During my internship with the Climate Knowledge Initiative (CKI), within the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change, I had the opportunity to develop curated content on the state of biofuel technology as a solution to climate change. This project aligned seamlessly with the Tamer Institute's mission to educate and equip business leaders with actionable, curated knowledge needed to identify investable and scalable green technologies. This is done while also highlighting the divergence between public and private interests.

Our research provided a comprehensive analysis of current biofuel technologies, their commercial viability, relevant business cases, and policy landscapes. We examined the global view of biofuel from both policy and financial perspectives and offered recommendations on the regulatory changes needed to accelerate biofuel adoption as a key lever for decarbonization. This project was particularly rewarding for me, as it not only aligned with my growing passion for climate change but also contributed to an output that will help guide business leaders and climate tech stakeholders in advancing the biofuel agenda.

The internship provided an excellent opportunity to apply several key skills I developed during my MBA and allowed me to deepen my understanding of the intersection between business, policy, and sustainability. The project required extensive secondary research, where I analyzed reports from various sources, including academic papers, policy documents, industry reports, and business case studies. This breadth of information required a disciplined approach to synthesize the data into a clear, actionable framework.

Coming from a non-technical background, I initially found the sheer volume of technical content daunting. However, I leveraged critical thinking and analytical skills honed in my MBA coursework to break down complex ideas and present them in a simplified yet strategic manner. Key courses such as Business and Climate Change, Strategy, and Finance were invaluable in providing the foundation needed to approach this project effectively. These classes not only complemented the consulting skillset I had developed in my pre-MBA career but also equipped me with a broader perspective on sustainability and business economics. For instance, one aspect of the project required me to develop a simulation model to estimate the government subsidies necessary to accelerate biofuel adoption in the market. The finance and strategy frameworks I learned in class made it easier to structure this simulation, allowing me to calculate different subsidy levels under various market conditions. This analysis also involved evaluating the economic tradeoffs and understanding how policy interventions could impact market dynamics. Additionally, the project gave me a chance to sharpen my problem-solving skills by addressing real-world challenges around biofuel adoption. I had to think beyond just the technical feasibility of biofuel technologies and consider factors such as market readiness, policy constraints, and financial incentives that could drive or inhibit adoption. Working on this project not only solidified my ability to apply theoretical knowledge but also expanded my ability to think critically about the intersection of technology, policy, and business, which will be invaluable in my future career.

The main challenge I faced during this project was the ramp-up phase, where I encountered an overwhelming amount of information on biofuels. It required a lot of focus to filter through the data and determine what was most relevant for our objectives. Fortunately, our team reached an early consensus on the current state of biofuels and their future direction, which helped me structure the research and deliverables in a more focused and succinct manner. Another challenge was our limited access to primary research. Having the opportunity to speak directly with industry experts who have worked closely with biofuel producers would have added valuable nuances to our insights and helped validate some of our initial assumptions and key commercial questions. That said, we were fortunate to connect with a professor from Columbia’s Engineering School who specializes in biofuels. His technical expertise proved invaluable in confirming our understanding and projections for the future of the industry.

I highly recommend being a CKI fellow to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and sustainable technologies. Over the course of two months, I gained an immense amount of knowledge and hands-on experience that expanded both my technical understanding and personal growth.

From a technical perspective, I learned about the multifaceted challenges of decarbonization and the complexities involved in positioning biofuel as a viable solution. One of the key insights I gained was the critical importance of scalability in making biofuel technology commercially viable. However, I also realized that scalability alone isn't enough; success in this space requires cohesive policy frameworks and strong cooperation between the public and private sectors. Without coordinated efforts, even the most promising biofuel innovations will struggle to achieve widespread adoption and impact.

On a personal level, the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues was one of the most rewarding aspects of the internship. I deeply appreciated the guidance and support I received from the team throughout the project, and I found working in a multidisciplinary environment to be incredibly enriching. One of my key takeaways from working with colleagues from different academic and professional backgrounds is the value of diversity in problem-solving. While we each brought distinct perspectives to the table, our differences became a powerful asset, enabling us to tackle challenges from multiple angles and create more holistic solutions.