The clean energy transition demands more than just technology; it requires a culture of rapid innovation, experimentation, and collaboration. Innovation labs and hackathons are the engines of this culture, serving as dynamic environments where multidisciplinary teams can come together to tackle pressing energy challenges in a compressed timeframe. These events are crucial for transforming abstract ideas into tangible prototypes, attracting new talent, and creating a vibrant ecosystem of startups and solutions. They bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability, providing a fast-track to discovery and implementation.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding, designing, and participating in renewable energy innovation labs and hackathons. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to frame a challenge, assemble a winning team, and move from ideation to a working prototype and a compelling pitch. The course covers everything from the operational logistics of running an event to the strategic value of fostering a community of innovators. By focusing on real-world case studies of successful clean tech ventures and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to leverage these platforms to accelerate their own careers or drive innovation within their organizations.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Energy Entrepreneurs and Innovators
• R&D Professionals in Energy
• Corporate Strategy and Innovation Teams
• University Students and Researchers
• Investors and Venture Capitalists
• Policymakers and Government Officials
• Tech Professionals and Data Scientists
• Startup Ecosystem Builders
• Business Development Managers
• Community and NGO Leaders

Objectives:

• Master the core principles of an innovation lab and hackathon.
• Learn to design a compelling and well-defined innovation challenge.
• Understand the key components of a successful hackathon and a structured lab.
• Grasp the complexities of managing a fast-paced, collaborative event.
• Develop proficiency in ideation, prototyping, and pitch creation.
• Explore best practices for engaging mentors, judges, and sponsors.
• Learn about robust approaches to intellectual property and legal issues.
• Identify the critical legal and ethical considerations in engagement.
• Develop skills in fostering a creative and productive environment.
• Formulate strategies for building and scaling an innovation ecosystem.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Why Behind Innovation

• The role of innovation in the energy transition
• The difference between incremental and disruptive innovation
• The value proposition of a hackathon
• The purpose and structure of an innovation lab
• Examples of successful clean tech innovation

Module 2: Framing the Challenge

• How to define a problem statement
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Techniques for problem decomposition
• The role of user-centric design
• Aligning challenges with business and societal goals

Module 3: Anatomy of an Innovation Lab

• The key phases of an innovation lab (incubation, acceleration)
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The physical and virtual infrastructure required
• The role of mentors and facilitators
• Measuring the success of an innovation lab

Module 4: Running a Renewable Energy Hackathon

• The logistical planning of a hackathon
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Managing the registration and team formation
• The role of a "data story map"
• Timeline and key milestones for the event

Module 5: Ideation and Concept Development

• Brainstorming techniques for clean energy solutions
• The importance of a "clear and consistent reporting style"
• The role of a business model canvas
• Developing a value proposition
• From a concept to a solution

Module 6: Prototyping & Technology Development

• Low-fidelity vs. high-fidelity prototypes
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The use of hardware and software tools
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The build-and-test cycle

Module 7: The Pitch Deck & Storytelling

• The components of a compelling pitch
• Crafting a clear and concise narrative
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Engaging with a panel of judges

Module 8: Funding and Commercialization

• The path from a hackathon idea to a startup
• The role of angel investors and venture capitalists
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The due diligence process
• Sourcing public and private funding

Module 9: Building an Innovation Ecosystem

• The role of a hackathon in building a community
• The importance of a "data story map"
• Fostering collaboration between different stakeholders
• The role of a "program's theory of change"
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 10: Intellectual Property and Legal Issues

• The importance of a clear IP policy
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The use of non-disclosure agreements
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• The difference between copyright, patents, and trademarks

Module 11: Mentorship and Expertise

• The role of a mentor in a hackathon
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Sourcing and engaging experts as mentors
• The importance of a "clear and focused research question"
• Providing constructive feedback

Module 12: Measuring Impact

• Defining key metrics for innovation events
• The role of a program's theory of change
• Tracking the success of projects after the event
• The importance of a "data story map"
• Reporting on impact to sponsors and stakeholders

Module 13: The Future of Clean Energy Innovation

• The role of AI and machine learning
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The future of energy systems
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• The importance of a "clear and consistent reporting style"

Module 14: Case Studies of Success

• Case study: An award-winning hackathon project that became a company
• Case study: A company that used an innovation lab to pivot its business
• Case study: A government-backed innovation program
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 15: Software and Tools

• Overview of collaboration platforms
• The use of prototyping tools
• The importance of a "clear and focused research question"
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The use of business and financial modeling software

 Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.