The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council will be writing a series of feature stories giving startups a better idea of who the mentors are behind the Energy Mentor Network program offering industry specific expertise.

The Energy Mentor Network‘s goal is to foster the growth of Tennessee advanced energy technologies and startups by connecting entrepreneurs with mentors. This gives Tennessee yet another advantage in grabbing its more than fair share of the $1.3 trillion global advanced energy market.

The Energy Mentor Network is run by the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council in partnership with Launch Tennessee.

In broad strokes, the Energy Mentor Network pairs mentors with promising new companies and entrepreneurs through a structured program involving panel presentations and mentoring sessions.

The purpose of the program is to develop quality startups. After completing the program, startups will have an investable pitch deck, a rock solid business model and a plan to establish more traction. These tools will position Tennessee’s entrepreneurs to raise capital, request other funds like SBIR grants, and scale their company.

This week TAEBC is highlighting Kevin Christopher. Christopher is the owner of Christopher Intellectual Property Law, PLLC. He’s a patent attorney and open innovation professional with expertise in alliance management, business, economic and policy development. Christopher previously worked in the Industrial Partnerships Office at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory leading business development for bio and clean tech interests including the formation of strategic partnerships, licensing, contracting and valuation activities.

Christopher is also an experienced commercialization consultant, accelerating the movement of socially beneficial inventions to the marketplace from universities, research labs, hospitals, companies, and government agencies. He’s also served as a mentor for the Cleantech Open.

TAEBC is still accepting applications for mentors in the program. If you are interested, please visit the “For Mentors” section of the Energy Mentor Network portion of TAEBC’s website.