The summit featured an international exhibition, networking opportunities, and a series of conferences. Topics included balancing energy security with net-zero ambitions, mobilising capital to enable the energy transition, fostering public-private partnerships to advance hydrogen and renewable fuels, and exploring Energy 4.0 with digital transformation, AI, and smart systems. This event facilitated dialogue between energy producers, civil society, public officials, consultants, and technology companies. Encouraged by InnoEnergy Masters+ CommUnity,  students participated actively in these discussions. Dylan Correia, local manager of the Lisbon CommUnity Team, and Vasileios Pantelakis, event manager and member of the student council, shared their insights.

“Attending this summit provides our students with a unique opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts, enhancing their knowledge and broadening their professional horizons,” says Vasileios Pantelakis. He highlights the shrinking gap between academia and industry and how knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios. CommUnity also promotes events that allow students to network with peers, alumni, and industry professionals, creating opportunities to explore internships, co-op programmes, and job offers, significantly boosting career prospects. Dylan Correia adds that students gain insight into what companies are looking for.

Vasileios shares, “I strive to create a close-knit community where every student feels like they are part of a second family. Many of our students have left their families, countries, and even continents to join this master’s programme, so fostering a sense of belonging is crucial.” Dylan encourages students to join CommUnity events, emphasising that these experiences develop skills not necessarily found in the classroom, such as managing budgets, organising events, public speaking, and hosting. These skills can enhance resumes and play a significant role in job opportunities.

The journey as an InnoEnergy master’s student is filled with unique opportunities and supportive colleagues, all aimed at boosting each other’s careers.