Dropbox VP of Design and Research Shannon Butler was featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. Butler is guiding the evolution of the Dropbox platform with a human-first approach to design. Her conversation with Lorenzo dove into her perspective on technology and design, and AI’s potential as an accelerant for creativity.

Butler previously worked at Google, YouTube, and Airbnb, and is now helming design and research at Dropbox, where she leads a team developing the next generation of content management and collaboration technology for creative professionals. As Butler explains, “Dropbox isn’t using AI to replace people or 'steal' from creatives. We’re inserting it into creative workflows so that output is amplified and accelerated...Humans must provide talent and judgment [that] AI can’t."

Butler believes design is a key differentiator in the AI era: “Design has gone through cycles of being valued and devalued. After several years of devaluation, I believe we’re entering a period where taste will again be the differentiator.” 

She continues: “I believe the next era for design should be more design founders and design-minded entrepreneurs, a new crop of companies that show a fundamentally different way of working and doing business. I believe that if design leaders were truly leveraged, we’d have fundamentally better products and a healthier digital society.”

Dropbox’s VP of Design & Research is an AI Optimist

, a real-time fact‑checking app for social media videos, launched its desktop YouTube extension in open beta in November 2025. Founded by serial Stanford StartX entrepreneur Avi Tuschman, Crickit helps people make better decisions in a media ecosystem where trust is collapsing and misinformation is surging.

Crickit overlays live fact-checks — like subtitles — so people can spot shaky claims in real time and see truth, context, and trusted sources without leaving the feed. Crickit uses AI to detect important claims in YouTube videos and then checks them against high-reliability sources from live web searches. The app labels claims using five levels of factuality, provides concise explanations with additional context, and includes ground-truth links so audiences can inspect the sources for themselves.

In testing, Crickit’s search-grounded AI engine achieved 98.7% accuracy on a product-track version of the AVeriTeC Supported/Refuted fact-checking benchmark. Based on this performance, Crickit estimates it can reduce exposure to viral misinformation by 32x in popular news videos.

“The core problem is structural, not moral. Social platforms are optimized to amplify high-arousal content, so the most outrageous and polarizing voices dominate,” said Tuschman. “With Crickit, facts can finally outrun misinformation. We trust that people can make smarter, healthier decisions when they have bite-sized, open-source intelligence streaming through their media diet.”

Crickit is non-partisan, aiming to help people make smarter, healthier decisions by turning noisy feeds into clear signals drawn from open-source intelligence. The company's software is currently focused on YouTube, with plans to expand to additional platforms in the future. 


Crickit Launches Real-Time Fact Checking App for Social Media

, a real-time fact‑checking app for social media videos, launched its desktop YouTube extension in open beta in November 2025. Founded by serial Stanford StartX Entrepreneur Avi Tuschman, Crickit helps people make better decisions in a media ecosystem where trust is collapsing and misinformation is surging.

The City of Vacaville, Californi, and ForeFront Power held a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to celebrate the development of a 5 MW DC solar energy and storage portfolio at the City’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWWTP). The system will generate nearly 8.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, offsetting approximately 80% of the plant’s annual electricity consumption.

During the day, the solar energy array will provide power to electrical loads—including large motors, equipment, HVAC, security systems, and IT—while the battery storage banks excess energy produced during extended sunlight. Stored energy can be dispatched at night, on cloudy days, or whenever facility demand exceeds solar production. Treating up to 7.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, EWWTP is a critical 24/7/365 industrial public facility. By integrating solar power and energy storage, the EWWTP facility decreases their reliance on costly grid electricity, leading to lower energy bills. Vacaville is projected to save over $25 million over the next 20 years through a fixed, lower electricity rate than the local utility.

“Vacaville’s sustainability goals are about better outcomes for people—healthier air, smarter use of resources, and reliable public services,” said Vacaville Mayor John Carli. “By pairing solar with smart battery storage at an industrial facility that treats an average of 7.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, this project will help power operations essential to minimizing public health risks and our environmental impact.”

“We applaud the City of Vacaville for its leadership in deploying clean, renewable energy at a mission-critical facility,” said Ruben R. Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “The Easterly WWTP now benefits from solar energy generation paired with intelligent storage—producing power when it’s abundant and dispatching it when it matters most—supporting local public health and community resilience for decades to come.”

Solar & Energy Storage Slash Wastewater Treatment Costs

The City of Vacaville, Calif., and ForeFront Power held a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to celebrate the development of a 5 MW DC solar energy and storage portfolio at the City’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWWTP). The system will generate nearly 8.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, offsetting approximately 80% of the plant’s annual electricity consumption.

