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All news, insights and events
All news, insights and events

InnoBlog: A Student’s Inside Look at TBB 2024

InnoEnergy Masters+ student assistants at The Business Booster 2024, united in driving sustainable energy forward.

My Experience as a Student Assistant

If you’re passionate about clean energy, sustainability, or reshaping the world, make sure TBB 2025 is on your calendar! Attending The Business Booster (TBB) by EIT InnoEnergy this year in Barcelona was an unforgettable experience, leaving me energized, inspired, and filled with purpose. It’s a business booster showcasing technological, culinary, and cultural diversity with some amazing artistic displays.

As a student assistant at TBB 2024, I was thrilled to support two pioneering startups: Altris, specializing in high-density sustainable cathode materials, and Percy Roc, innovators in microwave heating materials. Alongside 29 other student assistants (selected students from InnoEnergy Masters+ programme), we represented a diverse, motivated team—eager to boost the sustainable energy sector with energy of our own! Outfitted and professional, each of us was part of something much larger, with the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The event took place at the CCIB in Barcelona, a venue that perfectly matched TBB’s ambitions. From the moment I entered the expansive lobby, I knew this was no ordinary conference. Picture a hall buzzing with excitement, a galaxy of innovation where startups and tech leaders orbited around a shared goal: transforming the energy landscape. The layout resembled a solar system, with startups as stars and industry giants as planets, radiating ideas like electromagnetic waves across every corner. I found myself immersed in a space filled with prototypes, concepts, and collaborations, all signaling that our sustainable future is not a distant dream—it’s being created right now.

The showcase was nothing short of a glimpse into tomorrow. From drones with versatile applications to electric vehicles and advanced battery packs, I encountered futuristic solutions that had once seemed possible only in sci-fi. But here, they were real and ready for deployment. The entrance alone boasted a spread of next-generation energy tech, offering a “welcome” that felt more like an initiation into a world where big dreams meet hard reality—a space where innovation isn’t just aspirational; it’s accessible, achievable, and transformative.

A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Innovation and Collaboration

Every corner held a new marvel, from pioneering green hydrogen solutions to breakthrough battery advancements. These weren’t mere concepts—they were actionable solutions to today’s energy challenges, tackling issues like decarbonization, digitalization, and efficiency. Each startup’s booth seemed to echo the urgency and drive that permeates EIT InnoEnergy’s mission, and I was humbled to stand among the visionaries making this happen.

But TBB 2024 was about more than just innovation; it was about people. The networking sessions were dynamic, and I found myself surrounded by investors scouting for the next big breakthrough, entrepreneurs ready to disrupt the energy status quo, and policymakers with the power to make a difference. Conversations were deep, ideas flowed freely, and the drive to turn these visions into reality was palpable. I felt honored to share a space with people who are not just talking about change but are actively shaping it.

The sessions were equally inspiring. From welcome speeches to roundtable discussions and exhilarating pitching sessions, every moment was an opportunity to learn and be motivated. Keynote speakers were unforgettable; their insights on renewables, the potential of digitalization, and the scale of impact within the energy sector left a profound impression. One quote resonated deeply: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” This reminder hit home, underscoring that each of us has a role in the journey toward a sustainable world.

The Lessons and Takeaways

Leaving TBB, I carried three key lessons that will stay with me:
  • Collaboration as the Catalyst: The synergy between startups, investors, and industry leaders underscored that collaboration is essential for a sustainable future. We can’t achieve these goals alone; teamwork multiplies our potential.
  • Innovation as the Engine: Every solution to our energy challenges lies within the creativity and resilience of innovators. What I saw reassured me that revolutionizing the energy landscape is not only possible but already in progress.
  • Action as the Key: Dreaming and innovating are vital, but only through action can we make change. TBB was a powerful reminder that the movement is already in motion—now is the time to scale up and make an impact.
If there’s one thing I took away, it’s motivation. The kind that goes beyond ambition—the kind that fuels purpose. We have the power to accelerate this shift toward sustainable energy, to help create a world that’s cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable.
Barcelona, with its spirit of innovation and boundless energy, provided the ideal backdrop for TBB. I left feeling empowered, ready to contribute to the mission, and excited to be part of something far larger than myself. My gratitude goes to the EIT InnoEnergy team—from CEO Diego Pavia to directors like Frank Gielen and Elena Bou, and thematic leaders like Thor Sekenes. Their commitment, along with the diverse and talented team behind TBB, made this event a triumph. Next year, The Business Booster is heading to Paris! Stay tuned for more updates and join us as we continue driving the future of sustainable energy forward. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it!
This blog was written by Joel Bikie, a 2nd-year SENSE student.