Tim Heidel

Tim Heidel has a diverse work experience spanning various organizations and roles. Tim is currently the Chief Executive Officer at VEIR, a company focused on developing high-temperature superconductor-based transmission lines. Prior to this, they served as the Chief Technology Officer at VEIR, where they played a key role in developing innovative cooling architectures for transmission lines.

Before joining VEIR, Tim worked as a Consultant/Advisor and later as a Principal at Breakthrough Energy, an investment firm that supports companies addressing climate change through innovative technologies. At Breakthrough Energy, they helped identify and invest in companies that reduce emissions in various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.

Tim also held the position of Deputy Chief Scientist at NRECA, where they contributed their expertise in scientific research. Additionally, they worked as a Program Director and Assistant Program Director at Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), managing multiple research projects and launching new programs. In this role, Tim played a crucial part in overseeing the execution of research initiatives and assessing project performance.

Prior to their work at ARPA-E, Tim served as the Research Director for the MIT Future of the Electric Grid Study, where they managed interdisciplinary research efforts focused on the future evolution of the U.S. electric grid. Tim also gained valuable experience as a Graduate Student Research Assistant at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics, studying the physics of exciton dissociation in organic semiconductor photovoltaics.

Tim's early work also includes being a Summer Fellow at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, where they contributed to the design of the merit review process for funding opportunities. Tim also worked as the Managing Director for the MIT Energy Conference, overseeing the planning and execution of an annual conference focused on energy-related topics.

Tim holds a graduate degree in Technology and Policy from the MIT Technology and Policy Program. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing climate change.

Tim Heidel has an extensive education history in the field of Electrical Engineering. Tim attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2001 to 2005, earning their Bachelor of Science (S.B.) degree in Electrical Engineering. Tim continued their studies at MIT and obtained a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree in Electrical Engineering from 2005 to 2006. Tim then pursued further education at MIT and completed a Master of Science (MS) degree in Technology and Policy from 2006 to 2009. Heidel further pursued their studies at MIT and achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Electrical Engineering from 2005 to 2010. Additionally, they briefly attended the University of Cambridge, St. John's College from 2003 to 2004, although it is unknown if they obtained a specific degree during that time.