I was a student and innovation-driven entrepreneur enthusiast in the field of renewable energy, with a motivation to develop sustainable business solutions. HE, Georgiana Maries, is active in renewable energy project management consulting and has significant experience in supporting startups to secure funding and grow their business concepts. I discovered the EYE programme during the Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Gävle in April 2024, where details about EYE were presented. One of the participants was Ms. Georgiana, whose expertise and entrepreneurial background immediately inspired me. I wanted to learn to secure funding for renewable energy ventures to assess my startup idea. Therefore I participated in EYE because it provides a unique opportunity to connect with experienced entrepreneurs. The expected benefits included hands-on knowledge of funding strategies, and the chance to refine my own business idea by conducting feasibility studies in a real-world context.
During my EYE stay, I actively participated in consortium meetings, which gave me first-hand experience of how international collaborations in renewable energy projects are managed. I also engaged in networking activities that helped me strengthen my professional connections in the Netherlands, Sweden, and across Europe, creating a valuable base of potential partners for future projects. Together with the support and guidance of my Host, I prepared and submitted a proposal for the EIT Digital Venture Incubation Programme. Our concept was among the 8 winning ideas out of 300 to receive funding and mentorship. This achievement not only validated the strength of the business idea but also highlighted the impact of my Host’s mentorship in guiding me through the process. The relationship with th HE was highly collaborative and supportive. Our cooperation was built on mutual trust and knowledge exchange, which made the experience both productive and inspiring for my entrepreneurial journey.
The cooperation has opened prospects for joint projects with my Host, and I am now preparing to start my own company in the Netherlands by converting my EZ into a BV, building on the experience and opportunities gained during the exchange. I gained essential entrepreneurial skills in project management, funding applications, and feasibility studies for renewable energy startups. I have greatly expanded my professional network across the Netherlands, Sweden, and Europe with several startups in the energy field, universities and research organisation and especially very great people with vision.
My EYE stay in Sweden was a turning point; it gave me the confidence, skills, and network to pursue my entrepreneurial journey. I am grateful to my Host and the programme for the guidance and opportunities that now inspire me to start my own clean energy and mobility company in the Netherlands.
