One of the highlights of the first ENERGISE Symposium 2026 in Johannesburg was the inaugural ENERGISE Sustainable Business Model Competition, which brought together student teams from across the ENERGISE partner universities to develop and pitch innovative solutions for advancing a Just Energy Transition in South Africa.

As an integral part of the ENERGISE project, the competition was designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to sustainability challenges. Students were invited to develop business models that address pressing energy-related issues while creating positive environmental, social, and economic impact.

The competition began with local selection rounds at the partner universities. The winning teams then advanced to the international final, held as part of the ENERGISE Symposium in Johannesburg. Finalists represented the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the University of the Witwatersrand, the Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Venda, showcasing a wide range of creative and impactful ideas.

More than just a pitching competition, the final offered participants the opportunity to become part of the broader ENERGISE community. Throughout the Symposium, finalists took part in the full programme, including workshops, discussions with researchers and practitioners, a visit to the ENERGISE Living Lab, a guided tour of the Origins Centre, and the Symposium Gala Dinner. These activities provided valuable opportunities for intercultural exchange, networking, and learning beyond the competition itself.

During the final round, each team delivered a ten-minute pitch followed by a question-and-answer session with an international jury. Projects were evaluated based on their relevance to energy and sustainability challenges, innovation and creativity, potential impact, feasibility and scalability, business model design, and the quality of the presentation.

The final ranking reflected the outstanding quality of the participating teams. Vuka Hub – Camden Coal Station Repowering from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), developed by Agil Gozal and Janina Stangl, was awarded first place. The project proposes repurposing the retiring Camden coal-fired power station into a hybrid renewable energy hub combining solar power, biomass, battery storage, and a synchronous condenser, while integrating community and worker ownership models. The jury awarded the project the highest score across all evaluation criteria, achieving 90 out of 100 points.

GreenRoots from the University of Venda (UNIVEN), developed by Stanley Nemalili, Lufuno Nndileni, and Rofhiwa Maake, secured second place. RuralBio School Energy Hubs from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), represented by Nicholas Maluleke and Keamogetswe Motsi-Lanyane, was awarded third place. Together, the projects showcased a diverse range of approaches to advancing sustainable development and a Just Energy Transition, from transforming agricultural and organic waste into clean energy and fertiliser to providing biogas-based energy solutions that support rural school communities.

With only one point separating each of the top three teams, the results underscored the highly competitive nature of the final and the exceptional quality of the solutions presented.

To recognize their achievements, the winning teams received commemorative glass trophies, certificates, and small prizes as a token of appreciation for their innovative contributions and dedication throughout the competition.

However, the competition is designed to be more than a one-time event. Through the ENERGISE network, the winning team will have opportunities to remain engaged with the project community, further develop their ideas, and connect with fellow students, academics, and practitioners. They will also be invited to participate in future ENERGISE activities and events, helping them expand their professional networks, exchange knowledge across institutions, and build on the momentum generated through the competition.

The first ENERGISE Sustainable Business Model Competition demonstrated the creativity, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit of students across the ENERGISE partnership. By bringing together innovative ideas, international collaboration, and a shared commitment to a Just Energy Transition, the competition has laid the foundation for what promises to become an exciting and lasting element of the ENERGISE project.