ForeFront Power and the City of Ames, Iowa, were finalists in the 2025 Northern American Agrivoltaics Awards’ (NAAA) "Solar Ranch of the Year" category for their innovative SunSmart Ames community solar project. The NAAA award recognizes excellence in "dual-use" development pairing solar energy infrastructure with agriculture, also known as "agrivoltaics." Previously, SunSmart Ames was nominated 

SunSmart Ames is a 2 MW DC community solar project developed by ForeFront Power. Each year it produces enough electricity to power 440 homes, offset 113 million car miles, and reduce the city’s CO2 emissions by about 57,000 tons. 

The project incorporates agrivoltaics through regenerative sheep grazing. Working with local organization Sheep on the Go, ForeFront Power employs a herd of sheep to manage vegetation, enrich soil health, and support biodiversity. Over 50 sheep seasonally graze the site to reduce maintenance needs while coexisting safely with solar energy infrastructure.

This community solar project also prioritizes renewable energy access, enabling residents who are unable to install solar panels on their own homes to purchase shares of clean energy through “Power Packs.” The Power Packs give residents monthly credits on their utility bills, and can also be donated to local churches and other community organizations, establishing a new kind of community currency. 

From environmental stewardship and smart land use to community inclusion and educational value, SunSmart Ames is a blueprint for how cities can embrace dual-use development to enrich the lives of their residents while contributing to a more sustainable future through reduced carbon emissions.

The 2025 NAAA award finalists were recognized at the 2025 Solar Farm Summit, where ForeFront Power also participated in a panel discussion on dual-use development. The arrival of the sheep to the solar project was covered by the 

 in 2024, and the City of Ames and ForeFront Power followed up with an 

Solar Energy & Sheep Team Up to Build Community Resilience

Lyse Martel, a Berlin-based “Color, Materials, and Finish” (CMF) designer and strategist in the mobility and consumer electronics industries, was featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. Their conversation explored the emotional dimension of circular design and how combining craftsmanship and emerging technology can shape design strategy, drive material innovation, and create new sensory experiences.

Martel has spent the majority of her career in the automotive and consumer electronic sectors, working with brands like Bang & Olufsen, Hopium, and NIO. Most recently, she directed a circular design project at Volkswagen Group, where she was tasked with introducing longevity, adaptability, and recyclability across all design touch points for the automaker brand. Circular design, according to Martel, is about designing products to stay in use longer and with easier repair and reuse. She acknowledges the business challenges of circularity but sees growing industry momentum driven by regulation and consumer demand.

Martel shared how she draws inspiration from neuroaesthetics, the science of how aesthetics affect the brain and emotions, to create more intuitive and emotionally engaging environments, such as calming car interiors or tactile surfaces that make sustainable materials more appealing. “It’s really about how shapes, colors and textures support the digital experience; all the micro-details working together to help the user feel at ease,” she explained.

AI also plays a growing role in her work, helping her visualize concepts and identify local materials for sustainable use. “As the digital world increasingly shapes the physical one, I think there’s real potential in using these new, hyper-sensory AI-generated visuals to inspire physical experiences. Neuroaesthetics helps us design for emotion, and AI can help translate those emotional cues into visual concepts that, when made real, feel meaningful and multi-sensory,” Martel said as she reiterated her belief that CMF invites designers to gently shift the visual language and open up new emotional possibilities.

Designing for Emotion in Emerging Technology 

The City of Ventura and ForeFront Power held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the development of a 910 kW citywide solar portfolio featuring two solar canopies at Ventura Community Park and the Ventura Police/Fire Department Headquarters. The projects are part of the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, offsetting electrical consumption at two energy-intensive sites.

The solar portfolio will generate approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year, which is enough to power the annual electricity use of over 250 homes. This clean energy production will help the City avoid over 800 tons of CO2 emissions per year,

“With the completion of this solar portfolio, Ventura has achieved key emission reductions called for in our Climate Action and Resilience Plan,” City of Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said. “This effort also advances the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Priorities for environmental stewardship and economic development. These solar parking canopies will benefit our community for decades by removing emissions from the air and saving us $2.3 million in long-term operational energy costs.”

“We applaud the City of Ventura for taking bold action to harness the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy,” said Rachel McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer of ForeFront Power. “It’s been a pleasure to work with City staff and help them realize their vision for a sustainable, resilient, and thriving Ventura.”

