Dave Roberts

CEO, Applied Research Institute (ARI)

In an era where technology shapes every facet of our lives, it is imperative that we establish a global standard for trusted partners to innovate together. Joining this initiative aligns with ARI’s commitment to safeguarding national security domestically and principles of freedom everywhere. This will ensure technologies of tomorrow are not used to exploit others or assault democracy, but instead are used to create opportunities for all stakeholders to compete, collaborate, and create fairly.

1. David Roberts is a leader in deep/hard tech sectors, such as lithium-ion batteries, autonomous mobility, manufacturing 4.0, and semiconductors. He serves in multiple executive and director roles, primarily as CEO of Applied Research Institute (ARI) and Executive Director for DOE’s Li-Bridge initiative. ARI is a non-profit focused on innovation and technology initiatives that support national security and promote economic development through responsible administration of state and federal contracts. Li-Bridge is a DOE initiative executed through Argonne National Lab to link industry interests and federal government priorities & resources to develop a robust national supply chain of lithium-ion batteries, from mining to manufacturing to end of life. Coming from a blue collar household, he believes in the power of innovation and educational opportunities to change outcomes.

Over the course of his career, he has worked in (i) the defense industrial base (Lockheed Martin), (ii) a Fortune 100 traditional manufacturing company traversing technological disruption (Caterpillar), and (iii) the early iteration of a lithium-ion battery sector that underwent nearly 100% turnover in US ownership (EnerDel, which spun out of Delphi Electronics). David also has direct public sector experience, serving as State of Indiana’s Chief Innovation Officer and leading all innovation and entrepreneurship strategies for the state. Further, he has served on several private (both domestic and international) and non-profit boards.