Leila Madrone

Leila Madrone builds breakthrough energy technologies using her extensive engineering prowess at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and software. She has spent the past 15 years developing new energy solutions for grid applications, and, since founding Sunfolding in 2012, has focused on building machines to make solar an unstoppable force in the clean energy transition. An MIT-trained roboticist -- Leila received both her bachelors and masters in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with a focus on robotics and mechatronics -- she has a talent for bringing innovative technology from concept to market in high-tech industries. Leila's early career included automation for the genomics industry and the commercialization of NASA robotics hardware. She served as Sunfolding’s CEO until August 2017, and now, as CTO, she drives overall company technical excellence and develops impactful solutions for the future grid.