After initially breaking ground in November 2024, the 

 in Spring 2025. The completion of the portfolio was covered by 

ForeFront Power & Ventura, Calif., Unveil Citywide Solar Portfolio

The City of Ventura, Calif., and ForeFront Power held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the development of a 910 kW citywide solar portfolio featuring two solar canopies at Ventura Community Park and the Ventura Police/Fire Department Headquarters. The projects are part of the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, offsetting electrical consumption at two energy-intensive sites.

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power conducted a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to celebrate the completion of solar energy and smart battery storage projects at three sites: the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, and the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility. 

At a combined 27 MW-DC in size, the DPU projects are expected to save over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2045. The crown jewel of the portfolio is the 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

The City of Fresno DPU developed its “behind-the-meter” solar and storage portfolio in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer of solar energy and battery storage assets in the U.S. and Mexico. The portfolio was constructed by local union labor from the IBEW Local 100, creating 120 local jobs in the process. Each DPU site features rows of ground-mounted solar modules fitted with single-axis tracker technology, enabling the modules to follow the sun’s movement across the sky to capture the maximum amount of abundant Central Valley sunshine. The DPU portfolio has a combined output of 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 6,000 homes.

“I am so proud of this extraordinary achievement that is putting Fresno on the map and honoring our commitment to building a sustainable Fresno,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Powering these citywide projects and DPU with renewable energy is one facet of the City’s comprehensive plan to lower our energy costs, secure critical infrastructure, and increase our environmental sustainability. By energizing this massive renewable energy portfolio to support our public utilities, Fresno is showing the rest of the country that clean power is a valuable tool in serving our communities.”

“We are honored to partner with the City of Fresno to realize their visionary energy plan,” said Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “The DPU sites are unique in their scale as well as their impact. By generating and storing clean power on site, DPU reduces its reliance on costly grid electricity and can pass those savings back to ratepayers. Moreover, the batteries installed at each site ensure that energy is always available to power the City’s essential infrastructure.”

Fresno DPU's Landmark Solar & Storage Portfolio Comes Online 

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power celebrated the completion of a 27 MW portfolio of solar energy and smart battery storage assets at three of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities. At a time of escalating operational costs, the solar and storage projects are expected save DPU over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2025. The crown jewel of DPU's new renewable energy portfolio is a 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

 (Kern CCD) earned "Top Project of the Year" in the 

 for completing a sprawling renewable energy portfolio including 4.6 MW DC of solar energy, battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and a microgrid. 

The E+E Leader Awards are an annual program that recognizes and celebrates innovative products, projects, and solutions that drive improvements in energy and environmental management. Kern CCD is one of the largest community college districts geographically in the U.S., serving over 30,000 students through its three colleges: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso College, and Porterville College. To combat high pollution levels, reduce energy costs, and invest in student success, Kern CCD sought help from ForeFront Power, a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in the U.S. and Mexico. 

The Kern CCD solar energy and storage portfolio encompasses solar canopies, ground-mounted solar arrays, battery storage, and EV charging stations spread across multiple sites in the District. The solar energy component of the Kern CCD portfolio generates 5.46 million kWh of clean, renewable electricity annually, enabling the District to avoid 3,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. This carbon offset is equivalent to removing 850 gas-powered cars from the road, benefiting regional air quality.

The portfolio also includes a "microgrid" controller currently in development for the Weil Institute Building at Bakersfield College. The microgrid will allow the building to operate independently from the California electrical grid in an emergency, enhancing community resilience. 

Under the terms of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kern CCD, ForeFront Power developed, owns, and maintains the District’s solar energy portfolio. The PPA enabled Kern CCD to develop its portfolio at no upfront cost and without using bond funds. As utility costs continue to rise, Kern CCD is projected to save more than $8 million over the 20-year lifespan of these systems. These financial savings allow the District to redirect funds toward student-focused programs, reinforcing its mission to expand educational opportunities.

As part of its partnership with Kern CCD, ForeFront Power provides financial support for a renewable energy curriculum that enables 

hands-on STEM learning with the small-scale solar arrays at Bakersfield College

. This includes a collaboration with Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI) to fund Climate Corps fellowships, in which students engage in climate mitigation research with the California National Renewable Laboratory (CREL), an energy hub developed with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). ForeFront Power is also working with CREL to develop the microgrid at the Weil Institute Building. 

“This award validates our commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in higher education,” said Marcos A. Rodriguez, Executive Director for Facilities & Operations at Bakersfield College. “The Kern CCD project demonstrates how strategic partnerships, and innovative technologies can create significant environmental and economic benefits for our communities and students.”

“By integrating solar power, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure directly on campus, we’re not only helping Kern CCD cut costs and emissions but also creating hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in sustainability,” said Ruben R. Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “This award-winning project demonstrates how solar, and storage can drive both financial savings and environmental benefits for educational institutions serving the next generation of the renewable energy workforce.”

