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 Nabuuma | Makerere University (MAK) | TBA | -- |
| TBA | Stellenbosch University (SU) | -- | -- |
| TBA | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) | -- | -- |
| 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 Doctoral Candidates / First Funding Phase (2020–2024)
Inclusion in this list reflects past scholarship support and does not imply or confirm completion of the respective doctoral programs. Academic progress and final outcomes vary individually, and some candidates may have discontinued their studies for personal or professional reasons.
| Name | Research Institution | Research Area | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Mate | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | mhmurithi(at)gmail.com |
| Destaw Mengie | Bahir Dar University (BDU) | Biogas | destawag(at)gmail.com |
| Kishore Seshadri | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) | HDVC Grids | kishore.seshadri(at)iitb.ac.in |
| Moses Shuya | Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | -- |
| Sally Kasyoki | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) | Female Entrepreneurship | -- |
| Dr. Shamira Najjinda | Makerere University (MAK) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship | shamiranajjinda(at)gmail.com |
| Mohammed Bendaanane | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Cultural Entrepreneurship | m.bendaanane(at)tum.de |
| Prashant Pant | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Power system engineering | prashant.pan(at)tum.de |
| Dr. Mohammad Javad Bardi | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Biogas | m.j.bardi(at)tum.de |
| Pablo Sarmiento | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Water Management | pablo.sarmiento(at)tum.de |
| Sofia Abid | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development | -- |
| Rim Rezgui | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Energy for Sustainable Development | -- |
| Bouchra Lamhamedi | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Land Management and Sustainable Energy | -- |
| Dhirendra Mishra | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Sustainable Energies | -- |