As a CKI fellow at Columbia Business School, I examined emerging energy technologies—particularly geothermal and nuclear—and their potential to meet the power demands of data centres and artificial intelligence. I analysed regulatory and financing barriers, technological readiness, and investor opportunities, translating research into strategic slides and frameworks that guide capital allocation. This work directly supported CKI’s mission to close the knowledge gap between climate research and investable solutions. My recommendations outlined how firms can capitalise on geothermal and nuclear development to deliver low‑carbon electricity at scale.

I drew on my MPA in Development Practice at Columbia SIPA and electives at Columbia Business School. My public‑policy training helped me synthesise complex regulatory environments, such as geothermal permitting in India and the United States, while my business education emphasised how climate strategy influences risk, innovation, and competitiveness. Effective communication was essential; I translated scientific and financial studies into concise, persuasive materials for commercial audiences, similar to my work at Invest India where I simplified complex regulations for bureaucrats.

Adjusting my perspective posed challenges. As a policy student I naturally focused on who benefits and who loses, but this project required a business lens: who pays, who buys, and how technologies can scale profitably. At first I felt out of my depth with levelized‑cost‑of‑energy calculations and blended‑finance models, but reframing my knowledge gaps as learning opportunities helped me build confidence. I also had to confront my bias that profit‑driven solutions lack nobility; I realised that aligning economic growth with decarbonisation can create jobs, livelihoods, and resilience.

CKI’s culture of iterative research and cross‑disciplinary collaboration broadened my perspective. I learned that deep technical knowledge is not enough; solutions must be scalable, communicable, and investable. The fellowship taught me to ask which technologies actually move the needle and how we mobilise capital behind them. I leave with humility and confidence in my ability to bridge policy, business, and community to advance the energy transition.