Following the project’s recognition, Kern CCD's Rodriguez and ForeFront Power Chief Commercial Officer Rachel McLaughlin highlighted the importance of the District’s award-winning energy plan in the 

. In their op-ed, they make the case for maintaining federal tax credits, which made the project terms possible, and they describe the Kern CCD renewables portfolio as a case study of how federal, state and local cooperation builds prosperity in American communities.

Kern CCD Earns Global Honors for Multi-Site Clean Energy Portfolio

 for completing a sprawling renewable energy portfolio, including 4.6 MW DC of solar energy, battery storage, EV charging, and a microgrid. One of the largest community college districts in the U.S., Kern CCD partnered with ForeFront Power to develop a multi-site renewable energy portfolio that would reduce energy costs, combat high pollution levels, and contribute to student success. 

Kern CCD Earns Global Honors for Multi-Site Clean Energy Portfolio 

's Global Managing Director, and Nathan Matthews, an Associate Director at the company, took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Nathan Weyer hosted the interactive workshop, 

Pitch Camp! How to Win New Clients at Your Creative Agency

. The two shared stories from their time at McKinsey, frog design, and Philips Design. 

Humanizing Digital Experiences Through Adaptive Interfaces

, in which they discussed how tech brands are embracing adaptive interfaces to prioritize personalization, inclusivity, and safety in their digital products.

Both sessions offered their participants insights on design as a tool for connection, demonstrating how creative leadership can create meaningful, user-centered experiences—whether for end-users or for B2B customers. 

forpeople Spotlights Design Leadership at SXSW Austin

 took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Designer Fri Forjindam and writer Taiye Selasi, both African expats and self-identified “Afropolitans”, were featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at 'Between the Two of Us', a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

. Their conversation with Lorenzo delved into their shared mission of building a new creative economy in Africa and amplifying the continent’s storytelling traditions on a global scale. 

Forjindam, chief development officer and executive creative director at 

, integrates stories into physical spaces, events, and transformative experiences. She shared how her work brings African storytelling traditions to life through immersive entertainment spaces. “Humanity started in Africa. Stories started in Africa—community and relationships and entertainment and folklore,” Forjindam said. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Africa’s diversity, noting, “We are adapting stories that are uniquely African to create physical spaces that can help a city chart a new path culturally and economically. Rather than simply repackaging stories for profit outside Africa, we want to tap into what already exists and use themed entertainment to help a city envision and build a more prosperous future.”

Lisbon-based writer Selasi, whose career in storytelling spans literature, film, and essays, reflected on the shifting perceptions of African identity in today’s global landscape. “It occurs to me that being an African in the 21st century is an interesting exercise in self-building. That powerful beginning that we all had in Africa was disrupted by the political process of colonization. Coming out of that, thoughtful Africans around the world have started building new notions of self. And the concept of Afropolitan experience is my contribution to the self-building project of the 21st century," she explained. Selasi also spoke about the global relevance of African stories and the need for high-quality, authentic content that resonates beyond borders.

Both women recognize the importance of vision in shaping the future of African storytelling; and while investment is necessary, the drive to create is already there.

Fri Forjindam & Taiye Selasi Discuss Africa’s Newest Creative Boom

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at "Between the Two of Us," a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

, a trusted leader in solar energy, battery storage, and fleet electrification services, was selected by the 

 (LOC) to provide EV charging and fleet electrification solutions to cities across the state. This partnership aims to make it easier for Oregon municipalities to transition to clean energy by offering cost-effective and accessible EV infrastructure solutions.

"It's an honor to be selected for this Master Agreement that enables us to help LOC members electrify their fleets with our customizable, turnkey solutions, and position Oregon as a leader in the clean fleet category," said Rachel McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer at ForeFront Power. "By leveraging this contract, Oregon cities can accelerate their fleet electrification initiatives with confidence, knowing that ForeFront Power will provide the technology, support, and flexibility they need to meet their goals."

The partnership gained attention from media outlets like 

Electric Vehicle Charging & Infrastructure

, which emphasize how the agreement will simplify the transition to electric fleets for public sector organizations.

League of Oregon Cities Awards ForeFront Power EV Master Agreement

 CEO Steph Speirs recently penned an op-ed in the 

, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust to unlock the full potential of solar energy in New Mexico. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, Solstice aims to combat the mistrust and aggressive sales tactics that have impacted the lives of New Mexicans.

