In conversation with Rawad Chammas
The mechanical engineer takes care of knowledge transfer at WISTA Management GmbH
When he studied mechanical engineering at Technische Universität Berlin, Rawad Chammas had already discovered his passion for the processes and transfer of knowledge during the various phases of technology development. The now 33-year-old has continued to pursue this passion as a knowledge transfer consultant at WISTA, Berlin’s foremost technology park developer. Here, he brings together established companies with start-ups, the fresh perspectives of students with the experience of seasoned researchers, and is in charge of the offerings of Campus Club Adlershof. Chammas is always on the lookout for new formats and spaces for a creative exchange. A new series of events kicking off in autumn will address the so-called Grand Challenges.
Adlershof Journal: How does Technology Park Adlershof belong together with the quest for finding solutions to the grand challenges of the future?
Rawad Chammas: The people who work and do research on the site have been involved with topics like sustainable mobility, solutions for the energy transition, and the digital transformation for a very long time. Solutions for complex challenges rarely come from one single discipline. More often, they are the product of a collaboration that spans disciplines, technologies, and industries. Our new event series “TechConnect Adlershof: Grand Challenges” will provide a platform for this.
In what way?
We want to establish an annual conference on specific subject areas. It will be preceded by an event on the topic of “Intelligent Materials and the Circular Economy” at Forum Adlershof on 6 November 2023 – embedded into Berlin Science Week, which will take place at the same time. The circular economy aims at prolonging the life cycle of products, making more efficient use of resources, and minimising waste. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) will present concrete projects to that effect, for example. Moreover, Circular Berlin will encourage the generation of new ideas at the event. This is a non-profit association with the aim of redesigning the material flows within Germany’s capital to create a circular city. New materials play a significant role as does the topic of energy, including energy production and storage. We are already planning another event on the topic of energy next year. These are but three large and timely subject areas where we would like to see Adlershof being perceived as a driver of innovation in finding scientific and technical solutions to certain challenges and as a place that contributes to climate protection.
What other activities are planned in addition to new event formats?
We are also planning to provide a physical space for developing and testing new technologies.
How does your personal experience contribute to these processes?
I have contributed seven years’ worth of experience working at Technology Park Adlershof, including the organisation of accelerator programmes and innovation workshops, and talent acquisition activities. I always have been very ambitious and curious. I started testing out my knowledge in various projects when I came to Berlin to study at 18 years old. I managed a student café, organised intercultural events, founded a chain of restaurants in Colombia (for which I developed a special grill), and developed robotics concepts for coffee harvesting.
Peggy Mory for Adlershof Journal