From the 17th to 19th of March 2019, 60 stakeholders from 5 countries gathered in Cyprus to advance their knowledge regarding the latest innovations in the energy sector. The theme included reducing energy consumption to lessen pollutant emissions, energy management in buildings, renewable energy, as well as waste-management, in order to reach the most viable opportunities to create innovative energy startups.

After arriving in sunny Larnaca, Cyprus, the teams from different countries; Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, and Republic of North Macedonia, were hosted by the CIIM team and treated to a special night of traditional Cypriot cuisine and dance. They had the opportunity to introduce themselves and meet the project partners. For the next three days, the trainees embarked on specific training, by industry professionals, as well as academics. After a welcome speech by CIIM’s VP of Operations Prof. Takis Stylianides, the opening guest speakers included Mr. Charalampos Theopemptou MP – Green Party, renowned consultant Mr. Dimis Michaelides, and Associate Prof. of RES at C.U.T. Ioannis Michaelides. The tailor-made entrepreneurial sessions were presented by renowned sector leaders: Ms. Andrea Solomindes (Politica.io Co-Founder), Mr. Panayiotis Jacovides (Business Consultant & CIIM Professor), Mr. Odysseus Tavros (Director Cyprus Centre at Globaltraining), and Engr. Marios Philippou (Philippou Energy CEO)

In addition to the valuable knowledge gained through the workshop, the trainees also encountered a vast network of like-minded individuals and entrepreneurs, as well as experiencing a new cultural involvement in a different country. This workshop established closer links between training, educational, and practical case studies, and helped to minimise the gap between innovative ideas, and viable business models, which was evident at the end of the workshop, where the teams presented innovative business models for the Energy sector, inspired by what they had learned during the workshop. The committee, composed of representatives of the project’s 5 partners, judged and awarded the “Most Innovative Idea”, “Best Business Model”, “Best Presentation”, and “Best Value Proposition”. Two of each team will be chosen to represent the Energy sector in the final “i3 Project Exhibition”, which will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria in June 2019.