Vanessa Johnson
Project Manager - Government Projects & Trade Missions Consulting Services
+1 (404) 586-6838 vjohnson@gaccsouth.com
Experience the clean-tech innovation hubs of the Southern U.S. firsthand.
The CleanTech Ambassador Trip offers an exclusively curated program for clean-tech enthusiasts from academia, industry, and the public sector.
The goal is to exchange knowledge, foster international partnerships, and discover pioneering solutions for a sustainable future.
Currently, there may be longer wait times and an increased presence of ICE at selected airports in the United States. However, your booked destination is not affected by this.
Should you remain interested in the trip despite any possible concerns, we are of course available to assist you at any time.
Travel Program: Stops & Key Topics
Possible stops on this trip include, for example:
- City of Charlotte – Smart Office
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Siemens Energy
- UNC Charlotte (Energy & Grid Research)
- Carolinas Engine for Grid Modernization
- Duke Energy
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
- BMW Manufacturing (Greer, SC)
- Bosch (Anderson, SC)
- Lowe’s Innovation Labs
- Joule Accelerator / E4 Carolinas
- Honeywell oder Schneider Electric
(Final stops may vary)
Topics covered on this trip include:
- Clean & renewable energy
- Grid modernization & energy infrastructure
- Smart cities & sustainable urban development
- Industrial decarbonization
- Smart manufacturing & e-mobility
- Research-to-industry transfer
- Clean-tech startups & innovation ecosystems
- Transatlantic collaboration
Who should apply?
1. Research (3 Participants)
- Expertise in clean tech, hydrogen, energy, or environmental sciences
- Experience in research and international collaboration
- Excellent English and presentation skills
- Ability to disseminate and multiply knowledge within their institution
2. Private Sector / Startups (3 participants)
- Executive, founder, or specialist in the clean-tech space
- Experience in technology development or application
- Open to international networking and collaboration
Examples: CTO of a hydrogen startup, business development manager in clean tech, innovation manager in the energy sector
3. Public Sector (3 participants)
- Representatives from ministries, public agencies, or energy/technology institutions
- Strategic interest in clean tech and policy development
- Experience in international collaboration
Examples: advisor for a hydrogen strategy, representative of an energy agency, diplomat with a focus on energy and innovation
4. Open Seat (1 participant)
- Representative of an NGO, media professional, international partner, or from the education sector
- Strong communication skills and interest in clean-tech topics
Conditions
Minimum age: 21
Hotel, meals, and program costs will be covered
Flight and visa costs: to be covered by participants
Number of participants: maximum 10
Timeline
⏳ Travel period: May 10–15, 2026
⏳ Application deadline: March 15, 2026
Selected participants will be contacted individually in the week following the application deadline.
