ACES announces first courses of 2026

ACES has announced its first batch of courses for 2026, offering training in brazing, refrigeration, solar power, and more. Students can choose from six courses, tailored to different sectors and skill levels.

Courses will begin teaching in February, with most lasting one to two weeks. The application deadline varies between courses: some close for applications on 23 January, while others close on 30 January. For an overview of courses and how to apply, click here.

Foundation in Cold-Chain

The week-long Foundation in Cold-Chain course provides baseline knowledge on cold-chain, refrigeration, post-harvest management, and food and pharma requirements in the supply chain.

The foundation course serves as a building block, preparing individuals for more advanced and specialised studies or practical applications. It is recommended for policy-makers, NGO and Development officers, and others working in the sector.

The course will run in-person at the ACES Rubirizi Campus in Kigali, Rwanda, from 9-13 February 2026. Applications will close on 23 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Solar Energy Training

Solar energy plays a crucial role in powering sustainable and off-grid solutions for various applications, including agriculture, cold-chain management, and rural electrification. This training will provide participants with hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge necessary to design, install, and maintain solar energy systems effectively. Students will learn how to estimate energy needs, mount solar panels, troubleshoot problems, and more.

This week-long, in-person course is intended for individuals with a keen interest in renewable energy, including technicians, business owners and energy sector stakeholders. Candidates who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate confirming their ability to design, install, and maintain solar energy systems.

The course will run in-person at the ACES Rubirizi Campus in Kigali, Rwanda, from 9-13 February 2026. Applications will close on 30 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Cold-Chain for Global Health

The increasing complexity of global health, the rise of emerging diseases, and the expansion of biomanufacturing all demand stronger cold-chain systems. Currently, millions of lives are at risk in low- and middle-income countries because of outdated cooling infrastructure, unreliable power, and a lack of skilled personnel.

The Cold-Chain for Global Health course seeks to address these shortfalls and underscore the life-saving importance of reliable, resilient, and sustainable cold-chain systems. The course is tailored for professionals, students, experts and policymakers working at the intersection of health, engineering, and biological sciences.

Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to design, manage, and troubleshoot cold-chain systems across health, research, and outbreak response settings. Topics include temperature effects on biological materials, infrastructure challenges, monitoring technologies, and regulatory standards.

The course involves two non-consecutive weeks of in-person study at the ACES Rubirizi Campus in Kigali, Rwanda, between 23 February and 20 March 2026. Applications will close on 23 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Essentials in Cold-chain systems

Developed by ACES, the University of Birmingham, London South Bank, and Cranfield University, this online course equips participants with fundamental knowledge and competencies in clean cooling technologies and their applications across key sectors.

It is designed for participants with little-to-no prior experience with cold-chain systems, and as such is suitable for early-career professionals, newcomers to the field, and those looking to develop their learning journey into sustainable cold-chain.

Students will learn about the technical concepts of cooling, the cooling needs of different products, and the fundamental principles behind sustainable cold-chain business models. The course uses presentations, case study videos, and real-world examples to build confidence and competence.

The course is self-paced and mobile friendly, with around six hours of content to be completed over a two-month period from 9 February to 9 April. Applications will close on 30 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Essentials course on Phase Change Materials

This essentials course is designed to teach participants about how Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are transforming energy storage, cooling and sustainability in the real world.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind phase change and thermal energy storage. They will learn to identify suitable PCMs for specific applications, analyse experimental results related to PCM thermal performance, and design basic thermal storage systems incorporating PCMs.

The course is intended for individuals working with refrigeration systems, such as HVAC technicians, refrigeration facility managers, environmental officers and cold-chain entrepreneurs.

The course will be delivered in-person at the ACES Rubirizi Campus in Kigali, Rwanda. It will involve four half days of study spread across two weeks. Applications will close on 23 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Essentials in Brazing Techniques for Refrigeration Systems

In the refrigeration industry, the quality of brazed joints is critical. Whether installing or repairing systems, proper brazing helps prevent refrigerant loss, reduces environmental impact, and supports the safe use of natural refrigerants, which may be flammable or toxic.

In the Essentials in Brazing Techniques for Refrigeration Systems course, participants will gain the essential knowledge and practical skills required for safe and effective brazing. They'll also learn the best practices for ensuring long-term system reliability, minimising leaks, and extending the lifespan of refrigeration equipment.

The course is suited to individuals working with refrigeration systems, including cold-room operators, HVAC technicians, maintenance personnel, and refrigeration entrepreneurs.

The course will run in-person at the ACES Rubirizi Campus in Kigali, Rwanda, during evenings from 2-4 February 2026. Applications will close on 23 January 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.

Keep an eye out for future courses on the CCN Academy.