Austin D'Souza

Austin D'Souza is a Lecturer and researcher at Hanze University of Applied Sciences' Marian van Os Centre of Expertise Entrepreneurship and Energy Transition department. He holds an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Groningen and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business and Economics at the same university, focusing on viable business models for decentralized energy systems. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, sustainable cities, and affordable clean energy.

**Education:**

• MSc in Management Information Systems, University of Groningen
• PhD Candidate in Business & Economics (University of Groningen)

**Research Interests:** Austin specializes in designing viable business models for energy transition, business ecosystems, and sustainable development. His work emphasizes community-owned energy systems, multi-commodity networks, and the integration of AI in SMEs. He explores frameworks for assessing business model viability and has developed tools like the Clean Energy Design Toolkit for participatory energy planning.

**Projects & Collaborations:**

• Lead PI on NXT GEN Autonomous Factory (2023-2028) and Game-based Innovation for Circular Textile (2025)
• Contributor to WattFlex (2021-2024) and IANOS (2020-2025)
• Co-developed the Flexiheat flexible business model framework for energy networks

**Teaching:** He teaches business model design, ICT, and entrepreneurship in bachelor's and master's programs, emphasizing hands-on coaching for student projects in smart energy and technology.

**Activities:**

• Organized workshops on AI for SMEs (2025)
• Presented at international conferences on energy ecosystems and business models
• Collaborated with organizations like Hanze's Entrepreneurship Centre and DigiAgro consortium