What do EIT InnoEnergy Master School students have in common with some of the largest innovation think tanks of this century, such as the newly renamed (Google)X? The use of Moonshot philosophy to ideate radical options to create breakthrough ideas! The “Moonshot Project” demonstrates that even the boldest ideas can become a reality. Because even though there is no blueprint for this type of accelerated innovation, with the right environment, methodology and rapid prototyping tools (thanks to Fab Lab Barcelona) – the sky’s the limit!
Let’s peek behind the scenes to see how this exciting course works and hear what students had to say about their experience.
How does it work?
Created by a team at UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) and former graduates, in close collaboration with Fab Lab Barcelona, the “Moonshot Project” allows students of the Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities to experience this innovative method first-hand. Working under tight deadlines, the students can test out their most revolutionary ideas – using rapid prototype testing and agile project management methods. As one student describes, “Moonshot was an exposure to a real-world start-up environment. It encourages limitless ambition and introduces students to the basic elements of business creation by offering the tools and guidance from knowledgeable and energetic experts. The time in FabLab was so enjoyable, and it just flew by!”
Hands-on projects
As students explore a current energy challenge, they see first-hand how a solution goes from idea to viable business with the help of significant players in the energy field (such as Red Eléctrica, enel, the European Commission or the IEA) and support from techy start-ups and research centres (including EIT InnoEnergy’s supported start-ups: . One student shares their project idea as an example, “The challenge was to produce energy from neglected renewable sources that we barely notice in our daily life. Such as the project my team members and I worked on, aimed at producing electricity from stored rainwater to generate light.” As they worked their way from ideation to actual physical creation, their proposed solution came to life! As did the detailed business plan that would be necessary to bring their ideas forward.
This list was taken from the original article (https://www.innoenergy.com/for-students-learners/news-events/eit-innoenergy-introduces-the-moonshot-project-a-rapid-prototyping-course-to-help-create-disruptive-impact/) and can be refined based on any changes to this lineup or just refer to the ones used for this particular course.
Programme value add
For EIT InnoEnergy Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities students at UPC, this Moonshot methodology can play a critical role in creating smart solutions for a rapidly urbanizing world. As one student shares, “It’s quite relevant to the scope of the course and curriculum – and adds value from the practical experience aspect, which is priceless. Furthermore, it encouraged me to engage even more in the innovation environment and culture. I believe that the ideas created here could inspire others and make a good foundation for future applications – for improvements, research, and implementations in smart cities around the globe.”
The Moonshot Project takes off again soon, tapping into students’ unlimited potential to create ground-breaking ideas to make a massive impact in the energy sector!
InnoTalks: Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities
17 January 2023. 15.00 CET. The world’s population is increasingly urban. More than half of us now live in a city. More will do so in the future. We face new challenges in urban design, civil infrastructure and energy management.
Would you also like to make waves with breakthrough ideas? Join InnoTalks: Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities to meet programme representatives and learn all about the programme that is focused on smarter and more sustainable communities!
During the event, the programme representatives will discuss moonshot project, courses and syllabus, innovation & entrepreneurship journey as well as cover any questions that you might have!