In the op-ed, Speirs writes, “Clean energy should work for everyone, regardless of income, credit score, or homeownership — and especially for disadvantaged communities that suffer from higher energy burdens and energy insecurity.”

Speirs pledged that Solstice is committed to winning the trust of residents and delivering community solar in an ethical and equitable manner. With Solstice, New Mexicans can trust that their transition to solar energy is rooted in fairness, sustainability, and community benefit.

Solstice Op-Ed Highlights Solar Energy Potential in New Mexico

Icelandic digital transformation consultancy 

 was named a finalist in the Creative Design category of the 

 for its work with luxury adventure cruise line 

Gangverk partnered with Lindblad Expeditions to lead a complete overhaul of the company’s digital presence with the creation of a visually appealing, intuitive, and mobile-friendly website. Gangverk also leveraged its tech partners such as Algoliolia, Contentful, and Twilio Segment, to integrate key platform upgrades that enhanced both user experience and the backend operations. As a result of the website revamp, Lindblad Expeditions saw a 23% increase in new leads and a 30% rise in bookings.

The Skift Awards recognizes those who are pushing the boundaries of design, creativity, and innovation in the travel industry by celebrating the achievements of brands, agencies, and tech companies shaping the future of travel. The award program’s Creative Design category salutes initiatives that shine in crafting compelling digital experiences, with a focus on user experience, user interface design, new technologies, and tangible results.

Gangverk Named Finalist in Creative Design for Skift Idea Awards

, an Icelandic digital transformation services and solutions provider, as its Rising Star Partner of the Year in the 

. Gangverk has closely partnered with Fullstory to demonstrate the impact of behavioral data for their shared clients, showcasing their commitment and collaboration in achieving success together.

“Fullstory is a key partner in Gangverk’s mission to help create the next generation of customer experience leaders,” said Gangverk’s Head of Marketing, Doug Cirillo. By continually enhancing our understanding of user behavior and creating engaging customer journeys, we’re helping our clients achieve business growth across increasingly competitive industries.

Fullstory’s Partner Program is a global network of world-class organizations working together to accelerate customers’ digital transformations and help them get the most from their customer experience and data technologies. The annual Fullstory Partner Awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated the highest levels of innovation utilizing the Fullstory platform and commitment to the success of joint customers.

Gangverk Earns Fullstory 2024 Rising Star Partner of the Year

 2024, one of the world’s leading mobility events. Watson joined 

, ‘AR and VR in mobility: how these technologies are enhancing the user experience’ and ‘Human-centred design: auto concepts for the car of tomorrow’, which focused on the future of electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and the evolving in-car experience. His expertise, shaped by Forpeople’s extensive work with global automotive brands, delved into how design can help address consumer needs and shape the future of mobility.

Watson addressed key themes surrounding trust-building for EV and autonomous vehicle brands, the importance of creating seamless in-car digital ecosystems, and designing flexible spaces that anticipate future mobility needs. From years of in-depth insights and research, he stressed how brands must close the divide between technological advancements and consumer expectations to create experiences that feel both intuitive and personal.

MOVE 2024 brought together leaders from across the mobility sector to discuss how emerging technologies, like AI and smart infrastructure, are disrupting the industry. Watson’s perspectives emphasized the importance of human-centered design in crafting mobility solutions that are sustainable, accessible, and future-ready.

forpeople’s George Watson Speaks on Next-Gen Mobility at MOVE 2024

, a top community solar solutions provider, is tapping into artificial intelligence to enhance customer retention and promote energy equity. The company’s AI-powered churn model was featured in 

 for its groundbreaking approach to managing subscribers.

Developed by Solstice, the AI model examines customer behavior and engagement trends to anticipate and reduce churn, helping community solar providers build lasting relationships with their subscribers. This forward-thinking strategy not only strengthens project stability but also ensures that more households, especially those in underserved areas, can continue to enjoy the benefits of clean energy savings.

“We’re at an incredible inflection point in the energy transition,” said Solstice CEO Steph Speirs. ​“There’s been focus on the supply side, but there’s a lot more technology that could be applied to the demand side to improve both the customer experience and the perception of projects in the community. We wanted to apply machine learning lessons around customer behavior and start to improve the metrics that developers care most about for community solar projects.”

By using AI-driven insights, Solstice equips community solar developers with data-backed strategies to boost customer engagement and retention—helping the industry move closer to its goal of inclusive clean energy access.

The company’s efforts in AI-based subscriber management have earned widespread industry recognition, further solidifying Solstice’s position as a leader in community solar innovation.

Solstice Uses AI to Improve Customer Retention in Community Solar

, a new entity dedicated to helping commercial fleets navigate the complexities of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Penske Energy will provide advisory services and turnkey solutions to support fleet operators in adopting EV technology with confidence and efficiency.

“We’re pleased to form the Penske Energy venture to support the commercial fleet electrification work accelerating across the U.S.,” said Dan Taylor, chief strategy officer at ForeFront Power. “The ForeFront Power team brings over a decade of experience working together to develop critical energy infrastructure for organizations ranging from airports to manufacturing facilities, food and beverage organizations, hospitals, and universities. The Penske Energy team is here to guide organizations through the entire process, from system design, to understanding incentives, to assisting with implementation and ongoing operation.”

Penske Energy will provide fleet operators with comprehensive EV charging and energy infrastructure advisory consulting, including strategic and operational planning, technology assessment, infrastructure designs, and practical project implementation.

“Together, we will create synergies benefitting commercial fleet customers by leveraging Penske’s deep fleet expertise along with ForeFront Power’s infrastructure and renewable energy development expertise,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facilities at Penske Transportation Solutions.

The launch was covered by media outlets such as 

Penske Energy Drives the Future of Fleet Electrification

Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards 2024

 for revolutionizing the plant-based food industry by cultivating real fat for meat alternatives. Hoxton Farms creates fat that replicates the taste and texture of traditional meat through a sustainable process that combines stem cells from pigs with plant-based nutrients. Bridging the gap between plant-based and conventional diets, their unique innovation offers a more sustainable and ethical alternative while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

, Fractile is redefining the capabilities of large language models with its chip technology. The company's next-generation chips perform AI model inference 100 times faster than traditional hardware, allowing for near-instant responses in applications ranging from healthcare diagnostics to financial fraud detection. Fractile is paving the way for transformative advancements in AI scalability and accessibility by eliminating hardware bottlenecks and improving energy efficiency.

The Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards commends disruptive innovations that address critical global challenges through creativity and ingenuity.

Hoxton Farms & Fractile Honored in 2024 WCI Awards

, spoke at SXSW Austin 2024 as part of the panel discussion 

Tomorrow’s Journey: The Future In-Car Experience

, shed light on how autonomous vehicles are redefining the travel experience—shifting from passive transportation to dynamic, personalized journeys.

The growing importance of trust and safety as autonomous vehicles take control, and how innovative design can help passengers feel secure and comfortable was a major theme. Watson and his fellow panelists also spoke to how AI, augmented reality, and natural language processing are enabling richer, more intuitive interactions, allowing travelers to make the most of their time—whether working, relaxing, or socializing while on the move.

“Looking forward, it’s clear that the future in-car experience isn’t just about technological innovation, but about spaces and experiences that actively support our physical and mental needs, while being mindful of the environment,” said Watson. “The way we interact with our cars and perceive mobility is set to undergo a significant transformation — and we’re working to turn this vision into reality.”

Attendees learned valuable ideas for how businesses and designers can adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations and the importance of creating human-centered experiences that go beyond just transportation.

forpeople Explores the Future Car Cabin at SXSW

, a leading developer of commercial and industrial solar energy and battery storage projects in the U.S. and Mexico, announced that two of its projects—the 

 Solar Energy Portfolio—have received the prestigious “Top Project of the Year” Award from the 

ForeFront Power collaborated with Fresno USD to develop a 17.5 megawatt-DC (MW DC) districtwide solar energy and storage portfolio—one of the largest of its kind on a K-12 school district property in California—while also partnering with Tracy USD to create a 5.3 MW DC distributed solar energy portfolio featuring solar parking canopies across 18 district sites.

Jessica Hunt, Co-President of Environment + Energy Leader, expresses her admiration for this year’s winners: “The introduction of six distinct categories in this year’s awards program not only celebrates the breadth of innovation within the industry but also highlights the specific areas where companies are truly making an impact. A win is a testament to these companies’ outstanding efforts and leadership in driving forward the sustainability agenda.”

E+E Leader Leader Honors Two ForeFront Power Projects

E+E Leader Honors Two ForeFront Power Projects

, a leading developer of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and battery storage projects that also offers fleet electrification services, and 

 2024 to share first-hand experience and insights on accelerating EV infrastructure for fleet operators. Key strategies and lessons learned from implementing EV charging solutions in the education sector were discussed.

ForeFront Power’s Senior Origination Manager, Sam Zantzinger, and Sales Associate of Fleet Electrification, Henry Gentle, took the stage at NAFA alongside Tracy USD’s Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction, Jamie Quintana, for their panel session, “Charging Ahead: Powering California School Transportation with Fleet Electrification.” The discussion examined the evolving landscape of fleet electrification for California public school districts, offering insights into procurement strategies and the potential benefits for districts considering the transition to electric vehicles.

