Our Unique Vision for a Sustainable Tomorrow
At Next NRG, we’re driven by innovation and dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation and energy. Discover our story.
Our History
About NextNRG
At NextNRG, we’re a tight-knit team with a big goal: making renewable energy solutions and wireless EV charging accessible to everyone, everywhere. We bring years of industry experience to the table, with backgrounds rooted deeply in smart and renewable energy, and wireless EV charging. Our mission is simple yet powerful – to create a world where advanced energy solutions are readily available to all communities, leaving no room for disparities or isolation. We have partnered with Stat-EI to take over Prof. Arif Sarwat innovative technologies and related patents, to utilize out vast world-wide network for mass adoption.
Our dreams guide our actions. We envision a future where every community, no matter how remote or underserved, has easy access to reliable and sustainable energy sources and wireless EV charging solutions. We’re dedicated to making this vision a reality, using our knowledge and expertise to build bridges where there were once barriers, fostering a connected, resilient, and sustainable world for all.
Our Vision
At NextNRG, we envision a future where renewable energy generation, like solar, is ubiquitous and easily accessible to all. We aim for a world where sustainable technologies, including wireless EV charging, are not limited luxuries, but integral parts of communities everywhere, fostering a global shift toward cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to innovate and expand access to renewable energy generation and wireless EV charging solutions with cutting edge technologies developed by Prof. Sarwat at FIU. Leveraging our deep industry expertise, we focus on developing technologies that make clean energy, like solar, and EV infrastructure readily available, particularly in underserved and remote communities, to promote a sustainable, universally connected energy landscape.
Our Team
Meet the Innovators Behind Our Sustainable Vision
Michael D. Farkas
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Farkas is the founder and former Executive Chairman and CEO of Blink Charging inc., and is the founder and managing director of The Farkas Group, a privately held investment firm. In addition, Mr. Farkas was also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Group, where its subsidiary, Atlas Capital Services, a broker-dealer, successfully raised capital for numerous public and private clients. Over the last 32 years, Mr. Farkas has established a successful track record as a principal investor across a variety of industries.
Dr. Arif Sarwat
Director of Technology
Dr. Arif Sarwat is a renowned scholar and the Director of the FPL-FIU Solar Research Center at Florida International University (FlU), where he was awarded the largest DOE grant of $850mm. Prior to joining Next he led the state-of-the-art grid-connected 3MW/9MWh At-based Renewable (Af.R) Microgrid project and published over 200 peer-reviewed articles. His extensive research Interests span a wide array of topics, from smart grids and electric vehicles to high penetration renewable systems. Before his remarkable academic career Dr. Sarwat made significant contributions at Siemens for over nine years winning three recognition awards. His ground-breaking patented wireless charging system for EVs and his development of a 3MW/9 MWh renewable (PV) Ii-ion battery power plant are a testament to his innovative approach to renewable energy systems. As an active leader in the field he has been serving as the Chair of the IEEE Miami Section VT and Communication since 2012. Dr. Sarwaf's rich expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV and renewable energy technologies make him an invaluable asset to the Next team.
Joel Kleiner
Chief Financial Officer
Joel Kleiner is a seasoned finance executive with extensive experience in financial strategy and operations for high-growth tech companies. As the former VP of Finance at Torii Software, Joel played a key role in securing significant funding and driving financial strategy. Previously, Joel held key finance roles at Stella Connect, where he facilitated an acquisition by Medallia Inc., and at R2Net Inc. (James Allen), where he helped raise substantial funds and close an acquisition by Signet Jewelers. Over his career, Joel has been instrumental in securing over $200 million in funding across various ventures, as well as over $400 million in acquisitions. His career also includes positions at the Government of Israel’s Ministry of Finance, the SEC, and PwC. Joel holds a B.S. in Accounting from Yeshiva University and is a CPA in New York. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, he is adept in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership.
Juan Carlos Barahona
Chief Operating Officer
Juan Carlos Barahona is a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience in sales and global operations, nine of which at Blink Charging as a senior director, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at NextNRG. His strategic vision and leadership have driven significant revenue growth and operational excellence across multiple roles. Juan Carlos holds a strong track record of driving growth and efficiency through innovative strategies and operational improvements. His extensive experience in sales, operations, and financial management has made him a key asset to NextNRG and a leader in the industry.
Dr. Shahid Tufail
Vice President of Technology
Dr. Shahid Tufail is an AI/ML Developer at NextNRG, where he applies his expertise in machine learning to improve the security and reliability of smart grid systems. Holding a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Florida International University, Shahid combines his academic knowledge with practical skills to enhance energy systems. His work focuses on using data to quickly spot and address issues within power networks, contributing to safer and more reliable energy delivery. Beyond his technical role, Shahid is also involved in academic reviews, helping to uphold the quality of research in his field. His efforts are vital in promoting more resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
Yechiel Baron ESQ.
In-House Counsel
Yechiel Baron is an experienced legal professional, with a strong background in corporate and securities law. Yechiel previously served as in-house counsel at Blink Charging Co. (2018-2023). There, he provided legal support on a variety of matters, including litigation support, domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, and various public offerings. Currently, Yechiel is licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., and serves as in-house counsel for the Farkas Group and Balance Labs Inc., where he continues to leverage his expertise to address legal challenges effectively. An adept problem solver and dedicated legal professional, Yechiel continues to leave his mark in the legal field, consistently delivering strategic solutions and fostering growth.
