Neel Vasavada

Founder & President of Overdrive Energy Solutions

Neel Vasavada: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Energy for Live Events

Neel Vasavada is a visionary in integrating green technology with the live events industry. With a robust engineering foundation and deep expertise in sustainable energy and live event production, Neel co-founded Overdrive Energy Solutions, a company that has redefined energy systems for live events and beyond.

At the University of Wisconsin, Neel specialized in hybrid and electric vehicle control systems, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He then launched Apex Speed Technology, a cutting-edge engineering consultancy focused on control systems for prototype and R&D vehicle projects. His clients included early-stage Tesla, Zero Electric Motorcycles, and the US Department of Energy, establishing him as a pioneer in sustainable energy innovation.

Neel’s career pivoted toward live events in 2012, when he was tasked with developing the U.S. market for European live event equipment supplier eps. His data-driven approach to sustainability and business development propelled him into leadership roles at other event companies, where he honed his expertise in large-scale productions. During the pandemic, Neel brought his diverse skill set together to create Overdrive Energy Solutions, transforming the way live events approach power and sustainability.

Under Neel's leadership, Overdrive has become the leader in sustainable energy at live events. In 2023, the company partnered with sustainability nonprofit Reverb.org to deploy the two largest solar-powered stages in U.S. history. The first, Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, achieved a 95% reduction in fossil fuel use for stage power. Later, Overdrive made headlines at Lollapalooza Chicago with the largest temporary solar field ever used at a U.S. festival, powering parts of Billie Eilish’s headlining set. By 2025, Overdrive has powered iconic events and venues, including Coachella, South by Southwest, Google's I/O developer conference, Camp Flog Gnaw at Dodger Stadium, and the Portola Festival and over 60 other events.

Overdrive's achievements are built on Neel’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and measurable sustainability. The company has not only delivered cutting-edge energy solutions but also demonstrated significant cost savings for its clients. Neel's forward-thinking leadership continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable energy, with a focus on creating healthier environments, improving safety, and fostering a more sustainable future for live events and other industries.