The environmental challenges we face are too complex for any one discipline, sector or institution to solve alone.
IonE’s network platforms and initiatives are how we respond: creating sustained, structured conditions for scholars, practitioners, policymakers and community leaders to collaborate. Through these long-lasting relationships, we co-define problems and partner closely on meaningful solutions.
Working with Germany
IonE has two innovative transatlantic programs rooted in a long-standing partnership with Germany. These initiatives connect leaders across business, academia, government and civil society to exchange ideas and collaborate on clean energy and sustainability solutions.
Climate-Smart Municipalities
Climate-Smart Municipalities (CSM) is a long-running collaboration between 12 cities in Minnesota and Germany. This program brings together municipal leaders – alongside government, nonprofit, business and academic partners, built on the shared conviction that communities of all sizes can lead on sustainability.
Through an ongoing exchange, participating cities learn from one another’s approaches to climate adaptation, clean energy and sustainable development – establishing lasting relationships and inspiring meaningful action.
Berlin Seminar
The Berlin Seminar brings together leaders from government, business, academia and the nonprofit sector for an annual exchange on the clean energy transition. Minnesota delegates visit showcase sites across German regions, meet with policymakers and industry leaders and return to Minnesota to share what they’ve learned, often through events in their own communities.
The result is a sustained, cross-sector dialogue that connects Upper Midwest leaders directly to one of the world’s leading energy transitions.
Transformative Relationships
Engaging with one of IonE’s network-building programs connects you with insights and ideas – and, above all, new people. Those relationships compound: across disciplines, sectors and geographies, a community of people committed to environmental progress is more than the sum of its parts.
What’s so amazing about [a Climate Smart Municipalities] trip is how it’s helping us build relationships across disciplines. These connections will last well into the future.”
A Regional Collective
Midwest Carbon Leadership Project
The Midwest Carbon Leadership Project, launched with support from the Ecolab Foundation, brings together private sector leaders and University of Minnesota experts on a biennial cycle to advance carbon neutrality.
Together, participants:
- Explore the long-range unknowns in achieving true carbon neutrality
- Co-create research projects to overcome and solve for these unknowns
- Share innovations and outcomes across their networks and sectors
Collaboration in Action
See how collaboration takes shape through convenings, exchanges and shared work across IonE’s network.
IonE affiliate Nick Jordan presents on sustainable aviation fuel during the 2025 convening of the Midwest Carbon Leadership Project in Minneapolis.
PhD candidate Sunga Kufeyani engages in a group discussion during the 2025 Midwest Carbon Leadership Project conference in Minneapolis.
Get Involved
If something here resonates, there’s a place for you in this network.