SIF Expert Community gathered at the G-STIC for another successful Assessment Challenge

In Brussels, SIF Experts gathered at the G-STIC 2019 for one more successful Assessment Challenge

The Solar Impulse Foundation (SIF) Expert Assessment Challenge took place at the Brussels Expo center, which is a representation of the exceptional architecture that developed in Brussels in the 1930’s: Art Deco”. This historical venue, built to host the World Exhibition in 1935, has been the setting of many important events over the past decades. This year, the emblematic installations of its big palaces were chosen to accommodate one of the greatest conferences on global sustainable technologies and innovation: the G-STIC 2019.

About a month after a successful Expert Challenge in Lausanne, the Solar Impulse Foundation collaborated with the G-STIC team to gather around 40 leading specialists in various domains – such as renewable energies, circular economy, freight transportation and water –, reinforcing our commitment to bringing together environmentally protective and financially viable ways for achieving SDGs.

Similar to a hackathon, this event had one key objective: bringing together Experts to assess solutions who have applied for the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label. Divided into small groups of 5-6 people, the Experts discussed new technologies and reviewed assessments with their peers based on 3 criteria: feasibility, environmental benefits and profitability.

The morning was full of engaging and highly technical discussions, networking moments and came to an end with a closing note by our Head of Experts, Eleonore Van Der Lande, and a short wrap-up with our Chairman, Bertrand Piccard. Prizes were offered to the Most Committed Expert (Schekeb Fateh), the Best Solution Finder (Wouter Schaekers) and the Best Expert Recruiter (Salima Abu Jeriban).

“I’m proud of being the best expert recruiter for the Solar Impulse Foundation. The G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Conference series event was really interesting #1000solutions”
Salima Abu Jeriban

“I am extremely proud to receive recognition from Bertrand Piccard from Solar Impulse Foundation as best scout for new Solutions. Disruptive innovation does not come from working within our walls but by partnering externally and working together on the common purpose.
Wouter Schaekers

“Proud to be certified as the most committed expert of Solar Impulse Foundation towards the selection of #1000solutions by Bertrand Piccard during G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Conference series in #brussels #belgium”
Schekeb Fateh

Crossing the beautiful water bonds and the Atomium, the SIF team guided all the experts to the Networking Lunch. This part took place at the Palais 10, the Conference Main Hall, where Bertrand Piccard gave an inspiring speech to all Experts, Innovators and the entire G-STIC community. Afterwards, thanks to a full-day pass provided by the Foundation, all SIF’s attendees were able to attend the G-STIC Deep Dive Sessions in different fields, such as Climate, Water and Oceans.

Meanwhile, a SIF booth was set to give the chance to Experts and Innovators to stop by and talk to the Foundation’s team. The sun went down and we were introduced to the Industry Night program, including the “World of Flavours” Walking Dinner, by chef Seppe Novels, who brought us delicious flavours from Brazil, China, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Africa.

On November 21st, in less than 12 hours, over 30 solutions were assessed by Experts, and approximately 80% of these will receive the label and join our portfolio of 299 solutions; thus this day represents a big step forward in the #1000Solutions Challenge.

“I had a great day at my first Solar Impulse Assessment Challenge event to support the labelling of 1000 Solutions for saving the planet with Bertrand Piccard and the Solar Impulse Foundation”
Jose Vega

“I feel so inspired after participating as an Expert at the Solar Impulse Foundation’s Expert Challenge in Brussels, assessing sustainable solutions along with 35 other Expert from across Europe”
Rubina Singh

Our next SIF Expert Challenge will take place at the Grand Palais, in Paris, on January 31st. We look forward to welcoming you there. If you have not done it yet, please sign up here until January 12th.