While many entrepreneurs are encouraged to start small and test the waters, Tiësto ‘T Jolle offers a different perspective: tackle big problems fearlessly. Hailing from Belgium, Tiësto is part of BioBuddy, the winning team of the Tech4Good Europe Regional Competition 2024, held in Rome, Italy. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his journey with Tech4Good and the latest developments at BioBuddy.
Tell us more about BioBuddy
BioBuddy focuses on building and operating biogas power plants, with an initial emphasis on India. The idea emerged from our team’s strong expertise in biogas production and knowledge of market needs in India. Our project supports farmers by providing infrastructure to convert organic waste—like cow manure—into electricity and fertilizer.
Although our current efforts are centered in India, BioBuddy’s model is designed to scale to other regions. We aim to use sustainable energy solutions to create a positive impact for farmers and local communities worldwide.
What motivated you to join the Tech4Good competition?
I was drawn to the Tech4Good competition because it offered the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of people from various disciplines. As a Master’s student in Engineering Technology, specializing in electronics and ICT at the University of Leuven, I wanted to expand my perspective beyond technical expertise.
When I learned about Huawei’s Seeds for the Future program, I applied immediately and was fortunate to be selected. The competition allowed me to work alongside incredible teammates with unique skill sets: Joris, a creative technology student; Friso, an expert in business development; Sascha, with dual expertise in Law and Systems Engineering; and Aryan, a computer science specialist. Our diverse backgrounds were key to developing a comprehensive and impactful project.
What is a core memory you have from the Tech4Good competition?
One pivotal moment occurred on the second day of the program. Our team was feeling stuck, struggling to solidify an idea for our project. The pressure was mounting, and progress seemed elusive. To clear our heads, we decided to take a break and explore the city of Rome with other participants.
That evening, during a moment of relaxation, Joris experienced a eureka moment that became the foundation for BioBuddy. Looking back, stepping away to recharge was a crucial turning point for our team. It reminded us of the importance of taking breaks to foster creativity and clarity.
What’s next for you and BioBuddy?
Our immediate focus is on preparing for the global Tech4Good competition in China next year. We’ve had several strategic meetings and are working closely with our mentor, Salam, to refine the project’s most critical aspects.
Our plan includes conducting in-depth research, consulting with industry experts, and engaging companies involved in similar projects. These steps will help us evaluate the feasibility of our ideas and make necessary adjustments to ensure long-term success.
In addition, I’m part of a postgraduate program with Formula Electric Belgium, where we design and build formula-style race cars for international competitions. Balancing both BioBuddy and Formula Electric is challenging, but I’m committed to succeeding in both endeavors.
What advice would you give to future Tech4Good participants?
My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to dream big and tackle large-scale problems. While this approach may seem daunting—requiring resources and partnerships with major stakeholders—it also offers the opportunity to create solutions with far-reaching impact.
Projects like BioBuddy stand out because they address issues that can be scaled across countries and continents. While smaller projects may be easier to launch and gain traction with localized audiences, thinking globally can amplify your solution’s impact and sustainability.
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Blog Contributor
Ting Ting Liew, Interviewer/Writer
Ting Ting is passionate about social impact, innovation, business development, and the nexus among these three areas. She was previously a Business Partner in Enterprise Singapore, a government agency that champions enterprise growth. Ting Ting graduated from the National University of Singapore with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Social Work. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Yenching Academy, Peking University. She is currently working on her thesis regarding the development of social entrepreneurship in China. During her free time, you can catch Ting Ting running, doing aerial yoga, or finding the best dessert in town!
