Last Thursday 22 January, the finals of the Erasmus University Challenge took place, with V.O.’s Raimondo Cau as one of the jury members. From biodegradable glitter to nitrate-cleaning technology: students from Erasmus University Rotterdam proved during the Erasmus University Challenge that bold ideas can bring about real change.
The Erasmus University Challenge is a competition in which students from Erasmus University Rotterdam pitch their innovative ideas. After weeks of workshops and coaching—during which students refine their ideas, develop a business model, and learn how to pitch—selected finalist teams took part in the grand final, which was held in the lounge of Excelsior Stadium in Rotterdam.
How does the Erasmus University Challenge work?
Students applied for one of three different tracks:
- Ideation
This category is intended for concepts that are still at a very early stage. Examples include an idea for a mobile app or an initial sketch of a circular product. The focus is on sharpening an idea to solve a real problem and validating whether it actually meets a need.
- Prototyping
Participants in this category must already have developed a minimum viable product (MVP). This track is aimed at students who have moved beyond the concept phase and now need to test, refine, and validate their prototypes.
- Startup
Participants in this category are teams that are ready to bring their products to market. They have already founded a company around their idea and are now looking for investors and partners to begin their journey.
The winners
Eleven of the 120 teams that registered for the competition made it to the grand final.
Uosis won the prize in the ideation category, worth €3,000. The students aim to disrupt the skincare industry with products made from freeze-dried fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
SeaSpark won in the prototyping category and received a prize of €4,000. The team developed fully biodegradable glitter made from seaweed. Conventional glitter, which is used in toys, clothing, and makeup, releases microplastics into the environment, polluting waterways and other ecosystems.
The startup prize of €5,000 went to SolPhyX. They developed a solution to tackle nitrate pollution in soil and water. Their innovative powder can naturally remove this pollution, thereby closing the nutrient cycle.
The audience also had a say and could vote for their favorite. Startup FlexWheels won the audience award of €1,000. The company pitched an innovative urban bike-rental system for students.
This year’s Erasmus University Challenge was yet another exciting event, wherein V.O.participated actively as a knowledge partner and start-up coach. We are looking forward to next season’s challenges at the TU Delft and at Erasmus University.
