On 7 November, the final round of a unique innovation competition between the four Dutch universities of technology was held in The Hague. Each of the competing universities – Eindhoven, Delft, Twente, Wageningen – organized its own preliminary round in the spring. No fewer than 800 students (80 teams at each university) presented ground-breaking innovations designed to help solve key problems facing society. This was then whittled down to the 16 competing finalists in The Hague. The winner of the challenge will join the Dutch trade mission to the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.

On the day of the challenge, the students were able to spare some time for a chat with Prime Minister Mark Rutte. At the Binnenhof – the heart of Dutch politics – the Prime Minister welcomed a number of finalists and was presented with an innovation box containing their ideas.

Seaweed, not steak
Further on in this issue, you can read about all the innovations developed by our young top talents. They presented their cutting-edge solutions before an independent jury. One idea is a tool for remotely monitoring seaweed farms, a cost-cutting breakthrough set to bring large-scale seaweed cultivation closer to commercial reality. Who knows, it may yet provide the solution to our global food problem. Our students also came up with new technology for cancer diagnostics, sustainable vegan products and a method to protect us from rising sea levels using eco-reefs. This is only a selection from the pioneering ideas our finalists came up with. All of them were proud to have the opportunity to show the outside world how their innovations can make a direct contribution to solving global problems.

At the forefront
Victor van der Chijs, Chairman of the 4TU Federation, is keen to emphasize the importance of the challenge. “In the Netherlands, we want to remain at the forefront when it comes to innovation and technological development. It is essential that we continue to invest in young talent and the innovations they think up. The impact they can have on society is enormous. It is also worth remembering that companies are eager to link up with young talents who can design the future and work well together. That’s another outstanding reason to take an interest in a challenge like this and follow it up in future.”

Cooperation between universities of technology
The Dutch 4TU Impact Challenge is part of a wider collaboration between the Netherlands’ four universities of technology. We join forces to make the best possible use of knowledge and creativity in the technology sector. These efforts span the field of education, research and commercial knowledge transfer. Our students channel the knowledge they gain back into society in the form of innovations and start-ups. Their products and services make a valuable contribution to solving society’s problems.

Happy reading!

Victor van der Chijs, 4TU Chairman

Speed ​​dates TU Delft Ideation Contest

On May 10 the speed dates were organized in the beautiful Pulse building on the campus of the Technical University in Delft. After a long period of recruitment, development and selection, the top 40 projects were allowed to pitch themselves and enjoy helpful feedback from professionals. The Ideation Contest, known at other universities as the TU Contest, is being organized in Delft for the first time this year. The students will present their project to a company several times today. With the feedback, they have a chance to win a spot in the final. The goal for every project. In addition to a possible podium place, there is much to learn at this event. The students get to know their future sector better, discover career opportunities and get constant feedback on their pitch.

The day started with a plenary session. The large, open space with lots of glass and a grandstand was the ideal place for this event. Lino Thewissen (project manager TU Delft Ideation Contest) did the preface: at the TU Delft 182 students enrolled and 74 projects registered on the website! After explaining the rules of the game, Victor Scholten (assistant professor TU Delft) takes over. He is in the organization and has continuously guided and helped the students. He is very proud of the number of participants in this first edition. All companies are given a minute to present themselves. Who are they and what do they stand for? Big names are present. The police are also present: they look for inspiration and technological improvement and hope to find it among the students. ASML already has a nice message for the students: "come and work with us, make your vision ours".

In one of the interviews, Paul Luehrmann of ASML states that he is looking forward to it: he finds the input of the young people inspiring and valuable. Nele Valkeneers from the Ministry of Defence is also enthusiastic. She would like to help the students to "think in the right direction" in order to bring a great product to the market. Jeroen de Vrieze from VolkerWessels thinks that many students will end up in a completely different place than where they thought they would end up.

Jan Peter Doomernik from Nature 2.0 speaks passionately about the ways in which they can be of help: talking about dreams together, in order to achieve the unthinkable. It is a "two way learning experience," says Roxy van de Langkruis of the National Police.

Jaime Ascencio from student team Reefy is pleased that the companies take it so seriously. The members of Wundermind see the speed dates as an opportunity to open themselves up. They look forward to more of these opportunities. Also, the Dr. Medical team is very satisfied with today's feedback: they have learned a lot.

The atmosphere is positive: it was a very successful day. A lot of information was exchanged and there was a lot of talk during the closing drink. Beers are tapped, people laugh. Students and companies ask each other the last questions and discuss projects. The speed dates of the first edition of this event in Delft were more than successful.

The kick-off meeting with all projects and companies was a great success. Victor Scholten (Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship) introduced the TU Delft Ideation Contest in front of a crowded room with students and interested partner companies.

After the introduction, the companies were introduced to the students one by one. This was followed by the pitches of the students. In this way the partners and students could get acquainted for the first time. The enthusiasm among those present was high and the co-creation made its first steps.

Top 40
In total, more than 300 students created an account on our platform. More than 100 projects have registered for the TU Delft Ideation Contest and 70 projects made the first round and appeared on the website with their profile. 40 of these projects have made it to the next round and will now prepare themselves for the speed dates and training days to increase their chance of a place in the final.

In recent weeks, our partners have provided the participants with feedback by coaching them online. A total of 117 chats were started. The chat function is still open and can be used within the dashboard throughout the entire challenge! This high involvement of both parties led to a good result and solid basis for the speed dates on May 10.

We want to congratulate you all and wish you all the best!

Students who do not see their project among the top 40, do not worry, because you can still chat with the companies in order for your project to still grow. We hope to see you all again during the next TU Delft Ideation Contest!

Acoustic Smart Phone Speaker

Customized neck pain treatment device

Deep Dubbing

Dr. Medical

E-currency for a new educational system

Efesto

Fashion fitting

Flashcard App

funbook

iDRIVE - Mobility Solutions using smart technology for efficient traffic grid

Modular Vertical Farming

Muumba

SafetyNet

Sleep quality of patients in hospitals

Sparky : Smart Parkinson's Monitoring Device

Stool 11

Susa Personal Finance

Wrist Mounted Shock Absorber

AspecTU

BINary

DAEDALUS

DeNoize

Designing with people, by the municipality of Delft: Case Delft Zuid

Drone delivery service

Glimp

Fizzy

Gamification of Static Analysis Tools

Garuda

iFEM

Karabai

LineGuard

Pole Pole

Quantum Energy & Engineering

Reefy

REFlex

Rock-N-Roo

sitWolf

Wundermind

Wildcards:

Project name

V-Art-Exibition

Roboxxy

Tjirp Food - Cricket Bitterballs

The projects are ordered randomly