After a series of virtual engagements following our project launch in 2020, the TUM SEED Center for Sustainable Energies, Entrepreneurship, and Development brought together partners from across the globe for an eagerly awaited, Covid-compliant Kick-Off Week in Munich last October. Researchers and project coordinators from TUM, along with representatives from partner universities in Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Peru, India, and Indonesia, as well as collaborators from the international research, governmental, and private sectors, convened at the Galileo Science Center in Garching.

The Kick-Off Week provided a unique opportunity for in-person discussions on how teaching, research, and collaborative projects can actively contribute to the development of rural communities in diverse regions of the Global South. Participants engaged in fruitful conversations on integrating our Living Labs into these initiatives, fostering an exchange of ideas that transcended the limitations of virtual communication.

The personal exchange during this week was invaluable, setting the stage for tangible actions. The gathering served as a nexus for envisioning and strategizing how to translate our collective ideas into impactful projects. As we bid farewell to Munich, the resonance of our discussions lingers, shaping the collaborative and action-oriented spirit that defines the SEED Center's commitment to sustainable development in the Global South. This Kick-Off Week marks a pivotal moment in our journey, propelling us forward with a renewed sense of purpose and shared dedication to making a lasting impact.