INRTU: Nurturing Startups for a Low-Carbon Economy
The development of innovations in the field of clean energy and energy efficiency receives a powerful impetus thanks to initiatives such as the "Energy Laboratory" accelerator program, organized by IRNITU in partnership with En+. The program focuses on supporting technological innovations in the energy sector and attracts students from various regions and educational institutions. Over the past six years, more than 1000 students from 24 cities and 35 educational establishments have participated in the program. In the final stage of the current season, 60 teams from 17 cities and 23 colleges and technical schools across Russia worked on solving 31 cases initiated by companies within the En+ group.
The goal of the program is to identify high-tech and innovative low-carbon solutions that can subsequently be implemented in the operations of energy enterprises. Projects were evaluated by managers of the company's business units, with key criteria being the relevance and novelty of the proposed solutions, support and development of renewable and accessible energy, scalability, feasibility, economic justification, participants' contribution to development, and their ability to present their ideas to an audience.
One notable success story from this program is the creation of a mobile application for linear personnel in sales companies. Developed under the guidance of Associate Professor Vadim Arshinsky, the app allows employees to quickly view customer meter data, significantly simplifying their work and improving client interactions. A key feature of this solution is its high level of security, ensured through an authorization system and restrictions on screenshots and video recording.
Graduates of IRNITU also make a significant contribution to the development of innovations. An increasing number of alumni are developing their own technology startups within the university, contributing to the advancement of a low-carbon economy and technologies.
An illustrative example is the methodology for predicting power consumption in energy systems using machine learning, developed by Maxim Pugachev. This project, carried out within the framework of the "Startup as Diploma" program, aims to enhance the accuracy of forecasts for electricity consumption, which is crucial for optimizing the operation of energy systems and conserving resources. Pugachev considered factors such as regional climatic features and even the influence of Bitcoin rates on electricity consumption, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to solving the problem.
Another intriguing concept was introduced by Diana Kuzhenova, who developed a project focused on creating a consumer profile for low-carbon energy resources, primarily those like electricity generated by the Irkutsk Hydroelectric Power Station. Designed for utility providers, this tool aims to assist organizations in addressing challenges associated with accounts receivable, thereby helping them become more cost-effective. Integrated into the enterprise resource-planning complex, the profile will enable operators to classify clients according to their accessibility categories, suggesting optimal engagement strategies tailored to each type of debtor. This approach not only enhances the operational efficiency of companies but also renders their processes more transparent and manageable.
These examples illustrate how critical it is to support youth initiatives and startups in the clean energy sector. IRNITU plays a pivotal role in fostering innovative thinking among its students, providing opportunities for ambitious projects and facilitating their integration into the real economy. Through these efforts, future professionals gain valuable experience and skills necessary for furthering sustainable development and energy-efficient technologies.
