Sarah Derdowski

I lead innovation programs that scale technologies and move them from lab to market. At NREL, I direct the $55M Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) and manage partnerships with Shell, Chevron, and others through the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center.

My focus is bridging research, startups, and industry—building programs, industry connections, and partnerships that accelerate adoption and market impact. Focusing on public and private partnerships to accelerate innovation.

My journey has taken me from the Canadian government to the state, US government, academia and banking. Passionate about the next generation and innovation in energy. A through thread of my career has always been connecting, glueing or translating industry and market perspectives into relationships or programs that accelerate the pace of energy development.

As a human, I am always chasing two energetic boys, learning (generally how my parenting can be improved) and mountain biking. I have an eclectic background in travel and love to try the path less traveled.