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A new addition to the team at the Feuchtwangen Campus: Ansbach University of Applied Sciences has welcomed back an alumnus, Carlos Pfeiffer. A native of Merkendorf, Pfeiffer has been supporting the team as a project and site coordinator since May 2026, and in this role he is particularly committed to helping regional small and medium-sized enterprises adopt a forward-looking approach. In this interview, he shares insights into his new role and his vision for the Feuchtwangen Energy Campus.

Professional Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energy Technology (Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences)
• Master’s degree in Energy Management and Energy Technology (Ansbach University of Applied Sciences)
• 6 years of project management and business development in the PV industry

What motivated you to return to Ansbach University of Applied Sciences after six years in the private sector?

After completing my master’s degree in 2020, I was certain that I wanted to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Following exciting and intense years in project management and business development in the PV industry in Berlin and the Munich area, my path has now led me back home. For me, this brings things full circle: The energy transition is a central focus of our industry and plays a key role in maintaining our prosperity. I am therefore particularly pleased to be able to contribute to a sustainable energy supply right here in my home region. As a modern facility, the Feuchtwangen Energy Campus offers the perfect interface between cutting-edge research and the regional economy.

You are coordinating the new ERDF research project PRISMA. What exactly is it about?

PRISMA stands for “Platform for Resilient Integration of Smart Energy Systems” and is co-funded by the Free State of Bavaria and the European Union. The goal of the project is to enable companies in the energy and building sectors to utilize innovative technologies and offer sustainable products and services. The energy transition presents complex challenges, particularly for regional small and medium-sized enterprises. We want to support all stakeholders wherever possible: from tradespeople to planners to manufacturers. In doing so, it’s important to us to always keep practical applications in mind. That’s why I consider the framework for this research project to be particularly successful, as it explicitly calls for collaboration with local companies to develop easily implementable solutions for an efficient energy supply of the future.

What are your main goals as project and site coordinator for the coming period?

In my dual role, I want above all to serve as a bridge. On the one hand, as the operational lead for PRISMA, my goal is to steer the project toward success and initiate the transfer of knowledge to companies. On the other hand, the strategic development of the site is very important to me. I want to sustainably increase the visibility and appeal of the Feuchtwangen Energy Campus for both industry and our local communities. The campus should be perceived as a central hub for innovation, where the region can find answers to its questions. A first milestone toward this goal will be our event CAMPUS.NAH on July 25, which took place for the first time last year and was a great success.