CSTPD Podcast Highlights Dialogue on Energy, Innovation, and Youth Engagement

Last updated on April 21st, 2026 by

The Center for Science, Technology Policy & Diplomacy (CSTPD) recently hosted an insightful podcast session bringing together voices from academia, industry, and diplomacy to discuss innovation, sustainability, and the role of youth in shaping the future.

The episode featured Sebastian Groh, Chief Executive Officer of SOLshare, a pioneering clean-energy social enterprise working on decentralized solar energy and peer-to-peer electricity sharing models in Bangladesh. His insights focused on energy transition, innovation in renewable systems, and the importance of scalable climate solutions for developing countries.Joining the discussion was Dr. Farhana Ferdousi, Associate Professor at South East University, who contributed perspectives on academic innovation, research culture, and the role of higher education institutions in preparing future-ready graduates for a rapidly changing global landscape.

Representing CSTPD, Tanvir Kabir, Founding Advisor of CSTPD and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Germany in Bangladesh, participated in the conversation, bringing a diplomatic and policy-oriented perspective. He emphasized the importance of science diplomacy in connecting innovation ecosystems with international cooperation frameworks, and how such engagements can create meaningful opportunities for Bangladeshi students and young professionals.The discussion highlighted the intersection of energy innovation, education, and diplomacy, underlining how collaborative platforms can accelerate sustainable development and youth empowerment.This podcast reflects CSTPD’s continued commitment to bridging science, policy, and global dialogue-creating spaces where experts, academics, and diplomats come together to inspire actionable change and empower the next generation of leaders.