Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — The Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP) is gearing up for its 11th Annual Innovation Summit, set for Wednesday, July 16, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos.
The event will bring together industry leaders, tech innovators and public utility experts to tackle some of the region’s most pressing issues, including power generation in a high-growth corridor, water scarcity in the age of data centers and the groundbreaking research shaping the future of technology, according to a news release.
Chris Stewart, chief technology officer of Freeit Data Solutions, will deliver the keynote address. Stewart is expected to emphasize that smart infrastructure is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, the release stated. His talk will cover regional energy usage, the growing presence of data centers and how emerging technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors, could help meet future energy demands.
He will be joined by a panel of experts from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), ZENNER USA and Material Hybrid Manufacturing, each offering unique insights into challenges and innovations within their sectors:
• LCRA will examine the delicate balance between supporting regional growth and preserving the area's most precious resource — water.
• Ralph “Martin” Stillinger, Manager at ZENNER USA, will explore Smart City technologies and their impact on efficient resource management.
• Dr. Christopher Reyes, representing a Star Park-based company, will present cutting-edge advancements in 3D-printed battery technology — lighter, cleaner and produced locally in collaboration with Texas State University.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. with registration.
Tickets are available now at http://bit.ly/449RcOg.
