In April VERBUND invited our Founder & CEO Christian Adelsberger to be part of an Innovation-Journey delving into Zurich's vibrant research and innovation ecosystem.
The journey spotlighted Switzerland, ranked as the world's most innovative country according to the Global Innovation Index 2023 and provided access to top innovation leaders like ABB and MAN Energy Solutions, prestigious scientific institutions, and the dynamic start-up scene in Zurich.
This trip was a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how Switzerland maintains its edge in innovation and technology.
Immediately afterwards, the Necture team travelled to the Basque region and took part in the Energy Tech Summit in Bilbao. Christian, Raffaele, Rebeka and Ulrike experienced an event in the heart of Climate Tech with companies and contributors driving the topic and creating solutions towards a healthier planet. Investors, companies, start-ups and experts met in Bilbao to exchange ideas and drive innovation.
We took the opportunity during the Energy Tech Summit to hold a fireside chat entitled "Innovation in Energy Tech: Growth Strategies and Scalability Challenges" with our partners from the energy sector. Christian, representing a startup perspective, talked with Franz Zöchbauer of VERBUND X Ventures, Terhi J. Vapola from Greencode Ventures, and Lars Hennersdorf of SEIF/energie360º, focusing on investment sector experiences and the challenges investors and start-ups should be aware of.
Throughout the chat, it became evident that there is not one growth strategy that fits all. Each panellist emphasised the importance of product-market fit as a fundamental prerequisite for success. As Terhi J. Vapola pointed out, "Success hinges not just on a broad strategy, but also on key elements such as product-market fit, customer value, and a strong team, all of which prepare you for scaling."
Lars Hennersdorf shared insights into how creating a trustworthy relationship between businesses and investors or board members can lead to more effective and accelerated growth. He noted, "Trust is essential, as it lays the foundation for open communication and shared objectives."
Whereas Franz Zöchbauer emphasised, "Investors bring more than just funds to the table; They should have open doors and connect people and organisations to foster knowledge exchange and share results.”
The consensus was clear: collaboration and innovative thinking are pivotal in advancing the global energy agenda. By fostering an environment where knowledge and resources are shared openly, businesses, investors, and experts can drive significant advancements in energy technology.
The evening, and thus the trip, ended with a gathering organised by ETS at the Guggenheim Bilbao - a unique opportunity to experience the museum at night and gain new perspectives on the world.
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