, Citibank, Qualcomm, and Adobe. Carlo holds a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts, a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and is an active member of Harvard Club of San Francisco. Throughout his career, Carlo has demonstrated a unique ability to align technology with business objectives, optimize performance, and lead high-impact business initiatives.

Kim Kolt is an investor and advisor at Exowatt, as well as the co-founder and general partner at Bay Bridge Ventures, an early-stage climate tech venture capital firm. Previously, she founded and served as President of For Good Ventures, which invests in companies and funds across climate technologies, health, education, and financial accessibility for underserved communities. Before launching For Good Ventures, Kim worked at Goldman Sachs in the Technology, Media, and Telecom Investment Banking Groups in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and at Deutsche Bank’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group in NYC. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and her MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Kim also holds several professional designations, including USGBC LEED for sustainable development, CCIM, and a Series 79 license.

Mike Brinck is part of Bloom Energy’s data center team, focused on strategic accounts. With over 30 years of experience, Mike has a proven track record of helping emerging-growth companies secure critical customer traction within the data center sector. Prior to joining Bloom Energy’s Data Center team, Mike served as SVP of Sales at Bandwidth IG, where he led revenue growth and customer acquisition initiatives. Previously, he co-founded Canara, Inc., a global data center services company (now part of CPG Beyond, Inc.), and held roles as President and EVP of Strategic Accounts, where he managed the company’s growth and facilitated its acquisition by a private equity firm. Earlier in his career, Mike played a pivotal role in building the early customer bases of successful enterprise software startups, including Vastera (which had a successful IPO in 2000) and Qiva. Mike studied economics and international affairs at the University of Colorado Boulder and also studied abroad at the School of Business Economics at the Universidad de Sevilla.

Richard Weinberg is Senior Consultant on Sustainability, USAsia Venture Partners, and has led the technical development and global product management for thin-film solar modules that have been used on buildings, vehicles, and power plants. While at Miasole as Director of Engineering, his CIGS thin-film solar modules were installed on thousands of delivery trucks throughout Europe. He is also an Ambassador for Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) in Palo Alto, California. Additionally, Mr. Weinberg developed Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) systems for the semiconductor industry for over 20 years at Varian and Novellus (since acquired by Lam Research). He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

USAsia Venture Partners is a premier Silicon Valley strategic consulting company. They help their clients discover and exploit new opportunities for innovation and market disruption across a wide range of industries, from high tech and cleantech to healthcare and finance. Their consultants are renowned experts in their fields. They conduct market research and due diligence; formulate alliance, marketing, and business development strategies; and partner with the clients to plan and execute for their success.

Registrations are closed

NEDO SV Foresight Seminars: Inventing the Future: Session 16