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.
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.
