SEED Annual Symposium 2025 - Munich
Hosted by TUM SEED Center, 25 - 29 August 2025
The 2025 SEED Annual Symposium was held from 25 to 29 August at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), situated in the heart of one of Germany's leading innovation hubs. This edition marked the first Symposium in the second funding phase and gathered voices from across the globe to explore the themes of mini-grids, entrepreneurship, and sustainable transformation in the Global South.
The SEED Annual Symposium is a pivotal international event that offers a supportive platform for our global community of researchers. Held with the aim of fostering the exchange of innovative ideas at the intersection of sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainable energies, it unites international scholars to share their insights and discoveries. The symposium serves as a vital catalyst for advancing knowledge and driving impactful change on a global scale.
The next 2026 SEED Annual Symposium will take place in Kampala, Uganda.
Agenda Highlights
The official launch of the Symposium featuring leadership, vision, and collaboration.
Highlights:
- Welcome from institutional and funding representatives
- Keynotes on mini-grid innovation and future research directions
- Launch of new strategic initiatives
- Informal welcome gathering in the evening
A day dedicated to learning from partners, sharing research, and exploring field insights.
Highlights:
- Interactive poster session with partner universities
- Case insights from living labs across Africa
- Workshop on digitalization and sustainability
- Presentation of online teaching modules
Engaging external voices and deep-diving into thematic workshops.
Highlights:
- Talks by leading practitioners and researchers
- Parallel workshops on enterprise impact, energy reliability, and just transitions
- Focus on agribusiness innovation and rural development
- Industry event preview and evening gala with "Alumnus of the Year" Award
Seeing innovation in action at cutting-edge institutions and startups.
Highlights:
- Guided tours of energy and entrepreneurship hubs
- Visits to clean technology ventures
Closing the Symposium with future planning and informal exploration.
Highlights:
- Strategy sessions for project leaders and advisory members
- Farewell lunch
- Optional local sightseeing