How can entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable action be combined? The CircularTech Summer School offers students the opportunity to find out. Over the course of a week, they immerse themselves in the world of the circular economy, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with experts from the field. Joel Sidler took part – in this interview, he shares his key takeaways and explains how the Summer School has influenced his approach to projects.
You decided to participate in the CircularTech Summer School. What motivated you?
What I found particularly exciting was that the program doesn’t just focus on entrepreneurship but specifically on circular business models. Sustainability plays a major role in my facility management studies, and I am currently working on several projects related to it. That’s why the combination of entrepreneurship and sustainability in this Summer School particularly appealed to me.
How did you find out about the Summer School?
In a rather unexpected way: A few months earlier, I had participated in the ZHAW Startup Challenge but had to withdraw from the competition. Later, I stumbled upon the CircularTech Summer School and immediately realized that it was a perfect fit for my interests.
What were the key insights you gained from the Summer School?
One of the most important insights for me was the significance of customer perspective. No matter what kind of business model you develop, understanding customer needs is essential. Only by doing so can you tailor products or services effectively and create real value.
Was there a particular challenge or experience during the Summer School that stood out to you?
One major challenge was international collaboration. The Summer School brought together participants from all over Europe, meaning that everyone had different approaches and expectations. It was fascinating to bring these diverse perspectives together, but it also came with its challenges.
I also vividly remember the discussions with stakeholders, including potential customers. They showed me just how practical and hands-on the Summer School is and how crucial it is to gather real-world feedback early on.
What are you currently working on, and how has the Summer School supported you in that?
In fact, a project emerged from the Summer School that I am now pursuing with another participant. We had to tweak the original idea a bit, but the core concept came from the Summer School. The skills and methods taught there are still proving useful. For example, the customer analysis techniques I learned have been incredibly helpful in my studies. Knowing how to apply them in practice has given me a significant advantage.
Who would benefit most from attending a Summer School, and why?
Anyone who is intrinsically motivated to create lasting change. The Summer School is not only a great way to deepen your understanding of the circular economy, but it also provides valuable insights into business model development. Whether you have prior experience in one or both areas or are completely new to the field, there is something to gain.
How has the Summer School influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
The Summer School has shown me that it pays off to just start and experiment. My project from the Summer School is still ongoing, proving that such programs can lead to truly sustainable ideas and initiatives.
My biggest tip: Take action and try things out! In entrepreneurship, the best learning comes from experience – and a Summer School is the perfect place to gain it.
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