About the Event
From August 31 to September 4th 2026, the Cluster Decarbonisation in Industries (CDI) in cooperation with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus – Senftenberg (BTU) bring together young talents from science, industry and society with leading research institutions and companies to develop innovative approaches for the industrial decarbonisation challenge with a focus on regional conditions, using the Lausitz case study as a Net Zero Valley. The Summer School takes place in Cottbus at the Startblock of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.
The Summer School serves as a platform for the skilled professionals of tomorrow—people who want to actively shape how our industry becomes climate-friendly, competitive and future-ready. In this way, the CDI Decarbonisation Summer School contributes not only to the technological transformation but also strengthens the development and long-term availability of urgently needed expertise in a key sector of the energy transition.
Through hands-on workshops, industry case studies and site visits, you’ll collaborate with top experts to tackle real-world challenges. The results will be presented at the end of the event, in an extended session with local CDI partners.
Our mission:
- Develop practical approaches for the energy transition with a focus on the decarbonisation of industry
- Bridge academic knowledge with real-world challenges and innovation
- Build an interdisciplinary network of future climate leaders
Cluster Decarbonisation in Industries (CDI)
The Cluster Decarbonisation in Industries (CDI) supports the transition process of industry towards climate neutrality as an ideas generator and incubator. It mobilises expertise and synergy effects as an interdisciplinary network with the goal of driving solutions and innovations at the interface of science, business, politics and administration. The CDI was founded in 2021. More than 130 partners from industry, business, and research are involved in the network, working towards transforming energy-intensive industries to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality.
What to expect
Industry Insights
Site visits to companies pioneering decarbonisation
Design Sprint
Develop innovative approaches with peers from different backgrounds
Networking
Meet industry leaders, researchers, and fellow climate innovators
Presentation Skills
Showcase your ideas to challenge local CDI PartnersWhat we aim for
- Knowledge Transfer: An introduction to the basic knowledge of decarbonisation, including technologies, challenges, and current developments in the industry. Integration of multiple levels: ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
- Practical Transfer: Workshops with a hands-on approach, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and scenarios in the context of decarbonisation.
- Multi-perspective: Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through exchange and networking among young adults from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
- Insightful and Enlightening: Raising awareness and motivation by inspiring young people to the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising industry.
- Inspiring and Surprising through innovation and creativity: Participants tackle specific challenges related to the decarbonisation of industry and develop solutions with the support of experts.
- Career Insights: Forming future perspectives through practical insights into different decarbonisation ‘jobs’ and selected CDI partners as potential future employers.
Who should apply
We are looking for about 20 ambitious, curious minds from diverse backgrounds:
- Master’s students, PhD candidates, Master Craftsmen and early-career professionals (up to 35 years old)
- From fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences
- We aim for a 2/3 technical & economic background and 1/3 from creative fields such as communication, design, and policy
- Language: English, C1 level is mandatory (no German required)
Participants will be selected based on their responses to the application form.
Applications are open until June, 15.
Contact Information
