The beautiful city of Bilbao recently played host to an inspiring summer course titled “Sustainable Innovation Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities.” This event brought together leading experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss the future of sustainable business practices and the challenges facing eco-conscious startups.
One of the standout participants was the PHOTOKRETE team, an exciting new venture in the field of radiative cooling concrete. PHOTOKRETE has received support from the prestigious Impulsa-T program of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and is on track to become a groundbreaking spin-off company. The innovative technology aims to revolutionize the construction industry by developing concrete with built-in cooling properties, potentially reducing energy consumption and urban heat island effects.
More about PHOTOKRETE here: https://miracle-concrete.eu/photonic-concrete-project-earns-a-spot-among-csics-top-10/
The summer course featured a series of engaging panels, with PANEL 5: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP drawing particular attention. This roundtable discussion included several notable figures:
– Leire Barañano Orbe, General Director of NEIKER
– Jorge Sánchez Dolado, CSO of Photokrete
– Margarita Arenas, CEO of Bioinnovative
– Jenny María Ruiz Jiménez, Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of Granada-UGR Emprendedora
Dr. Jorge S. Dolado, the IP of the MIRACLE project and scientific coordinator of PHOTOKRETE, made a significant impact during the panel discussion. He began by introducing the concept behind PHOTOKRETE and emphasized the urgent global need for radiative cooling technology in both society and the energy industry.
Dr. Dolado then delved into the challenges facing entrepreneurial thinking in the sustainable technology sector. He highlighted existing shortcomings in current laws and regulations that can hinder innovation in this critical field. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Dolado proposed solutions to address these issues and foster a more supportive environment for sustainable startups like PHOTOKRETE.
The discussion underscored the importance of bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, market-ready solutions. PHOTOKRETE serves as an excellent example of how academic innovations can be translated into real-world applications with the potential to make a significant environmental impact.
Events like this summer course in Bilbao play a crucial role in bringing together diverse stakeholders in the sustainable innovation ecosystem. By facilitating dialogue between researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, we can accelerate the development and adoption of technologies that will shape a more sustainable future.
We eagerly anticipate seeing how PHOTOKRETE progresses as it moves towards becoming a full-fledged spin-off company. Our journey from a research project to a potential market disruptor serves as an excellent model for other sustainable technology ventures.
PART OF PHOTOKRETE TEAM
The PHOTOKRETE team’s presence at this event highlights the growing momentum behind sustainable innovation in construction and urban planning. As we continue to face global challenges related to climate change and resource management, initiatives like PHOTOKRETE offer a glimpse of a cooler, more energy-efficient future.