Energy, Innovation and Community-Led Models
13 February 2026 | Sapienza University of Rome
Organised by Engreen in collaboration with Prof. Andrea Micangeli
About the Event
The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) is an international educational initiative designed to prepare students to address the major global challenges of our time through interdisciplinary learning that connects technology, research, innovation and social impact.
As part of the four-day Grand Challenges Scholars Program conference, 13 February 2026 will feature a special opening event, hosted by Engreen in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome. The day will officially open the conference, setting the thematic framework for the sessions that follow.
The event will focus on energy systems, innovation and community-led models in development and humanitarian contexts, bringing together students, researchers, technical professionals and invited experts. Through keynotes, round tables and interactive discussions, participants will exchange perspectives, share applied experiences and explore how sustainable energy solutions can be designed, implemented and scaled in real-world settings.
Focus of the Day
The event will explore how energy acts as a key enabler for social and economic development, with particular attention to:
- Decentralised renewable energy systems and mini-grids
- Renewable solutions for healthcare infrastructure
- Innovation in humanitarian contexts, including hydrogen pilots, data and digital tools
- Citizen-led and community-based energy models in an international perspective
All sessions are grounded in applied experience, bridging academic research with implementation practices.
Event Format
Sessions will follow a keynote + round table format, encouraging dialogue between academia, practitioners and institutions.
Each thematic block includes:
- A keynote speech (approx. 15 minutes)
- A moderated round table with invited speakers
- Open discussion with participants
The afternoon workshop will adopt a more interactive format, fostering exchange and collaborative thinking.
Programme Overview
08:00 – 09:00
Welcome Breakfast & Registration (Cloister)
Participant check-in, morning coffee and poster set-up.
09:00 – 10:00
Opening Plenary Session (Main Room)
GCSP overview (2008–2026), Rectoral message, and introduction to GCSP Schools and programme.
10:00 – 10:30
Poster Session & Coffee Break (Cloister)
Schools’ and sponsors’ poster presentations.
10:30 – 12:45
Workshop 1 – TECHNICAL INNOVATION (Main Room)
Research and development across Water, Energy, Food, eMobility, Hydrogen and Artificial Intelligence.
12:45 – 13:45
Lunch Break (Cloister)
Poster presentations continue.
13:45 – 15:00
Workshop 2 – ENTREPRENEURSHIP & VIABILITY (Main Room)
Communities and shared technologies for energy, healthcare and productive uses, including mini-grids and Renewable Energy Communities.
15:00 – 16:00
Special Performance (Frescoes’ Room)
Situational Awareness for the Environment: See the Unseen… Beyond Perception.
16:00 – 16:30
Coffee Break16:30 – 17:45
Workshop 3 – MULTICULTURAL & GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS(Main Room)
Engineering for solidarity, global partnerships and field study abroad.
In parallel with the main programme, a series of side activities will take place, designed to foster interaction and exchange.
Dedicated sessions will host student–speaker discussions following the workshops, with thematic focuses on technological innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced topics such as hydrogen, data and digitalisation.
Additional parallel activities—including poster presentations, service learning sessions, group photos and cultural visits—will complement the programme, enriching the day with informal learning, networking and experiential moments.
Who Should Attend
- GCSP students and early-career researchers
- Academics working on energy, sustainability and development
- Technical professionals and practitioners
- Representatives from NGOs, institutions and international organisations
Engreen at the Event
Throughout the day, Engreen will showcase selected projects through poster displays covering mini-grids, healthcare energy systems, hydrogen pilots, digitalisation and community models.
A Career & Information Desk will also be available for participants interested in learning more about Engreen’s work, ongoing projects and professional opportunities.
Contact & Participation
For more information about the event or participation opportunities, please contact info@engreen.world
For an overview of the full Grand Challenges Scholars Program conference, please visit:
https://ici.web.uniroma1.it/it/grand-challenges-scholars-program
To register for the event, please complete the registration form at the link.
