Large organizations struggle to create successful open innovation programs for startups. Their cultures often clash, incentives can be misaligned and complex organizational structures can result in a lack of focus, making it difficult to get things done.

Session participants will get insights on ABB Electrification’s experience on what works and what doesn’t when partnering with innovative startups in a venture clienting model. These lessons learned are aimed at establishing the foundations, framework and governance required to cement open innovation as an engine for growth.

Erika Velazquez is Open Innovation Lead for ABB Electrification based in Zurich, Switzerland. She has more than ten years’ experience in partnerships and innovation management, business development, product management and strategic marketing across multiple industries including microgrids, energy storage and renewables. Key areas of expertise include digital transformation enablement and segment value proposition creation and rollout.

Erika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico, a M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Futures from Imperial College London and has completed executive education at the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and IMD Business School.