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Lightbulb Moments Episode 8: The Innovation Equation: Why + Why Not = What’s Next
2025-09-29
Podcast/Vlog Title: The Innovation Equation: Why + Why Not = What’s Next
Episode Number: S1E8
Guest: Vijay Swarup
Date Published: September 29, 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dr. Vijay Swarup, Senior Director of Climate Science and Technology at ExxonMobil, returns to Lightbulb Moments to explore the forces shaping the future of innovation in the energy sector. Building on his earlier discussion about problem definition, he dives into the “innovation equation,” where curiosity, humility, and rigorous experimentation come together to drive progress.
Dr. Swarup discusses why scalable technologies such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and lithium are critical pillars of the energy transition. He highlights the importance of a portfolio approach, the need for unified emissions accounting, and the growing role of AI and computation in accelerating solutions. From powering data centers to engaging the next generation of talent, this conversation reveals how “why” and “why not” thinking opens the door to what’s next for global energy.
Key Topics
Foundations of Innovation
• Problem definition as the starting point: Clearly articulating the challenge is essential to finding scalable solutions.
• Curiosity and humility in R&D: Persistent experimentation and openness to failure drive breakthroughs.
Technology and Scalability
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• Carbon capture and hydrogen as central pillars: These solutions are being deployed today across power generation, industry, and emerging sectors.
• Portfolio approach to decarbonization: No single technology is enough, progress depends on diverse, scalable pathways.
Standards and Accountability
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• Unified emissions accounting framework: Tracking CO₂ intensity per product or service would enable meaningful policies, reduce double counting, and accelerate adoption.
Innovation Accelerators
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• AI and advanced computation: Modeling tools are transforming material science and system testing, allowing faster iteration and deployment.
• Collaboration across value chains: Meeting surging demand from hyperscale data centers requires coordination among energy producers, suppliers, and technology companies. -
People and Progress
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• Storytelling and education as catalysts: Inspiring the next generation and building cultural trust in AI and new tools are essential for long-term success.
• Optimism as a driver: Even with immense challenges, a mindset rooted in problem-solving ensures steady progress. -
Guest Speaker
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Dr. Vijay Swarup is the Senior Director of Climate Science and Technology at ExxonMobil, where he leads the corporation’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. His portfolio spans climate policy and advocacy, with a focus on the critical interface between policy and the advancement and deployment of scalable energy technologies.
With over 30 years at ExxonMobil, Dr. Swarup has held diverse leadership roles across business and technology functions. From 2014 to 2022, he led the company’s global research and development organization, overseeing pioneering work in biofuels, carbon capture and storage (CCS), direct air capture, and hydrogen technologies—each central to the energy transition.
Dr. Swarup holds dual bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Rutgers University. He currently serves on the National Academies Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology and the Rutgers Industrial Advisory Board. His previous advisory roles include the MIT Energy Initiative, Singapore Energy Center, Princeton’s Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment, India’s International Think Tank for Energy, and the Liberty Science Center.
Dr. Swarup is widely recognized for his systems-level thinking, deep technical expertise, and commitment to collaborative innovation in addressing one of society’s most complex challenges: delivering more energy with fewer emissions.
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Lightbulb Moments, our Video Podcast series, gives experts the opportunity to share their thoughts on important topics across the energy sector.
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Aryn Bordelon
Aryn Bordelon is a dedicated content strategist with a focus on making the energy industry accessible through compelling storytelling. She leverages her background in education and writing to highlight the urgency of creating a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for all.