Wave Power Rises with Women-Led Innovation in Clean Energy

Inna Braverman is a pioneering leader in wave energy innovation, having led the installation of the first grid-connected wave project in Israel and driving a global project pipeline of 404.7 MW. A UN awardee, her clean energy mission is deeply personal and impactful.

In an engaging interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Inna shares her insights on the evolving role of wave power in the renewable mix, women-led innovation in ocean energy, and the need for inclusive metrics to measure long-term climate and social impact in the article below.

Inna makes a strong point for women-led innovation bringing fresh perspectives that challenge traditional models, focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and practical solutions in the male-dominated energy sector. Drawing from her experience of being a female founder in the wave energy segment, Inna talks about the counterintuitive lessons she has learnt through her journey. She advocates for women entrepreneurs to adopt a shift in mindset to successfully navigate through the energy sector.

For more such insights read the article below.

With global clean energy targets accelerating, where does wave power currently stand in the renewable energy mix, and what blind spots are preventing its widespread adoption?

Wave energy remains one of the largest untapped renewable energy sources in the world, with the potential to supply a significant portion of global electricity demand. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent by nature, wave energy is more predictable and consistent, making it a valuable complement in the renewable energy mix.

However, several key challenges have prevented its widespread adoption. One major blind spot is the historical focus on offshore wave energy technologies, which have proven costly, complex, and difficult to maintain due to harsh ocean conditions. At Eco Wave Power, we have addressed this challenge by developing an innovative onshore technology that is cost-effective, easy to install, and protected from extreme weather events.

Another challenge is regulatory uncertainty—many countries still lack clear policies and incentives for wave energy, making it harder to scale up projects. Additionally, awareness and investment in wave power remain relatively low compared to more established renewables like wind and solar.

To accelerate adoption, governments and private sector stakeholders need to recognize the potential of wave energy and integrate it into their clean energy strategies. By addressing these challenges, wave power can play a crucial role in achieving global renewable energy targets and ensuring a stable, sustainable energy future.

In a male-dominated energy sector, how can women-led innovations challenge traditional infrastructure models and redefine how ocean energy is commercialized?

The energy sector has traditionally been male-dominated, and this has often led to a preference for large-scale, capital-intensive infrastructure projects that require heavy offshore engineering. However, women-led innovations bring fresh perspectives that challenge these traditional models, focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and practical solutions.

At Eco Wave Power, we took a different approach to ocean energy by designing a technology that is cost-effective, easy to install, and based on existing man-made structures, such as breakwaters and piers. This contrasts with traditional offshore wave energy, which has struggled due to high costs and maintenance challenges. This kind of thinking—questioning whether there's a more practical, scalable way to achieve the same goal—is often at the heart of women-led innovation.

Beyond technology, increasing diversity in leadership also brings a more holistic, long-term approach to decision-making. Women-led companies tend to prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and collaboration—factors that are crucial for the successful commercialization of ocean energy. To truly redefine the sector, we need to support more women entrepreneurs and executives in energy, ensuring their ideas have the investment and policy backing they deserve. When we do that, we accelerate the shift to a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive renewable energy future.

What counterintuitive lessons have you learned as a female entrepreneur in deep-tech energy? How do those insights reshape how we fund and scale breakthrough solutions?

One counterintuitive lesson I’ve learned is that being an outsider—both as a woman in energy and as an entrepreneur in deep-tech—can actually be an advantage. When I started Eco Wave Power, many investors and industry experts told me that wave energy was too difficult to commercialize, largely because they were looking at offshore technologies that had struggled. Instead of following the conventional path, I focused on an alternative approach—onshore wave energy—that turned out to be more cost-effective and scalable.

Another surprising insight is that breakthrough technologies don’t always get funded just because they work. In deep-tech energy, investors often prioritize proven models over disruptive ones, which means that as an entrepreneur, you not only have to develop the technology but also reshape the narrative around its viability. It’s not just about proving that the technology functions—it’s about proving that it can scale, generate returns, and integrate into existing infrastructure.

This has reshaped how I think about funding and scaling. Instead of relying solely on traditional venture capital, I’ve learned that public-private partnerships, government incentives, and collaborations with forward-thinking utilities can be more effective in deep-tech energy. We need to rethink how we fund innovation—moving beyond short-term profitability metrics and focusing on long-term impact. By supporting unconventional solutions and diverse leadership, we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

What overlooked intersection between climate action, gender equity, and ocean energy should policymakers and businesses urgently pay attention to?

