The first annual Networking Conference on Sustainable Energy organized by BRIDGES took place alongside the Solar World Congress from the 3-5th of November, 2025 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Hosting the event in conjunction with this major international conference gave participants the opportunity to attend both programs and maximize exchange.
The networking conference brought together experts from academia, industry, policy and funding institutions to strengthen cooperation between Germany and Brazil in the field of sustainable energy and the energy transition.
The program combined keynote lectures, research pitch sessions, industry presentations, and structured matchmaking activities. Research pitches showcased cutting-edge work in areas such as solar energy, second-life batteries, hydrogen technologies, and related interdisciplinary fields. Keynote lecturers addressed the future of solar energy, sustainability, and technological innovation, while industry presentations provided practical insights into the implementation of energy solutions in Brazil.
In addition, dedicated matchmaking sessions created opportunities for direct exchange between participants from different sectors, facilitating the initiation of new collaborations and joint project ideas.
The conference gathered a total of 67 participants from academia, industry, and policy institutions. As a direct outcome of the event, new connections were established with two different research partners, the Instituto Federal do Ceára (IFCE) and Mobilab at the University of São Paulo (USP).
Key thematic areas covered throughout the conference included solar energy technologies and markets, electromobility and the future of transport, second-life batteries and storage solutions, and green hydrogen strategies.
By combining scientific insights, practical applications, and funding perspectives, the conference created space for meaningful dialog and the development of new partnerships between German and Brazilian stakeholders.