Project Update: Business Idea Competition on Low-Cost Energy Solutions
A workshop on opportunities for the energy business in Ethiopia was held in Mekelle City on September 30, as part of the project, "Business Idea Competition on Low-Cost Energy Solutions.” The aim of this workshop was to catalyze a cultural shift to better support aspiring entrepreneurs in the energy business and promote the idea that competition can encourage innovation.
The workshop attracted 62 young engineers and gave them an opportunity to understand the current situation of energy access in Ethiopia. Presentations included: Solomon T. Michael, a lecturer, researcher, and head of the energy department at the Ethiopian Institute of Technology Mekelle on energy access; the Tigray Mines and Energy Agency on their ongoing projects related to low-cost energy technologies in Tigray; and a young entrepreneur, Mebrahtu, who shared his innovative work on different types of energy efficient traditional stoves.
Participants discussed opportunities, challenges, and solutions in starting up an energy business in Ethiopia. Participants were also made aware of the opportunity to join the upcoming business idea competition on low-cost energy solutions in Ethiopia. The workshop inspired 13 young engineers to apply for the competition.
Participants were captivated by the energy demand growth rate for the next 20 years in Ethiopia and by the energy efficiency concept. The team has also received continuous support from the head of the Entrepreneurship Office and the Deputy Director of the Research and Development Office of Mekelle University.
