Networking research, start-ups and industry

Kanav Bhalla, the new research associate at the Feuchtwangen campus, is pursuing the ambitious goal of connecting start-ups, researchers and industry experts in order to develop innovative solutions for energy systems and sustainable building technology. He brings extensive expertise to the table and is actively committed to establishing a strong network.

In an interview, he gave an insight into his professional career and the goals he is now pursuing as a permanent team member.

What has your career been like so far?

My journey into sustainable building technology began in India, where I obtained my Bachelor of Technology (BTech). With a desire to explore the future of energy systems and sustainability, I moved to Germany to complete my Masters in Smart Energy Systems at the Feuchtwangen campus.

During my studies, I had the great opportunity to work as a student assistant (HiWi) under Professor Vaidya in the development of the Sustainable Building Systems program. This experience allowed me to dive deep into sustainable building topics, understand their practical application and develop a solid professional foundation.

What interests you most about sustainable building technology?

What particularly fascinates me about sustainable building technology is the combination of engineering, environmental awareness and innovation. Buildings consume a significant amount of energy, and optimizing them sustainably is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities in the fight against climate change.

Through smart energy systems and innovative construction methods, we can not only reduce the carbon footprint, but also increase energy efficiency and create resilient, sustainable cities. It is precisely these opportunities that drive my passion.

What are your tasks on campus?

In my current role, I am responsible for building an innovation and sustainability network. My goal is to bring start-ups, researchers and industry experts together to develop new solutions for energy systems and sustainable building technology.

I also want to help establish Feuchtwangen as a center for innovation – a place known for pioneering research, entrepreneurship and smart sustainable solutions. By building a strong network and promoting the start-up culture, we can put Feuchtwangen in the spotlight and position it as a hotspot for sustainability and smart energy concepts.

What particularly appealed to you about this job offer?

As I was a student at the Feuchtwangen campus myself, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges, processes and development opportunities. My time as a student trainee gave me valuable insights behind the scenes and familiarized me with the internal processes. This knowledge now enables me to make targeted efforts to drive forward improvements.

This position is not just a job for me – it is an opportunity to bring about real change. I’m looking forward to making my contribution and helping to shape the future of sustainable energy and building technology.