About the Event
The Cluster Decarbonisation in Industries (CDI) and the Lausitz Science Network (LSN) bring together young talents from academia, industry and society to work on one of today`s key challenges: industrial decarbonisation.
From 9 to 11 September 2025, the Decarbonisation Summer School will take place in Cottbus, in the structurally transforming region of Lusatia. The event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, gain practical experience, and contribute to a climate-neutral future. Over the course of an intensive three-day programme, participants will collaborate with industry experts and researchers through hands-on workshops, real-world case studies, and site visits. As part of a focused design sprint, they will develop practical, application-oriented solutions for decarbonising energy-intensive industries and supporting Germany’s energy transition.
Participants will present their outcomes at the CDI Summer Summit in the form of innovation pitches. In return, they will gain exclusive insights into industrial processes, meet leading experts, and establish valuable contacts across sectors.
In addition to the technical programme, the Summer School fosters the creation of a strong, interdisciplinary network of future climate innovators.
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 120 partners from industry, business, and research are involved in the network, working towards transforming energy-intensive industries to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality.
Lausitz Science Network (LSN)
The event is organised in cooperation with the Lausitz Science Network (LSN). The LSN promotes scientific cooperation and innovation in Lusatia by linking universities, non-university research institutes and departmental research in order to promote joint projects and strengthen the exchange of knowledge.
What to expect
Industry Insights
Site visits to companies pioneering decarbonisation
Design Sprint
Develop innovative solutions with peers from around the world
Networking
Meet industry leaders, researchers, and fellow climate innovators
Presentation Skills
Showcase your ideas to top expertsWhat 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 welcome applications from Master's students, PhD candidates, and young professionals from disciplines including:
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Economics
- Social Sciences
We are looking for a diverse group of participants with both technical and economic backgrounds, as well as individuals from creative fields such as communication, design, and politics. Participants will be selected based on their responses to the application form. Please note that a minimum English proficiency level of C1 is required.
Applications are open until 30 June 2025.
Contact Information
Janina Biell
Kommunikationsmanagerin im Referat Strukturwandel, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg janina.biell@b-tu.de 0049 355 69 4784
