Eleni Loulli

Who are you?

Eleni Loulli has a background in environmental engineering and is currently working as a researcher and studying for her PhD at Cyprus University of Technology within the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics.

She joined the Pioneers programme following a discussion with Climate-KIC staff in Cyprus – she said she did not know what to initially expect from the programme.

What did you do?

Eleni participated within the Cyprus Pioneer workshops prior to her placement at the Department of Earth Physics and Thermodynamics at the University of Valencia in Spain. Her activities within the Climatology from Satellites Group included work to finalise a project being set up to promote satellite earth observations in support of business development. This involved researching start-ups that use satellite data for their work. As part of her work, more co-operation activities between the University of Valencia and Cyprus University of Technology have been established.

My entry into Climate-KIC through the Pioneers Programme has opened up other opportunities such as the Climathon and ClimateLaunchpad. I met some fantastic like-minded friends!

What did you learn?

As part of the Pioneer programme workshops, Eleni learnt key personal development skills including presenting to large groups and time management techniques, which she has put to good use in her research and work. The systems innovation tools and business model canvas used within the workshops were of particular interest to Eleni, who has since applied these approaches to other activities.

She found the interactive approach to the business model very interesting and, through the networking opportunities opened up through the Pioneers programme, has continued to work with other Pioneers on new project ideas.

What happens next?

Eleni participated in the national Climathon in Cyprus in 2018, winning first place for a circular economy project looking at composting in National Parks. Following this, Eleni intends to apply to the ClimateLaunchpad to gain further experience and training.

She is currently working with another Pioneer to develop a new product idea to produce compostable single use coffee pots. As part of the Climate-KIC International Workshop, Eleni attended ClimateLaunchpad in Edinburgh which she found both inspirational and very productive.

Eleni says that although she started Pioneers into Practice without any great anticipations, the programme completely exceeded her expectations. She has had her eyes opened to how entrepreneurship can tackle climate change.