WUR Student Challenges and StartHub present:
Will you pick up the gauntlet?
We challenge you to come up with a business idea or a prototype that contributes to a circular biobased economy.
It could be anything from a new material made out of biomass, a new technology to extract valuable products from biomass residue, to a more efficient production process or services that bring a zero-waste future one step closer.
From January until June 2023, with the support of top experts, you will develop your idea into a solid business proposition, ready to pitch to the jury and potential investors. The Challenge is open to students from universities and universities of applied sciences worldwide, in all phases of their studies (BSc, MSc, PhD or equivalent).
What's in it for me?
Participating in the challenge offers a unique opportunity to create a positive impact and make a huge difference in people’s lives. Moreover, it creates the perfect inspiring environment for you to thrive and experience the do's and don'ts of bringing your business ideas to life. Plus, if you make it to the finals, you will get a chance to win a prize worth €6.000.
Without a doubt, participating in the challenge will boost your career and empower you to make change!
How to join?
Create a team with members with a background in circularity, new materials, business or others. Register and make sure to create your team's profile on the ReThink Waste website before 1 January 2023.
The Challenge is open to students from universities and universities of applied sciences worldwide, in all phases of their studies (BSc, MSc, PhD or equivalent). PhD students and fresh graduates together cannot exceed 20% of the team members.
Join the 4TU Circular Economy Roadshow
Still making up your mind? Get inspired by cutting-edge projects at 4TUs!
Together with TU Delft, TU Eindhoven and TU Twente, WUR Student Challenges organizes a series of events highlighting the most exciting projects related to the transition to a biobased circular economy.
Join us for the first event in this series, focusing on food waste and textiles. You will learn more about the ReThink Waste Challenge and... celebrate 5 years of WUR Student Challenges with drinks and cake!
See you on 19 October at 15h30 CET in Plus Ultra II, Wageningen Campus!
Looking for inspiration?
Check out our Alumni
Revyve: Recovering yeast from the brewing industry into nutritious protein.
Prombyx (German): Making pet snacks from silkworm pupae.
Or other cool initiatives
Circular Dreams: Building a circular bed linen chain by reusing existing textiles.
Seenons: Platform matching residual flows with the right processor.
Spinning Future Threads: Recovering textile raw materials from agricultural side streams.
What our students say
“The ReThink Protein Challenge was an amazing learning opportunity and felt like a first step towards an exciting career in alternative protein.”
Tomas Turner (Team Cultivated), Participant ReThink Protein Challenge
“It's crazy how, starting from my own field of expertise, over time I have naturally adopted a more holistic approach, integrating environmental, social and economic perspectives into any considerations”
Caroline Gasten (Team LettUs Design), Participant Urban Greenhouse Challenge
More information
Visit our website to find out more about the Challenge. For questions you can email studentchallenges@wur.nl.