Sustainability
Certificate Course - Management & Leadership - MM_MBA.9.Y26
| Date | Nov 23-27, 2026 |
| Duration | 5 days |
| Location | On campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | 3 |
| Cost | 2,550 € |
Fundamentals
Understand sustainability principles, circular economy concepts, lifecycle assessment methods, and the strategic dimensions of sustainable innovation.
Technology
Apply sustainability methods, systems engineering approaches, and circular economy tools in technical and corporate innovation contexts.
Applications
Develop sustainable innovation strategies, evaluate real-world industry cases, and influence stakeholders to drive organizational change.
What you'll explore
- Understand the different dimensions of sustainability, including technical, economic, social, and equity-related perspectives.
- Explore the principles of the circular economy and examine important sustainability indicators, certificates, and management frameworks.
- Analyze strategic and technical implementation approaches for sustainability using examples from mobility, equipment technology, and consumer products.
- Apply methods such as systems engineering through interactive exercises and practical case studies.
- Explore how companies can leverage technological strengths to address high-impact sustainability challenges and enter new markets.
- Examine how sustainability innovation extends beyond engineering into strategy, systems thinking, and organizational influence.
- Develop practical skills in identifying sustainability opportunities, evaluating innovation pathways, and communicating sustainability initiatives effectively within corporate environments.
Your key takeaways
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles, circular economy approaches, and lifecycle assessment methods.
- Apply sustainability methods and systems thinking tools in practical industry and innovation contexts.
- Identify strategic opportunities for sustainable innovation and understand key drivers and barriers within organizations.
- Strengthen competencies in stakeholder communication, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and corporate sustainability transformation.
- Gain practical insight into how sustainability innovation can support long-term business value and organizational change.
Taught by recognized experts in Sustainability
Benefit from the knowledge of leading specialists with extensive experience in research and industry. Their deep expertise guarantees a course of outstanding academic and practical quality.
Dr. Max Riedel
Dr. Max Riedel is Head of the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT, where he connects entrepreneurs, researchers, and ZEISS experts to transform ideas into market-ready innovations. His team develops technical demonstrators and feasibility studies with a focus on micro- and nano-structured devices, sensor systems, and photonic technologies for life science applications. He is a strong advocate of interdisciplinary collaboration and open innovation. With experience in industry–university partnerships at Siemens and the European Quantum Flagship, he bridges science and industry. Max holds a PhD in experimental quantum physics from LMU Munich and a MSc in Physics from the University of Texas.
Dipl.-Ing. Sascha Ott
Akad. Dir. Sascha Ott is a research and innovation leader at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specializing in mobility transformation and advanced drivetrain systems. His work focuses on innovation strategies for mobility research, energy-efficient propulsion technologies, and sustainable vehicle systems. Key topics include tribological systems such as brakes and clutches, particulate emission reduction, and the development of innovative drive concepts for future mobility scenarios. He also leads innovation projects that bridge research and industry, supporting technology transfer and transformation in the automotive sector. In addition, he is actively involved in teaching, executive education, and the development of new product and innovation methodologies.
Who should attend
This course is particularly beneficial for professionals in the following fields
- Sustainability and Innovation Professionals
Sustainability managers, innovation specialists, and professionals involved in circular economy initiatives and sustainable business transformation. - Engineering and Technical Professionals
Engineers, product developers, and technical specialists working on sustainable technologies, systems engineering, and lifecycle-oriented solutions. - Corporate Strategy and Transformation Professionals
Managers, consultants, and business leaders responsible for sustainability strategy, organizational change, and innovation-driven growth initiatives. - Cross-Functional and Stakeholder Management Roles
Professionals working at the interface of technology, business, and sustainability, focusing on stakeholder communication and corporate sustainability implementation. - Early-Career Professionals and Researchers
Graduates, PhD candidates, and academic staff in engineering, business, sustainability, or related fields seeking to strengthen competencies in sustainable innovation and circular economy approaches.
Advance your career with KIT-level expertise
Benefit from the reputation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) while gaining practical skills, flexible learning opportunities, and a recognized certificate to support your long-term professional growth.
Flexibility
Gain focused expertise in a specific field without committing to a full degree program, allowing you to build relevant knowledge efficiently and integrate learning seamlessly into your professional routine.
Relevance
Benefit from high-quality academic content combined with practical insights, delivered by experienced experts, supporting continuous, lifelong learning while ensuring direct applicability in real-world scenarios.
Advancement
Enhance your professional profile with a recognized certificate, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing development and supporting your career with tangible, verifiable credentials.