Student teams present their start-ups at final summit Innovation, Co-Creation and Global Impact
From a service stimulating intercultural contacts at work, to pet therapy against stress. An energizing table lamp reducing winter fatigue, and a website informing internet users on their rights. Thursday 24th of January, the student teams of FGGA minor Innovation, Co-Creation and Global Impact presented such diverse start-up plans during the minor’s final summit at PLNT, Leiden Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Since last September, the students in this interdisciplinary minor have been working to solve the world’s problems by creating a product or service that contributes to reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). By analyzing societal problems, designing possible local solutions and by testing these in real life settings, the students learned how to translate their ideas and theories into practice.
‘We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and value it’s non-traditional academic aspect’, one of the students stated. The minor added practical experience and entrepreneurial skills to the academic knowledge they gained in their different main study courses, ranging from Biochemistry to International Studies.
At Thursday’s summit, a professional jury of investors and entrepreneurs chose their favourite plans. The winner was Apprentify, a website linking young graduates from vocational training programs to companies in the construction sector. With this website, the team hopes to tackle the shortage of capable craftsmen by bridging the gap between students and companies.