About the Debate Sessions
Every year, the APEC Committee handpicks a handful of hot topics and brings together a panel of distinguished experts to engage in a dynamic exchange of views. The Debate Sessions, formerly called RAP Sessions, are structured around pivotal questions designed to spark debate, ensuring a representation of diverse perspectives. Kickstarting the session with introductory remarks from our panelists, we then open the floor to you—our audience of specialists—to weigh in with your insights, challenge the experts, and steer the conversation with your questions. Get ready for an invigorating exchange of ideas that is as informative as it is animated and walk away with a deeper understanding of the latest trends and controversies in power electronics.
APEC 2026 Debate Sessions
The APEC 2026 Debate Sessions continue APEC’s long history of presenting the most important current topics in power electronics. Leading engineers and researchers each present their thoughts on where power electronics is headed and then the audience is invited to join the discussion. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the leading edge in power electronics engineering.
More information will be available soon!
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Rivel Level, Rooms 006 and 007
Debate Session 1
Bidirectional Devices: Will emerging bi-directional devices have wide adoption or not?
Chair: John Shen – Professor, Simon Fraser University
Panelists:
Michael Harrison – Power Electronics Architect, Enphase Energy
Victor Veliadis – Director & CTO, Power America
Qinghong Yu – Principle Technical Architect, Schneider Electric
Srabanti Chowdhury – Professor, Stanford University
Debate Session 2
In Power Electronics, Should the future rely more on Generative AI for Design or Predictive AI for Optimization?
Chair: Alan Mantooth – Professor, University of Arkansas
Panelists:
Trifon Liakopoulos – CEO, Enachip
Minjie Chen – Professor, Princeton University
Richard Blackey – Modelling and Simulation Manager, Wurth Elektronik
Frede Blaabjerg – Professor, Alborg University