Simay Akar Koehler

Founder & CEO | AKEC
Board Member & Co-Founder | Innoses

Simay Akar Koehler is a globally recognized, multi-award-winning sustainable energy executive, serial entrepreneur, and mission-driven systems strategist with deep expertise in climate solutions, inclusive innovation, and environmental justice.

She is the Founder and CEO of AKEC Sustainable & Greentech Solutions, a purpose-driven advisory firm advancing the global energy transition through strategic planning, technology evaluation, market expansion, and sustainable supply chain transformation for clean energy innovators and impact-focused enterprises.

She is also the Co-Founder and Board Member of Innoses, a vertically integrated battery energy storage company, where she previously served as Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, she led global growth, financing strategies, and ecosystem partnerships to scale access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy technologies worldwide.

Earlier in her career, Simay held executive leadership roles at Talesun Solar and Eko Renewable Energy, driving stakeholder engagement, global marketing strategy, and cross-border strategic initiatives supporting multibillion-dollar clean energy investments.

Global Leadership & Impact

With extensive international experience in solar photovoltaics manufacturing, battery energy storage systems, electric mobility, and just energy transition programs, Simay brings a unique cross-sector perspective that bridges public-private partnerships, nonprofit impact, and responsible entrepreneurship.

Her global footprint spans Türkiye, China, and the United States, and she has cultivated clean energy partnerships across more than 70 countries.

IEEE Global Volunteer Leadership (2026)

In addition to her executive career, Simay is a distinguished volunteer leader within IEEE:

Vice President, Career & Member Services, IEEE-USA Board (2026)
Treasurer, IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB) (2025–2026)
Member, IEEE Finance Committee (2025–2026)
Global Chair-Elect (2026); Chair (2027–2028), IEEE Women in Engineering Committee
Outreach Group Chair, IEEE Region 4 (Central USA) (2025–2026)
Chair, IEEE Central Indiana Section (2025–2026)

A Senior Member of IEEE and member of Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), Simay has been an active global volunteer for over a decade. As Treasurer of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board, she stewards philanthropic investments supporting sustainable access to water, energy, and resilient infrastructure in underserved communities worldwide.

Her leadership consistently integrates equity, sustainability, and education, with strong advocacy for inclusive STEM pathways, community-led innovation, and equitable global partnerships.

Education

Simay earned her degree from Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, and completed the Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program at Stanford University.

Awards & Recognitions

Simay has received numerous prestigious honors from IEEE and international organizations recognizing her leadership, technical excellence, and commitment to sustainability and inclusion.

Major Industry & Global Honors

EMobility+ 40 Under 40 – Winner (2023)
WINE (Women in New Energy) Entrepreneur of the Year (2022)
GCPIT Global Women in Leadership Award – Winner (2022)
GCPIT Global Sustainability Award – Winner (2021)
CSUN Outstanding Staff Award (2014)

IEEE Community & Leadership Awards

IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award (2024)
IEEE Clementina Saduwa Award (2023)
IEEE MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award (2022)
IEEE PES Robert P. Noberini Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Professionalism Award (2022)
IEEE Region 8 WIE Section Affinity Group of the Year Award (2021)
IEEE WIE Inspiring Member of the Year – Honorable Mention (2020)
IEEE Young Professionals Hall of Fame Award (2018, as part of PES YP Team)
IEEE MGA Young Professionals Achievement Award (2017)
IEEE MGA Achievement Award (2014, IEEE Day Team Lead)
IEEE Day Leadership Award (2013)

A passionate advocate for women’s leadership in climate and clean energy, Simay mentors emerging leaders and works to amplify diverse voices shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive global energy future.

All IEEE Volunteer Experiences

AKEC

Key Facts

Competence & Aptitude

Entrepreneurship & Industry Experience

Global Citizen
Multicultural mind set and experiences

Traveled to 73 Countries
6 Continents

Clean Energy Technology Passionate

PV Manufacturing
Battery Storage Systems and Li-ion Batteries
Electric Vehicles
Renewable Energy Technologies
Sustainable Development
Social Impact of Technology

Simay possesses a remarkable set of competencies, aptitudes, and experiences, making her a standout individual in various domains:

Entrepreneurship & Industry Experience: With her extensive background in entrepreneurship and industry, Simay likely demonstrates strong leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Her experience may involve founding or leading ventures, navigating market dynamics, and driving innovation in various sectors.
Global Citizen: Having traveled to 64 countries across 6 continents, Simay embodies a global perspective and cultural adaptability. Her exposure to diverse societies, languages, and customs likely enhances her ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural settings.
Multicultural Mindset and Experiences: Simay's exposure to diverse cultures fosters a multicultural mindset, enabling her to appreciate and navigate cultural nuances sensitively. This trait is invaluable in today's interconnected world, especially in global business and collaborative projects. Her multicultural mindset and global network make her ideal for projects requiring collaboration across different cultures and regions. This could involve international partnerships, technology transfer, or cross-cultural educational programs.
Clean Energy Technology Passionate: Simay's passion for clean energy technology underscores her commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Her expertise in areas such as PV manufacturing, battery storage systems, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies positions her as a key player in advancing clean energy solutions.
Sustainable Development & Social Impact: Simay's interest in sustainable development and the social impact of technology reflects her broader commitment to using her expertise for the betterment of society. She likely seeks to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, energy access, and social equity through innovative solutions and initiatives. Her passion for sustainability and social impact can be channeled into developing innovative solutions for underserved communities or marginalized groups. This could involve designing affordable clean energy solutions, promoting access to renewable energy in developing countries, or advocating for equitable distribution of sustainable technologies.

Simay's diverse skill set, global outlook, and dedication to clean energy and social impact make her a highly valuable asset in both professional and societal contexts.