Energy Innovation Disruptors Are Rewiring Detroit’s Industrial Future

Detroit is once again at the center of industrial and technological reinvention. At New Lab, an innovation hub in the heart of the city, entrepreneurs, engineers, and dreamers are collaborating to redefine the future of energy and mobility. Energy innovation is no longer just a competitive advantage, it's a necessity. The manufacturing industry alone is responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption, making energy efficiency a critical focus for future economic and environmental stability.

How can emerging entrepreneurs in the energy sector drive meaningful innovation while overcoming barriers to entry? What role does collaboration play in fostering breakthroughs in sustainability?

In the first of a three-part episode of DisruptED, host Ron Stefanski sits down with Ademola Fagade, founder and CEO of Geo Prime Energy. They discuss Fagade's journey from Nigeria to Detroit, his deep passion for energy solutions, and how spaces like New Lab are cultivating the next generation of problem solvers.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• Passion and exposure drive success. Fagade's background in a competitive, innovation-focused environment helped shape his entrepreneurial spirit. His experience at DTE Energy gave him hands-on exposure to high-stakes projects, solidifying his commitment to the energy industry.
• New Lab is an ecosystem for collaboration. Entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators are finding common ground in this unique workspace, where resources like prototyping labs and legal support remove barriers to entry.
• Sustainability is the future of industry. As energy consumption rises, solutions that optimize efficiency and reduce waste are important. Fagade's company, Geo Prime Energy, aims to contribute to this transformation through energy innovation that makes clean energy transitions more accessible and cost-effective.

Ademola Fagade is the CEO and Co-Founder of Geo Prime Energy, where he leads efforts to transform traditional power plants into clean energy sources through innovative technology and advanced software solutions. Fagade brings extensive experience in energy management, process optimization, and large-scale power plant decommissioning, drawing on his background in industrial and systems engineering and his leadership in the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant project. His expertise in Agile methodologies, engineering design, and strategic partnerships has positioned him as a key figure in driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions.