Beyond Technology: Turning Ideas into Impact
Beyond Technology: Turning Ideas into Impact
IEEE Day Special Webinar | IEEE Central Indiana Section
Event Description
How can we move beyond technological breakthroughs to create solutions that truly matter?
In celebration of IEEE Day and the spirit of advancing technology for humanity, join the IEEE Central Indiana Section for an inspiring webinar exploring how creativity, collaboration, and innovation can transform ideas into practical solutions, address real-world challenges, and create lasting impact for communities and society.
Technology alone does not create meaningful change. Its true potential is realized when innovative thinking is combined with purpose, entrepreneurial approaches, and a commitment to addressing real needs.
This session will explore how IEEE members can move from ideas to action by connecting technological innovation with real-world applications, sustainable solutions, and opportunities for positive societal impact.
Through perspectives on entrepreneurial thinking, humanitarian technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, participants will discover how technical knowledge, professional experience, and the global IEEE network can help turn promising ideas into meaningful outcomes.
The webinar will also introduce opportunities through IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology) and IEEE Entrepreneurship, highlighting pathways for members to engage in community-driven innovation, develop impactful projects, and collaborate beyond traditional technical boundaries.
Whether you are a student, young professional, researcher, industry professional, entrepreneur, or IEEE volunteer, this session will offer fresh perspectives on how you can contribute to shaping a better tomorrow.
Because the true value of technology is not measured only by what we create, but also by the difference we make.
Key Takeaways
Participants will:
-
Explore how innovative ideas can become practical solutions to real-world challenges.
-
Understand how entrepreneurial thinking supports creativity, sustainability, and societal impact.
-
Discover opportunities to apply technical expertise through humanitarian technology initiatives.
-
Learn how collaboration and IEEE's global network can connect ideas, people, and resources.
-
Identify ways to become involved in IEEE SIGHT, IEEE Entrepreneurship, and local IEEE activities.
Speaker
Simay Akar Koehler
Founder & CEO, AKEC Sustainable & Greentech Solutions
Co-Founder & Board Member, Innoses
Chair, IEEE Central Indiana Section (2025–2026)
Intended Audience
Open to all IEEE members, students, young professionals, researchers, educators, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and anyone interested in innovation and technology for humanity.
No prior experience in entrepreneurship or humanitarian technology is required.
Event Format & Registration
Format: Virtual Webinar | Presentation and Interactive Q&A
Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026
Registration is required. Please register by October 16, 2026. Registered participants will receive the virtual meeting link following registration.
Organizer
IEEE Central Indiana Section
IEEE Day Connection
Celebrating IEEE Day by highlighting how technological innovation, collaboration, and purposeful action can contribute to a better tomorrow.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- Starts 12 October 2026 04:30 AM UTC
- Ends 16 October 2026 09:30 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Simay
Beyond Technology: Turning Ideas into Impact | IEEE Day Special Webinar | IEEE Central Indiana Section
Event Description
How can we move beyond technological breakthroughs to create solutions that truly matter?
As we celebrate IEEE Day and the spirit of advancing technology for humanity, join the IEEE Central Indiana Section for an inspiring webinar exploring how creativity, collaboration, and innovation can transform ideas into practical solutions, address real-world challenges, and create lasting impact for communities and society.
Technology alone does not create meaningful change. Its true potential is realized when innovative thinking is combined with purpose, entrepreneurial approaches, and a commitment to addressing real needs.
This session will explore how IEEE members can move from ideas to action by connecting technological innovation with real-world applications, sustainable solutions, and opportunities for positive societal impact.
Through perspectives on entrepreneurial thinking, humanitarian technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, participants will discover how technical knowledge, professional experience, and the global IEEE network can help turn promising ideas into meaningful outcomes.
The webinar will also introduce opportunities through IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology) and IEEE Entrepreneurship, highlighting pathways for members to engage in community-driven innovation, develop impactful projects, and collaborate beyond traditional technical boundaries.
Whether you are a student, young professional, researcher, industry professional, entrepreneur, or IEEE volunteer, this session will offer fresh perspectives on how you can contribute to shaping a better tomorrow.
Because the true value of technology is not measured only by what we create, but also by the difference we make.
Key Takeaways
Participants will:
-
Explore how innovative ideas can become practical solutions to real-world challenges.
-
Understand how entrepreneurial thinking supports creativity, sustainability, and societal impact.
-
Discover opportunities to apply technical expertise through humanitarian technology initiatives.
-
Learn how collaboration and IEEE's global network can connect ideas, people, and resources.
-
Identify ways to become involved in IEEE SIGHT, IEEE Entrepreneurship, and local IEEE activities.
Biography:
Speaker: Simay Akar Koehler
Founder & CEO | AKEC Sustainable & Greentech Solutions
Co-Founder & Board Member | Innoses
Chair | IEEE Central Indiana Section (2025–2026)
Speaker Biography
Simay Akar Koehler is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, sustainable energy executive, and global IEEE leader with extensive experience in solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing, battery energy storage systems (BESS), e-mobility, and renewable energy technologies.
As Founder & CEO of AKEC Sustainable & Greentech Solutions and Co-Founder & Board Member of Innoses, she brings extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, technology commercialization, and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to connecting innovative technologies with entrepreneurial opportunities and meaningful societal impact.
An active IEEE volunteer and leader at local, regional, and global levels, Simay currently serves as Vice President, Career & Member Services on the IEEE-USA Board, Treasurer of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board, and Chair-Elect of the IEEE Women in Engineering Committee. She also serves as Chair of the IEEE Central Indiana Section, IEEE Region 4 Outreach Group Chair, and Lead of the IEEE Entrepreneurship MGA Regions 1–7 Entrepreneurship Committee.
Through her leadership across IEEE's humanitarian technology, entrepreneurship, professional development, and member engagement initiatives, she advocates for collaboration, innovation, and empowering IEEE members to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
Simay earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle East Technical University (METU) and participated in Stanford University's Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program. She has received numerous international awards recognizing her professional achievements, leadership, volunteer contributions, and commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://www.simayakar.com/
Address:United States