Better Together – It’s Your Vibe That Attracts Your Tribe!

Happy Friday Friends.

 If you AI ‘Hackathon’ you get this:

 “A hackathon is a short-term event where people work together to solve a problem or create a new product. Hackathons are often focused on software or technology, but can also be used in other fields.” 

Got it? Good! So over last weekend, we had an amazing time at the University of Greenwich hosting a Syntech Hackathon. Our challenge to design a carbon-reducing sustainability platform sparked incredible enthusiasm from our new friends, a group of talented and engaged young students. The event was not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. Thank you, UoG, for the warm welcome!

We’d not done one before, didn’t know quite what to expect, but all expectations were surpassed. Lynette, Saphia, Yvette, Simon and Junior from the uni had worked hard to set this up ahead of us rocking up to take all the glory as saviours of Planet Earth. Our bunch of collaborators from a diverse range of courses and skillsets were a joy to meet and mentor, showing that we’re better when we work together.

And I managed to shoe-horn orangutans in as usual.

But this Hackathon was just one of the many ways Syntech Biofuel is working to inspire and empower the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through our growing social outreach programme, we’re actively engaging with students, young professionals, and job seekers to share knowledge, develop skills, and highlight the vast array of exciting opportunities in the renewables and green sector.

It’s all part of our social impact, but why does social impact matter?

Let’s be honest, businesses thrive when they invest in people. Sure, developing cutting-edge biofuel technology is vital, but if we don’t equip the next generation with the tools to take it forward, what’s the point? Sustainability is more than just net-zero targets and fancy tech, it’s about people, education, and ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is ready to tackle the challenges of today.

Plus, let’s not forget, when we engage with fresh talent, we’re not just helping them – they’re helping us too including teaching me how to lip-sync a TikTok.

At Syntech, we believe that tackling climate change and driving forward the energy transition isn’t just about developing groundbreaking solutions, it’s also about ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue the fight for a more sustainable future.

That’s why our outreach extends from primary schools to universities and job centres, making sure that anyone with an interest in sustainability can see a pathway into the industry.

We want to host workshops, site visits, and interactive sessions where students can engage with real-world challenges in renewable energy, decarbonisation, and circular economy principles.

These sessions demystify the green sector, showing that whether you’re a scientist, engineer, software developer, or business strategist, there’s a role for you in sustainability.

And let’s be real, when you see a group of ten-year-olds getting excited about biofuels, you know you’re doing something right!

The Syntech Hackathon at the University of Greenwich Generator was a prime example of how hands-on learning fosters innovation and excitement. The challenge we set to design a carbon-reducing sustainability platform was met with an incredible level of creativity and problem-solving ability from the students.

Events like these reinforce our belief that when young minds are given the opportunity to engage with real-world sustainability challenges, they rise to the occasion and bring fresh, valuable perspectives to the table.

But our outreach doesn’t stop at universities. We’re welcoming students from local primary and secondary schools to our facilities, giving them a firsthand look at how biofuel production works and how green technology is shaping the future.

Showing youngsters how the cooking oil that fried their chips can make the energy that charges their devices is really special.

We believe in inspiring young learners early, showing them that the future of energy isn’t just something they read about, it’s something they can be part of.

For those who are transitioning into the workforce, whether through apprenticeships, vocational training, or career changes, we collaborate with job platforms to showcase the career paths available in the biofuel and renewables industry. Our team members share their experiences and insights, helping job seekers understand the technical and operational roles available, as well as the broader impact their work can have on global sustainability efforts.

One of the core values at Syntech Biofuel is that sustainability must be inclusive. The energy transition isn’t just a technological shift, it’s a societal one. That means ensuring that people from all backgrounds regardless of their prior experience have access to the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to a greener future.

Our outreach programme isn’t just about education,  it’s about empowerment. We want students and job seekers to see that sustainability careers are dynamic, rewarding, and essential for the planet’s future. Whether it’s through engineering, data science, policymaking, or hands-on plant operations, there are opportunities for everyone in this sector. Plus, let’s be honest, saving the planet is a pretty good job perk!

As we move forward, we’re looking to expand our outreach efforts even further. More hackathons, more school visits, more engagement with job seekers, we want to ensure that the momentum we’ve built continues to grow.

The enthusiasm we saw at the University of Greenwich Hackathon was a reminder of why this work is so important. Young people are eager to make a difference, and it’s our responsibility as an industry to provide them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to do just that.

Hang on a minute, where’s this week’s cheesy tune link I hear you cry, try this amigo’s, it’s the kind of song I always wished I’d written the words to, hit the link and enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqxNYjDFJUk

Thanks for reading, have a beautiful weekend.

Mike.

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