SEED Annual Symposium 2026
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
24 - 28 August 2026
The SEED Annual Symposium 2026 took place from 24-28 August 2026 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. Hosted in collaboration with the KNUST-TUM SEED Centre, the Symposium brought together members of the international SEED network, researchers, students, partners of practice, and other stakeholders for five days of academic exchange, collaboration, and community building.
The program combined disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary perspectives on sustainable energies, entrepreneurship, and policy. Highlights included keynote speeches, research presentations, an interactive Research Poster Session, thematic workshops, strategic discussions with partners of practice, and a field visit to the SEED Living Lab in Yeboakrom.
Beyond the academic program, the Symposium provided an important opportunity for the SEED community to reconnect in person, strengthen collaboration across partner universities, and discuss the future development of the network.
Relocation note: The 2026 Symposium was originally planned to take place at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Due to health and travel considerations related to the Ebola outbreak, the event was relocated to Kumasi, Ghana, and hosted by KNUST.
Symposium at a Glance
Over five days, the Symposium connected academic exchange with strategic discussions and practical insights. The program included doctoral seminars, meetings of the SEED Executive and Advisory Boards, keynote sessions, interdisciplinary workshops, the Research Poster Session, exchanges with partners of practice, and a visit to the SEED Living Lab in Yeboakrom.
The 2026 Symposium was organized under particularly challenging circumstances following its short-notice relocation from Uganda to Ghana. We are grateful to our colleagues at KNUST and across the SEED network for their flexibility and commitment in making the event possible.
Agenda Highlights
The opening day will bring the SEED network together at KNUST and set the stage for the Symposium through institutional exchange, capacity building, and discussions on the future direction of the Center.
Highlights:
- Welcome remarks from KNUST, DAAD, and the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy
- Input on technical and operational barriers in low-voltage mini-grids for last-mile electrification
- Presentation and open discussion on SEED Research & Teaching in a Resource-Constrained Context (2026–2029)
- Welcome drinks and informal networking
The second day will focus on research exchange across SEED’s core thematic areas and strengthen collaboration between scholars, faculty, and partner institutions.
Highlights:
- Keynote on scaling SEED research: Scaling Deep, Scaling Out, and Scaling Up
- Interactive research poster session
- Parallel workshops in Entrepreneurship, Engineering/Technology, and Policy
- Sessions on mini-grid scaling, energy system modeling, and energy and climate policy
- Workshops on renewable energy transitions, biochemical methane potential, and transformative teaching through SEED Living Labs
- Presentation and discussion of the SEED online teaching strategy and modules
Wednesday will connect SEED research with perspectives from business, policy, and practice, with a strong focus on scaling sustainable energy solutions and strengthening the long-term impact of the network.
Highlights:
- Keynote on scaling out and scaling deep by Husk Power Systems
- Parallel workshops with strategic partners and SEED student initiatives
- Keynote on prospective theorizing for complex societal problems
- Panel discussion on Ghana’s energy transition with representatives from academia, technology, policy, and business
- Workshop on SEED Living Labs digitalization and sustainability
- Gala Dinner
The fourth day will take participants outside the university setting and connect the Symposium discussions with the practical implementation of SEED activities in rural communities.
Highlights:
- Full-day visit to the Yeboakrom Living Lab
- Insights into the local implementation of sustainable energy solutions
- Exchange on the role of Living Labs in research, teaching, and community engagement
- Discussion of opportunities and challenges related to the long-term sustainability of SEED Living Labs
The final day will provide space to reflect on the Symposium, review ongoing activities, and discuss priorities and next steps for the SEED network.
Highlights:
- SEED External Advisory Board Meeting
- Executive Board and Project Coordinators Meeting
- Review of the 2026 Symposium
- Discussion of next steps and future priorities
- Farewell lunch and official closing of the SEED Annual Symposium 2026
Looking Back
The SEED Annual Symposium 2026 demonstrated the strength of the international SEED community and the value of bringing together perspectives from research, teaching, practice, and local communities.
A special thank you goes to the KNUST-TUM SEED Centre, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and everyone who contributed to the organization and program of the Symposium.
Medaasi (thank you) to our hosts in Ghana!
The SEED community looks forward to coming together again for the 2027 SEED Annual Symposium at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) in Mumbai, India.