SEED Annual Symposium 2025
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
25 - 29 August 2025
The SEED Annual Symposium 2025 took place from August 25 to 29, 2025, at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Munich, Germany. Hosted by the TUM SEED Center, it was the first Annual Symposium of the second funding phase (2025-2029) and brought together SEED researchers, partner universities, students, alumni, and external partners from academia, practice, and policy.
The 2025 Symposium focused on the role of mini-grids, sustainable entrepreneurship, and just energy transitions in the Global South. Across keynotes, workshops, poster sessions, and site visits, participants exchanged research, practical experiences, and ideas for future collaboration across the SEED network.
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Photos: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
About the 2025 Symposium
The 2025 edition placed a strong focus on exchange across disciplines and institutions. In addition to the public symposium program, the week also included meetings of the SEED Executive Board, project coordinators, the External Advisory Board, and SEED student initiatives. This made the Symposium not only a research and networking event but also an important working space for developing the SEED Center and its international partnerships.
A special emphasis was placed on the connection between research and practice. Sessions explored how sustainable energy solutions can be linked to entrepreneurship, productive use of energy, digitalization, and local development. The program also highlighted the importance of collaboration with external actors, including industry and innovation partners.
The next SEED Annual Symposium 2026 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