“The exciting part about planning for these projects right now is all of the available money out there, and the fact that so many of these programs are stackable,” said Henry when discussing potential incentive structures. “When you build an infrastructure project, you might be able to receive a tax incentive at the same time, and then combine that with a local grant or a utility make-ready program.”

Throughout the panel session, Jaime shared firsthand experience partnering with ForeFront Power to procure Tracy USD’s renewable energy assets, while Sam and Henry described how other public agencies could take their own EV infrastructure projects from conception to operation.

ForeFront Power & Tracy USD Speak at NAFA 2024

 was recognized by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine for its outstanding workplace culture, placing on the 2024 

 lists. These achievements highlight the company's dedication to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive work environment.

ForeFront Power is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 2nd year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at ForeFront Power. This year, 99% of employees said it’s a great place To Work – 42 points higher than the average U.S. company.

“Being named to Fortune’s Best Workplace Lists is a testament to the incredible team we have here at ForeFront Power,” said Ruben R. Fontes, ForeFront Power CEO. “This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture built on mutual respect, ensuring every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.”


In addition to these accolades, ForeFront Power was featured for the second year in the 

San Francisco Bay Area Top Workplaces 2024

 for its exceptional workplace environment.

ForeFront Power Earns 2024 Workplace Excellence Awards

 celebrated the completion of a 17.5 MW districtwide solar energy and storage portfolio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hoover High School in Fresno, California. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, the Fresno Unified solar portfolio is expected to save the District over $40 million throughout the 20-year lifespan of the system.

"This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions that benefit both our students and the community," said Bob Nelson, Superintendent of Fresno USD. "By partnering with ForeFront Power, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating long-term savings that can be reinvested into our schools."

The portfolio includes solar parking canopies, shade structures, and battery storage systems across multiple district sites aimed to help Fresno USD reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources and lower operational costs.

As part of its collaboration with ForeFront Power, the District benefits from a real-time performance monitoring platform that enables officials to generate reports and track environmental offsets and cost savings. The partnership also provides customizable renewable energy curriculum support, enriching STEM education programs for Fresno Unified students.

Fresno USD & ForeFront Power Complete Solar Project

ForeFront Power, a leading provider of community solar and commercial- and industrial-scale solar energy, battery storage and electric vehicle charging services, was chosen as one of four approved vendors in the 

 (PAVE) Program, a new initiative launched by the 

School Project for Utility Rate Reduction

 (SPURR). The program is designed to help public agencies in California transition to EV fleets by providing streamlined access to EV charging infrastructure and related services.

"We're honored to be selected by the SPURR PAVE program to electrify transportation in California and beyond," said Rachel McLaughlin, SVP, Sales and Marketing at ForeFront Power. "Since our founding in 2017, ForeFront Power has been in the business of saving the private and public sectors money through smart investments in distributed energy and storage. In a natural extension of the value we have long delivered, we can now help public sector customers identify the best ways to reduce fleet operating costs through investments in cleaner, quieter, and more driver-friendly transportation."

The PAVE Program simplifies the process for public agencies by offering pre-negotiated contracts and competitive pricing, making it easier to deploy EV infrastructure across schools, municipalities, and other government entities.

SPURR Selects ForeFront Power as Premier Vendor for Public EV Program

, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, was named a 

 by the San Francisco Chronicle. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, connection, and more.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

ForeFront Power also earned a spot by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine on the 

2023 Fortune Best Small Workplaces™ List

“We are so grateful for our dedicated employees who have made us a part of this prestigious list,” said Yumitake Furukawa, ForeFront Power Interim CEO. “Our people make working at ForeFront Power a truly special experience every day. We celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible honor.”

The Best Small Workplaces list is highly competitive. To determine the Best Small Workplaces list, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of over 32,000 employees from 

ForeFront Power Receives 2023 Top Workplace Awards

 Managing Director, Matt McElvogue, spoke at 

, an event that brought together over 1,000 global mobility leaders to analyze the future of transportation. In a keynote conversation with WIRED en Español's Rosa Jiménez Cano, McElvogue highlighted the importance of user-centered design in shaping mobility solutions.

During the discussion, McElvogue emphasized the importance of improving accessibility in transportation, stating, “We are continuing to work to improve accessibility in aerospace, and it’s a massive challenge because decades ago decisions were made about air travel for short haul flights, where they’re not actually demanded to be accessible for wheelchair users to get around, go to the bathroom, access different things on the plane.”

