Orlando

The Innovation Center Orlando (ICO) is a technology development and validation hub that designs, builds, and tests advanced engineering solutions, accelerating their transition from concept to real-world deployment across Siemens Energy.

As part of a global network of innovation centers in Berlin, Shenzhen, and Abu Dhabi, the ICO bridges the gap between early research and commercialization. Its multidisciplinary teams focus on advancing energy systems, energy management, materials, and manufacturing innovation.

Overall, our mission at the Innovation Center Orlando is to address the global energy challenge – balancing sustainability, affordability, and reliability.

Siemens Energy, through its Innovation Center Orlando and partnership with the Charlotte Manufacturing team, is developing large electric heaters that turn electricity into clean, efficient heat for industrial use and long‑duration energy storage, with successful tests showing they work well with both gases and liquids. Siemens Energy is now launching pilot projects—including a large molten‑salt heater in Sanford, Florida—and aims to build the most powerful and affordable electric heater on the market, helping industries cut carbon emissions and allowing old coal plants to be converted into clean energy‑storage sites worldwide.

For more information contact: Bobby Warren (bobby.warren@siemens-energy.com)

Launching in Fall 2026, the HackSTEM Student Challenge is an open program that brings together students from across Florida to tackle real-world energy challenges. Through hands-on collaboration, mentorship, and engagement with industry leaders, participants will develop innovative, Florida-focused solutions that help shape the future of energy.

Aligned with Energy4Good, our corporate social responsibility strategy, and specifically with Pillar 2: Drive the Energy Transformation, HackSTEM promotes collaborative innovation and climate action by connecting universities, students, and local communities to address local energy needs. The initiative supports the development of future talent, strengthens innovation ecosystems, and fosters meaningful partnerships that create both business and community impact while energizing ideas for what's next.

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For more Information contact:

Jose Bejarano (jose.bejarano_lopez@siemens-energy.com)
Viviana Cruz (viviana.cruz@siemens-energy.com)
Florencia Rodriguez Lamas (florencia.rodriguez_lamas@siemens-energy.com)

The new Innovation Automation Lab is more than a physical space. It was built to move concepts to operational reality faster, safer, and with higher confidence. It allows us to connect real hardware (controllers, power electronics, machine subsystems, test beds) into virtual, simulated, or scaled physical environments. This creates a closed-loop environment where we can test:

New control strategies
New automation methods
New digital twins
AI-based optimization
System-level behaviors
Failure modes and resilience scenarios (stress testing)

All before the technology ever touches a plant, the field or a customer site.

Vice President, Innovation Center Orlando

With more than 27 years in the energy industry, Clifford Hatcher, Jr. has dedicated his career to pioneering transformative solutions that advance technology and improve operational efficiency. As Vice President of Siemens Energy’s Innovation Center Orlando, he has guided the center from concept to reality, establishing a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge advancements in energy technologies.

An accomplished inventor with over 50 patents, Clifford has led teams across field service, repair, and manufacturing, consistently delivering innovative approaches to meet the evolving demands of the global energy sector. His leadership is defined by building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, empowering teams to think boldly, embrace challenges, and drive meaningful change.

Beyond his professional contributions, Clifford is deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship. Through the Innovation Center, he has spearheaded outreach programs that inspire and uplift students, families, and underserved communities.

Head of Partnering & Technology Deployment

Karl Spencer-Armond leads Partnering and Technology Deployment at Siemens Energy’s Innovation Center Orlando, where he supports the advancement of emerging energy technologies toward pilot implementation and customer-ready solutions. In this role, he serves as a primary interface for partnerships across North America, working with universities, national laboratories, government agencies, customers, and industry partners to accelerate external collaboration and technology deployment.

Head of Technology Development

Santosh is an experienced engineering and innovation leader with a strong focus on R&D leadership, portfolio management, transformation initiatives, and energy-sector innovation. As Head of Technology Development, Santosh will lead the execution of innovation projects across cross-functional teams—from ideation through prototyping to deployment—while collaborating with universities, startups, technology providers, external companies, commercial teams, industry partners, and energy customers.

Head of Applied Engineering & Testing

Vinay brings a remarkable blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and global experience in materials engineering, testing, sensors, instrumentation, and non-destructive evaluation. Throughout his career, Vinay has successfully led large cross-functional teams and managed global laboratory operations. As the new Head of Applied Engineering & Testing at the Innovation Center Orlando, he will focus on building a world-class engineering and testing ecosystem at the Innovation Center Orlando.

Innovation Center Orlando

Transforming the future of energy

Innovation platforms

Platform 1: Materials

Platform 2: Robotics

Platform 3: Resilient Grids

Platform 4: Clean Energy Systems

Platform 5: Hardened Energy Systems

Core technologies

E-Heater

HackSTEM: Energizing Ideas for What's Next 2026

Innovation Center Expansion: The Innovation Automation Lab

Our leadership

Clifford Hatcher

Karl Armond

Santosh Abraham

Vinay Jonnalagadda

Contact us to learn more

Innovation Center Orlando