# Shannon Miller

> Shannon Miller is the co-founder and president of Mainspring Energy. A Stanford-trained mechanical engineer and former National Science Foundation Fellow, she helped develop the research behind its linear generator and led the company as founding CEO from 2010 until June 2026. Her work combines fuel-flexible power generation with a stated commitment to affordable, reliable, lower-carbon electricity.

- **Role:** President and co-founder at Mainspring Energy
- **Organizations:** Mainspring Energy, Stanford University, Tesla
- **Education:** B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
- **Known for:** Former National Science Foundation Fellow., MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 honoree, 2012., C3E Entrepreneurship Award winner, 2022.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2010** — Conducted Stanford research on efficient fuel-to-electricity conversion; collaborated with Matt Svrcek on an early prototype. Also worked at Tesla before founding Mainspring.
- **2010** — Co-founded the company with Adam Simpson and Matt Svrcek and became founding CEO.
- **2012** — Recognized by MIT Technology Review in its 35 Innovators Under 35.
- **2020** — Led Mainspring into first commercial generator shipments.
- **2022** — Received the C3E Entrepreneurship Award; Mainspring closed a $290 million Series E.
- **2023** — Named an Energy Central Champion in Innovation.
- **2025** — Mainspring announced a $258 million Series F led by General Catalyst and added Tom Linebarger and Bethany Mayer to the board.
- **2026-06** — Became president as Tom Linebarger took over as CEO, following her recruitment of him for the role.

## Achievements

- Former National Science Foundation Fellow.
- MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 honoree, 2012.
- C3E Entrepreneurship Award winner, 2022.
- Energy Central Champion in Innovation, 2023.
- Led Mainspring from its 2010 founding through development and commercialization of the linear generator.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Mainspring signed an AEP agreement for up to 1.6 GW through 2034, including an initial purchase of 190 MW with deliveries beginning in 2027.
- **2026-07** — Appeared on MCJ's Inevitable podcast to discuss fuel flexibility, modular generation, and the utility and data-center markets.
- **2026-06** — Transitioned from founding CEO to president, with responsibility for operational development and commercial sales.

## Links

- Website: https://www.mainspringenergy.com/people/shannon-miller
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-miller-5a7bba5

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/shannon-miller
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-26