Researchers
In the first phase (2020 - 2024), SEED Researchers were mainly doctoral candidates from the Global South who advanced research on sustainable energies and entrepreneurship, publishing internationally and launching academic careers.
In the second phase (2025 - 2029), the program expands to 16 scholarships: eight at TUM and eight at partner universities, paired in tandems with joint supervision. Their research spans energy policy, mini-grid business models, socio-economic impacts, and productive uses of energy. Through seminars, research stays, and the annual symposium, SEED Researchers gain academic training, international exposure, and practical links.
Graduates are well-prepared for academic careers as well as leadership roles in energy companies, NGOs, government, and international organizations, contributing to SDG 7: affordable and clean energy for all.
Diversity is a key principle, with preference given to women and people with disabilities when equally qualified.
TUM SEED Center Researchers
Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Belz
Professor of Entrepreneurship
Area of research: Sustainable entrepreneurship, business model for mini-grids
Dr. Alessia Argiolas
Post-Doc Researcher
Area of research: Sustainable entrepreneurship, social impact
Prashant Pant, M.Sc
Doctoral Candidate at TUM
Area of research: Power system engineering
SEED Doctoral Candidates / Second Funding Phase (2025–2029)
| Name | Research Institution | Research Area | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Destaw Mengie | Bahir Dar University (BDU) | Biogas | destawag(at)gmail.com |
| Muhammad Putra | Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) | Renewable Energy Network Model | -- |
| Kishore Seshadri | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) | HDVC Grids | kishore.seshadri(at)iitb.ac.in |
| Ruthie Armah | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) | TBA | -- |
| Elizabeth Momanyi | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) | Water Access in Mini-Grid Areas | -- |
| Takia Nabunya | Makerere University (MAK) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | -- |
| Hessam Shabanizadeh | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Biogas | -- |
| Zahra Mesmarian | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Water Management | zahra.mesmarian@tum.de |
| Benjamin Cobbinah | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | benjamin.cobbinah@tum.de |
| Seema Kamran | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | seema.kamran@tum.de |
| Anirudh Katoch | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Energies, Energy Management for Microgids | anirudh.katoch@tum.de |
| Hafiz Muhammad Faisal | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Energies, Energy Management for Microgids | hm.faisal@tum.de |
| Tobby Oliwit Abura | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Food Energy and Water Nexus | tobby.abura@tum.de |
| Manikanta Radhakrishnan | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Environmental Policy | m.radhakrishna@tum.de |
SEED Fellows
SEED Fellows are externally funded doctoral candidates affiliated with the SEED Network, supervised by faculty at TUM and partner universities, and working on SEED-related research topics.
| Name | Research Institution | Research Area | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitin Akhade | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Energies | nitin.akhade(at)tum.de |
| Amal Tobich | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Decentralised Energy Governance in the Global South | -- |