Carmen Villegas
Director of Operations
Mrs. Villegas previously worked at Blink Charging Co., a Nasdaq publicly traded company, where she joined as their second employee. Currently, she is employed at The Farkas Group, Inc., an investment and holding company. At both organizations, Ms. Villegas has played a crucial role in assisting with SEC filings, quarterly reports, and coordination between accounting, legal, and operations. She has also been involved in HR processes, and handling various tasks to support daily operations. Ms. Villegas holds an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Administration & Accounting, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Florida International University.
Our Team
Meet the Innovators Behind Our Sustainable Vision
Michael D. Farkas
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Farkas is the founder and former Executive Chairman and CEO of Blink Charging inc., and is the founder and managing director of The Farkas Group, a privately held investment firm. In addition, Mr. Farkas was also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Group, where its subsidiary, Atlas Capital Services, a broker-dealer, successfully raised capital for numerous public and private clients. Over the last 32 years, Mr. Farkas has established a successful track record as a principal investor across a variety of industries.
Dr. Arif Sarwat
Director of Technology
Dr. Arif Sarwat is a renowned scholar and the Director of the FPL-FIU Solar Research Center at Florida International University (FlU), where he was awarded the largest DOE grant of $850mm. Prior to joining Next he led the state-of-the-art grid-connected 3MW/9MWh At-based Renewable (Af.R) Microgrid project and published over 200 peer-reviewed articles. His extensive research Interests span a wide array of topics, from smart grids and electric vehicles to high penetration renewable systems. Before his remarkable academic career Dr. Sarwat made significant contributions at Siemens for over nine years winning three recognition awards. His ground-breaking patented wireless charging system for EVs and his development of a 3MW/9 MWh renewable (PV) Ii-ion battery power plant are a testament to his innovative approach to renewable energy systems. As an active leader in the field he has been serving as the Chair of the IEEE Miami Section VT and Communication since 2012. Dr. Sarwaf's rich expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV and renewable energy technologies make him an invaluable asset to the Next team.
Joel Kleiner
Chief Financial Officer
Joel Kleiner is a seasoned finance executive with extensive experience in financial strategy and operations for high-growth tech companies. As the former VP of Finance at Torii Software, Joel played a key role in securing significant funding and driving financial strategy. Previously, Joel held key finance roles at Stella Connect, where he facilitated an acquisition by Medallia Inc., and at R2Net Inc. (James Allen), where he helped raise substantial funds and close an acquisition by Signet Jewelers. Over his career, Joel has been instrumental in securing over $200 million in funding across various ventures, as well as over $400 million in acquisitions. His career also includes positions at the Government of Israel’s Ministry of Finance, the SEC, and PwC. Joel holds a B.S. in Accounting from Yeshiva University and is a CPA in New York. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, he is adept in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership.
Juan Carlos Barahona
Chief Operating Officer
Juan Carlos Barahona is a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience in sales and global operations, nine of which at Blink Charging as a senior director, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at NextNRG. His strategic vision and leadership have driven significant revenue growth and operational excellence across multiple roles. Juan Carlos holds a strong track record of driving growth and efficiency through innovative strategies and operational improvements. His extensive experience in sales, operations, and financial management has made him a key asset to NextNRG and a leader in the industry.
Dr. Shahid Tufail
Vice President of Technology
Dr. Shahid Tufail is an AI/ML Developer at NextNRG, where he applies his expertise in machine learning to improve the security and reliability of smart grid systems. Holding a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Florida International University, Shahid combines his academic knowledge with practical skills to enhance energy systems. His work focuses on using data to quickly spot and address issues within power networks, contributing to safer and more reliable energy delivery. Beyond his technical role, Shahid is also involved in academic reviews, helping to uphold the quality of research in his field. His efforts are vital in promoting more resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
Yechiel Baron ESQ.
In-House Counsel
Yechiel Baron is an experienced legal professional, with a strong background in corporate and securities law. Yechiel previously served as in-house counsel at Blink Charging Co. (2018-2023). There, he provided legal support on a variety of matters, including litigation support, domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, and various public offerings. Currently, Yechiel is licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., and serves as in-house counsel for the Farkas Group and Balance Labs Inc., where he continues to leverage his expertise to address legal challenges effectively. An adept problem solver and dedicated legal professional, Yechiel continues to leave his mark in the legal field, consistently delivering strategic solutions and fostering growth.
Carmen Villegas
Director of Operations
Mrs. Villegas previously worked at Blink Charging Co., a Nasdaq publicly traded company, where she joined as their second employee. Currently, she is employed at The Farkas Group, Inc., an investment and holding company. At both organizations, Ms. Villegas has played a crucial role in assisting with SEC filings, quarterly reports, and coordination between accounting, legal, and operations. She has also been involved in HR processes, and handling various tasks to support daily operations. Ms. Villegas holds an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Administration & Accounting, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Florida International University.
