General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
EDIH pro_digital is committed to the use of digital technologies to improve environmental sustainability and the inclusion of circularity in value chains and to facilitate the twin digital and green transformation.
Startups can facilitate the twin digital and green transformation, supporting the other stakeholders in the region. Being most often digital natives, startups make natural use of circular economic models and tools that are coupled with digital tools (innovation camps, hackathons, agile management, etc.), using naturally advanced digital solutions for addressing technical, environmental or societal challenges. Gas Grün has proved to be a very good example of illustrating the above mentioned points.
Gas Grün GmbH, is a leading startup in the business of providing innovative decentralized biogas plants, with the accommodation of the complete energy production system from biomass, in a container. Is situated in the region of Brandenburg, Germany, well within the geographical location and outreach of our EDIH.
It encountered a triple digital challenge that prompted our rationale to offer our EDIH’s services for Gas Grün to achieve its business goals:
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First, it required an advanced AI control system to optimize the efficiency of its biogas plants with customized automation and monitoring solutions for the energy production from biomass.
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In parallel, the need for 3D printing expertise emerged as Gas Grün aimed to visually communicate its technological advances as well as efficient prototyping for internal development. The challenge was to translate complex design specifications into accessible, visually compelling prototypes that would create high impact displays and connect with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Additionally, the company recognized the need to increase its market visibility. A strategic marketing approach was essential to highlight their environmental impact and technological capabilities, targeting both industry stakeholders and potential customers.
Solutions
In response to Gas Grün's complex challenges, our EDIH’s strategic engagement evolved into a series of targeted solutions. First, on June 30th, 2023, a T0 DMA measurement was conducted to better assess its digital maturity.
We have conducted 8 sessions, in total 10h of consultation within half a year timeframe, on the following topics:
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Using our extensive network, we carefully identified an experienced partner specializing in AI systems, that, equipped with a deep understanding of Gas Grün's unique requirements, was integrated into the project to create a customized AI control system. The aim was an innovative solution that not only optimized the efficiency of Gas Grün's biogas plants, but also laid the groundwork for enhanced automation and monitoring capabilities.
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Our involvement also extended to 3D printing of critical components which visually represents Gas Grün's technological achievements exactly. We identified and worked with an expert in 3D printing technology at our consortium partner Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. This expert played a key role in translating complex design specifications into real-life prototypes, facilitating both internal development and the creation of high-impact displays for industry events. EDIH pro_digital invested 1944.27€ for 3D-printing of the container prototype which took 192h (8 full days).
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At the same time, recognizing the importance of increasing Gas Grün's market presence, we identified and connected them with experienced marketing partners. These were selected based on their expertise in the sustainable energy sector, ensuring a customized approach to showcasing Gas Grün's environmental impact and technological capabilities. Through targeted marketing initiatives, they are increasing the company's visibility and reaching key stakeholders and potential customers in line with its commitment to green innovation. The total investment in consulting hours from EDIH pro_digital is 840€.
Results and Benefits
Therefore, the implementation of the AI control system has led to a significant increase in the efficiency of Gas Grün's biogas plants. Operational processes have been optimized, allowing for improved automation and real-time monitoring by 20%.
In addition, the use of 3D printing for prototyping has had a direct impact on the design and development process. Digital technologies enable the precise reproduction of complex designs, allowing rapid product development and cost-effective testing. This not only accelerated the product development cycle but also facilitated the creation of high-quality prototypes to showcase at industry events.
From a marketing perspective, the targeted initiatives are significantly increasing Gas Grün's visibility within the sustainable energy sector. Digital skills play a key role in expanding its online presence, reaching a wider audience through the strategic use of social media, online campaigns and industry-specific platforms. On several occasions, EDIH pro_digital was able to showcase the concept of GasGrün’s recycling and new energy production approach. This has resulted in increased interest from other SMEs as well as other EDIHs.
EDIH pro_digital invited GasGrün as a panel speaker at the EDIH Workshop on Smart Cities and Regions in Dresden, Germany, in November 2023. Furthermore, the company was presented at the EDIH Twister Meeting in the Czech Republic in September 2023.
Perceived social/economic impact
EDIH pro_digital has invested 2784€ in total to help achieve the business goals of GasGrün, which is a small sum in comparison to the achieved benefits of sustainable energy production.
Solving the challenges for Gas Grün not only contributed to their specific operational improvements but also had broader social and economic implications in how digital transformation can positively impact the business goals of startups and SMEs.
The increased efficiency in biogas plant operations directly aligns with sustainability goals. By optimizing resource consumption and reducing environmental impact, Gas Grün's innovative approach promotes a greener and more environmentally friendly energy sector. This not only sets a positive example for other companies, but also contributes to the collective effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices in the community.
Measurable data
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The increase by 20% in the efficiency of Gas Grün's biogas plants as a result of the AI control system.
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The acceleration of the product development cycle as a result of the use of 3D printing by 30%.
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The substantial increase in the customer's visibility within the sustainable energy sector by 30%.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
On June 30th, DMA was conducted for Gas Grün GmbH with an overall DMA T0 score of 55%.
In the areas of Green Digitalization (100%) and Data Governance (85%), Gas Grün has already reached a high score.
The score of Automation &Artificial Intelligence (at 24%) was taken before the implementation of the new AI System, The same in the field of Digital Business Strategy (50%) depending on the success of digital media campaigns. The Digital Readiness was at the time of measurement at 44%.
DMA score and results – Stage 1
On March 26th, 2024, a T1 DMA measurement was conducted to get a quantitative picture of the impact of EDIH pro_digital investment on the digitalization journey of Gas Grün. The overall score in Digital Maturity Level was at 80%. The score of Automation & Artificial Intelligence is 44% after implementation of the new AI System. In the areas of Digital Business Strategy and Digital Readiness, Gas Grün has improved by 10% and 30% respectively. The customer still needs support in these areas in accordance to the size and growth of its business. In the area of Human-Centric Digitalization, Gas Grün has exhibited a marked increase from the previous value of 28% to 100%.
Lessons learned
The collaboration with Gas Grün has provided extremely valuable lessons that can serve as practical advice to other EDIHs, SMEs and PSOs undertaking similar initiatives. What worked exceptionally well was the strategic identification and connection with specialized partners. The customized AI solution provider, marketing experts and a skilled 3D printing specialist were smoothly integrated into Gas Grün's operations, demonstrating the importance of selecting partners with a deep understanding of the industry and specific needs.
However, certain aspects highlighted areas for improvement. While digital marketing initiatives are effectively increasing online visibility, there are notable areas where the synergy between digital capabilities and traditional marketing could have been optimized. A more integrated approach, combining online strategies with targeted offline engagement, could further enhance Gas Grün's market presence and stakeholder relationships.
Moreover, the dynamic nature of technology development and the evolving landscape of sustainable energy solutions underlined the importance of flexibility. Maintaining an adaptive approach allowed adjustments to be made in real time, ensuring that solutions remained aligned with Gas Grün's evolving objectives and market dynamics.
The success of this collaboration highlighted the importance of selecting partners with specialized expertise, the need for a balanced approach to integrating digital and traditional marketing approaches, the importance of transparent communication, and the value of maintaining flexibility in the face of evolving technological landscapes. These lessons can guide other organizations as they navigate similar collaborations, maximizing the benefits of strategic partnerships while continually adapting to industry changes and advances.