An Energy Transition Business Camp in the heart of the German “Energiewende”

The big question in the energy industry is what is it going to take to facilitate the energy transition? The obvious answers come to mind… innovative ideas, governmental support, project funding and research to name a few. However, we need to perhaps look deeper into what is going to drive these things? Someone has to come up with the ideas and make them viable, lobby for legislature, persuade backers to receive funding, or tirelessly research to find solutions. When we consider what it’s actually going to take to achieve the energy transition, the real answer becomes clear – passion. Because without passion, none of these things are possible.

All winners gathered in one place

This Spring, engineering students from around the globe were invited to demonstrate their passion. They pitched their ideas for an innovative energy product or service, and a lucky few won their spot at the first ever Energy Transition Business Camp. The 24 winners gathered in Karlsruhe, the heart of the German “Energiewende,” challenging themselves to put their best ideas, technical know-how, entrepreneurial savvy and team-working skills to the test. They networked with fellow participants, experts and mentors; developed their storytelling and pitching skills and were really able to experience the highs, lows, fun and pressure that energy entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. The action-packed and non-stop schedule gave them a taste of real-life for successful entrepreneurs, and they all learned what it takes: a passion for innovation and a sustainable future.

Collaboration with Strong Partners

InnoEnergy Master’s School teamed up with AXEL – The Energy Accelerator (a supporter of early-stage energy start-ups) to create this comprehensive 4-day summer camp on energy business creation. Christos Klamouris, Sr. Project Manager shares, “We collaborated with InnoEnergy to offer this business camp because we truly believe that their Master’s programmes will allow these students to go deeper than a traditional programme. They offer something totally unique with their three-sided approach of education, innovation and business creation services. We feel these things are imperative to create innovation and a sustainable future. They are a strong partner for us since our mission is to help grow ideas into saleable products by giving energy engineers the knowledge they need in ALL areas, especially business, so that they can become a successful energy entrepreneur.”