Meet our Founder: Karen Lai, P.Eng
The Engineering Philosophy Behind KPM Power
Karen Lai believes that engineering power should be charged with both efficiency and purpose.
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As an engineer herself, and a leader in clean energy, her purpose is simple: protect what matters most. And after years of seeing failed product launches due to the lack of proper safety certifications, she thought it was finally time to prioritize it.
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Since founding KPM Power in 2017, she has and continues to fulfill that purpose. Building safe and ethical systems for the real world while ensuring path to market is clear and efficient. Under her leadership, KPM Power partners with OEMs to deliver stationary applications, like energy storage systems, as well as mobile applications, like industrial vehicles, protecting people, products, and progress.
At present, Karen continues to build clean energy the right way by ensuring we operate with a commitment to ethical manufacturing, transparent supply chains, and fair work practices.
Advocacy Beyond the Battery
Karen’s leadership extends beyond KPM’s products.
As a certified Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) Employer, KPM Power is committed to corporate responsibility that starts with fair wages and extends to removing barriers to food, shelter, and education. The company believes that equitable access to opportunity strengthens individuals, industries, and communities.
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After years of partnering with nonprofit organizations, Karen and her partner Peter Sie, VP of Finance, formalized this commitment through the KPM Power Outreach Fund, which aims to remove barriers to affordable access to food, shelter and education.
Leadership OEMs Can Trust
Karen brings principled, long-term leadership to a fast-moving industry.
Her focus on safety, clarity, and integrity helps OEM partners navigate complex regulations, long product lifecycles, and evolving ESG expectations with confidence.
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As the clean energy sector accelerates, Karen’s goal is to enable innovators and founders to bring reliable, responsible, and safe solutions to life.