He also highlighted the opportunity to rethink transportation infrastructure, noting, “We’re reinvesting in infrastructure, we’re reinventing infrastructure, we’re introducing new modalities… there’s a real opportunity to not repeat the sort of sins of our fathers and these preconceptions of the past when it comes to introducing these new vehicles.”

Discussing the user experience in transportation design, McElvogue explained, “If we do better as a group and center the user and have user requirements living alongside the technical engineering business requirements from day one, we can create better experiences for people that will do more to get people in the system.”

Teague Highlights Accessibility in Transportation at CoMotion 2023

ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale (C&I) solar energy and battery storage projects, and HASI, a leading investor in climate solutions, have entered into a follow-on equity investment for a portfolio of distributed solar and solar-plus-storage projects located across California. 

The transaction, which reached financial close on March 30, 2023, builds upon an initial co-sponsor equity investment for a separate U.S. distributed solar portfolio that HASI made with ForeFront Power in 

“A second chapter of equity investment by HASI enables ForeFront Power to continue its leadership position in developing behind-the-meter solar and energy storage projects for the benefit of our customers,” said Michael Smith, CEO of ForeFront Power. “Solar is a mature technology that provides long-term returns to investors, while reducing electricity costs for customers and eliminating carbon emissions from the power grid.”

“We are excited to expand our relationship with ForeFront Power with this latest investment in a diversified C&I solar portfolio,” said Susan Nickey, Chief Client Officer of HASI. “ForeFront Power’s exceptional team has demonstrated their ability to deliver and operate high-quality solar and storage projects that meet pro forma expectations, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth.”

The portfolio comprises 48.5 MW-DC of commercial and industrial ground-mounted, carport, and rooftop solar, including several projects paired with battery storage totaling 3.7 MW. Approximately 36 MW of the distributed assets are mechanically complete and were funded at financial close, while the remaining projects will be funded upon completion through year-end.

Added Smith: “ForeFront Power will continue to steward customer relationships across the entire portfolio and provide its customers and co-sponsor with ongoing energy asset management services.”

ForeFront Power Nets Financing for New Solar-Plus-Storage

 CEO Steph Speirs offered insights on the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse on the climate tech sector, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for clean energy companies.

's coverage, Speirs highlighted the unique role SVB played in supporting climate startups. SVB was not just a bank — it “was a climate bank pioneer” that understood the industry’s business models and supported the industry when other banks wouldn’t.

 discussing the broader banking industry shift to increased recognition of renewable energy as a good investment. “There's a host of other financiers that are looking for an opportunity to invest in cleantech," she said. “We’ll see other financiers step into the space.”

Despite the challenges posed by SVB's collapse, Speirs remains optimistic about the future of clean energy financing.

Solstice CEO Comments on Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

Based on the most comprehensive data set on the performance of U.S. solar energy assets, 

 announced its U.S. solar energy asset management portfolio is performing 7% above the nationwide industry average.

The 2022 Solar Generation Index reports that in 2021, U.S. solar energy projects larger than 1 MW performed at 92% to Weather Adjusted (WA) P50, which is the weather-adjusted probability that a solar asset is at least 50% likely to achieve the minimum estimate for its performance. Meanwhile the U.S.-based solar assets managed by ForeFront Power, ranging in size from 60 kW to 5 MW, performed at 99% WA P50 during the same period.

“The Solar Generation Index is a reminder that comprehensive energy asset management is integral to the clean energy future,” said Yumi Furukawa, interim CEO of ForeFront Power. “With the strong performance of ForeFront Power’s operating portfolio, we are pleased to also provide comprehensive diagnostic, monitoring and operational expertise on third party-owned projects, balancing both project yields and financial savings as we would for our own assets.”

ForeFront Power’s Asset Management subsidiary helps commercial and industrial solar producers carefully balance costs with production, maximizing both energy output and financial results. The subsidiary delivers services for third-party owned assets, including community solar and behind-the-meter assets providing electricity for corporate, education, government and healthcare electricity consumers. Beyond optimizing system performance and attending to routine operations and maintenance issues, ForeFront Power helps project owners and investors track and leverage public incentives, conduct ongoing energy consumption assessments and participate in sustainability reporting.

ForeFront Power Surpases Industry Benchmarks in Solar Asset Management

, a leading provider of community solar solutions, and 

, a mission-driven renewable energy company that develops projects to benefit underserved communities, have partnered to expand access to community solar in Illinois. As part of this collaboration, Solstice has begun enrolling residents in Reactivate’s Illinois Solar for All projects, helping more low-to-moderate income (LMI) households access affordable clean energy.