Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator

In 2008, Andy Grove, founder and former CEO of Intel, wanted Intel to build batteries for electric cars. The silicon valley legend realized the importance of energy independence through his published Electric Manifesto and wanted Intel to take the lead. During this time, a young engineer named Joel Polanco worked in Intel’s fabs on the company’s latest and greatest processors. 

Fast forward 15 years and Joel supports Andy Grove’s vision by partnering with University of Maryland College Park spinout Ionic Devices through MEIA’s Energy Executive in Residence (EEIR) Program. Ionic Devices is a venture that uses semiconductor manufacturing methods to produce lithium-ion batteries. Joel has extensive experience running fab processes and understands the potential to produce batteries with a similar process. Joel says, “If commercialized, this methodology could lead to higher energy and power metrics than conventional solid-state systems at a fraction of the cost.” 

Joel’s broad experience in manufacturing, sales, marketing, product development, and incubating new ventures has been essential for Ionic Devices. One of Joel’s most significant assets as an EEIR is his focus on bringing the team together, leading conversations with various potential end-users and partners, and making market discoveries. Joel has leveraged his product and marketing background to arrange and lead customer discovery interviews for Iconic Devices, which has helped guide core product and corporate development.

Although most of Joel’s professional experience is with large companies like Intel, in his product development roles, he has leveraged startup tools like the Business Model Canvas to help develop and communicate the business model to others. He has learned that the idea or technology is not as important as the execution, and he has used tools such as the Idea Maze to forecast future decision outcomes on product development, market acquisition, and operations. 

Joel sees the differences between big companies and startups. A resource-constrained startup like Ionic Devices must have a narrow focus to move faster. For example, it is often better for a startup to launch its product in a smaller market with limited time-to-market friction. This approach can be more successful than launching in a big market with significant friction.

Joel is happy to be “making a contribution” as a MEIA EEIR to one of the world’s biggest challenges of finding and leveraging clean energy sources while keeping Andy Grove’s vision alive. 

To connect with Joel, reach out through LinkedIn.

If you are interested in becoming a MEIA EEIR or mentor, please find out more here.