With a record 74 teams, revamped categories, and a focus on logistics, energy transition, and social impact, the grand finale of the Erasmus University Challenge was the most impressive edition yet. At the Excelsior Stadium, CubHub won the start-up prize, PAVA took the prototype prize, and Agora the Ideation prize.
In addition to the familiar Ideation and Prototyping categories, a new startup category was introduced this year for more established companies, which increased competition and innovation.
The winners:
- The Startup Prize (€5000) went to CupHub for its industry-leading initiative, Casey, a reliable storage and cleaning container for menstrual cups that can be discreetly cleaned anywhere.
- PAVA won the Prototype prize (€4000) for their groundbreaking innovation that involves placing sensors in rooms of the elderly, coupled with a dashboard interface for caregivers.
- Agora triumphed in the Ideation category (€3000 prize) with their revolutionary idea to empower people with local opportunities, hobby clubs and leisure activities through a digital platform to improve social cohesion.
- The Audience Prize of €1000 went to Fiwani, chosen by live viewers.
- A year of free beer, coffee or tea went to team ModelMatic.
- Safesips won 3 months of free co-working space at Erasmus Enterprise.
- Team Emilaid won the prize from YES!Delft, 4 months co-working in Rotterdam & spot in pre-program.
- Fitflask receives 4 months of coaching from the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship.
- Buzz Power Banks receives a personal invitation to the annual Scale-up CEO dinner at UP!stream.
- Hops & Co. participates in InnovationQuarter’s Investor Readiness Program.
- Aestuary receives free coaching sessions from an investment manager through the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund.
Breeding ground
Prof. Annelien Bredenoord, Chairman of the Executive Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam, emphasized the importance of innovation and social impact: “The university not only offers added value in education and research, but is also a breeding ground for entrepreneurship. This is where ideas and innovations are born that have real, lasting impact on society.”
Juror Han Go of Go-Tan B.V. praised the finalists for their resilience and perseverance: “Choosing a winner is no easy task, as each team has shown impressive results and exudes success. The commitment and growth I have seen in everyone is simply inspiring.”
After “Excelsior,” winner CupHub awaits a new challenge: the international stage of the Stage TWO competition in Berlin. There the competition will be a little stronger again.
Erasmus Enterprise organizes the Erasmus University Challenge. See more information at erasmusuniversitychallenge.nl
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