This year’s Bench2Biz entrepreneurship workshop is just one of the channels being drawn on to support a promising energy management project. The founders are determined to enter the business world well prepared.
Kuafu (taking its name from a mythical Chinese giant who chased the sun) is one of a number of projects springing up to solve problems in the energy transition. Renewable energy sources, being dependent on uncontrollable factors such as weather, are far more unpredictable than conventional energy production; at the same time, demand is rising thanks to the growth in electric vehicles, heat pumps and so on. Together, this sets up big challenges for grid operators.
Kuafu bridges the two sides through an automated flexibility management platform that connects grid operators and energy management system providers (EMS).
The benefits are many. Better connection at this level enables operators to manage their supply more efficiently, rather than having to add power lines; it contributes to a more resilient and sustainable energy system; and for end users, optimising their consumption and production (through solar panels) can even put money in their pockets.
Start-up coaching
Switzerland has a rich start-up ecosystem, full of organisations that are dedicated to helping new businesses get off the ground. Federica and Hanmin have joined Bluelion’s accelerator programme and taken Innosuisse coaching, as well as taking part in the NCCR-run Bench2Biz, which is designed specifically to help scientists make the transition to entrepreneurship.
The most interesting part of Bench2Biz, Federica says, is working with MBA students to define their business model, including performing market analysis, identifying competitors, customer discovery, pricing and branding.
“There’s no lecturer teaching. We’re working with these students in a co-creation process. You give others the opportunity to help you improve – it’s unique. And this is more friendly to early stage start-ups; you’re really shaping the project together.” – Hanmin Cai
Excerpt from an article by NCCR Automation.
First published on kuafu.ch.