One of the most overlooked intersections between climate action, gender equity, and ocean energy is the underrepresentation of women in the renewable energy sector, particularly in ocean energy. As a female entrepreneur in this space, I have seen firsthand how increasing women’s participation can drive both technological innovation and more effective climate solutions.

First, women are key drivers of innovation, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within ocean energy. We need to break down barriers that prevent more women from entering and excelling in this field.

Second, access to funding is a major challenge for women-led climate solutions. Women entrepreneurs often face greater difficulties in securing investment, despite leading impactful and scalable projects. Policymakers and businesses must prioritize funding mechanisms that support diverse leadership in the renewable energy space.

Third, we need more gender-inclusive workforce development programs. By encouraging women to pursue careers in engineering, project development, and policymaking within ocean energy, we can build a more resilient and diverse industry.

Additionally, coastal communities—where women are disproportionately affected by climate change—must be part of the conversation. When developing ocean energy projects, it’s critical to involve local women in decision-making to ensure these solutions truly meet their needs.

Finally, policy and regulatory support must evolve to integrate gender equity into climate and energy strategies. Governments and businesses should actively create incentives that encourage women’s participation in ocean energy innovation. Addressing these challenges isn’t just about fairness—it’s about unlocking the full potential of the ocean energy sector. When we make climate solutions more inclusive, we make them stronger.

What mindset shifts are critical for women entrepreneurs in clean tech to navigate regulatory roadblocks and disrupt the status quo in renewable energy policy?

As a woman entrepreneur in cleantech, I’ve learned that navigating regulatory roadblocks and disrupting the status quo requires a shift in mindset—one that embraces resilience, proactive advocacy, and innovative problem-solving.

First, view regulatory challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. Instead of seeing policies as rigid barriers, we need to approach them as areas for improvement. By engaging with policymakers early and often, we can shape regulations that support innovation rather than stifle it.

Second, embrace strategic advocacy. Women entrepreneurs in cleantech must take an active role in policy discussions, industry associations, and public forums. Too often, energy policies are crafted without enough input from those actually driving technological advancements. We need to ensure our voices are heard.

Third, leverage collaboration as a strength. Building alliances with other women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and climate advocates can create collective influence. When we push for change together, we are far more effective in overcoming resistance and accelerating progress.

Fourth, adopt a persistence-over-permission mindset. Many existing regulations were not designed with emerging technologies in mind. Instead of waiting for permission, we must push forward with our solutions and demonstrate their viability—forcing the conversation where necessary.

Finally, develop a deep understanding of policy frameworks. Women in cleantech must not only be innovators but also policy-savvy leaders who can navigate regulatory landscapes with confidence. Understanding how to work within and around regulations gives us the power to drive meaningful change.

To truly disrupt the status quo, we need to shift from adapting to policies to actively shaping them. That’s how we ensure renewable energy policies evolve to support the next generation of clean technology solutions.

If you could redesign how the world measures the success of renewable energy projects, what new metrics would better capture long-term environmental and social impact?

If I could redesign how the world measures the success of renewable energy projects, I would push for metrics that capture long-term environmental and social impact—not just financial returns or megawatts produced.

Carbon displacement over a project’s lifetime should be a key measure. Instead of focusing solely on energy generation, we need to evaluate how much fossil fuel-based energy it replaces and the cumulative CO₂ emissions it prevents.

A resiliency and adaptability score would ensure projects are built to withstand extreme weather and changing ocean conditions, making them sustainable in the face of climate change.

Social and economic impact must also be considered. Renewable energy projects should be assessed based on their contributions to local economies, job creation—especially for underrepresented groups—and community engagement. Are coastal communities benefiting from the project? Are we creating more opportunities for women in the clean energy workforce?

Resource efficiency and lifecycle sustainability are equally important. Tracking the environmental footprint of materials, dependence on non-renewable resources, and end-of-life recyclability would provide a clearer picture of a project’s true impact.

Policy impact and regulatory progress should also be measured. A successful project should not just comply with existing policies but help drive better, more forward-thinking regulations for clean energy adoption worldwide.

Shifting success metrics from short-term efficiency to long-term sustainability, resilience, and social progress will ensure that renewable energy delivers meaningful, lasting change.