Successful pilot of Valorisation Challenge at UtrechtInc Students

On the 9th of May, UtrechtInc Students organized their final pitch event of the UtrechtInc Students Challenge 2019. UtrechtInc Students is the hub for students who are interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. Together with UtrechtInc, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Utrecht Holdings, Utrecht Science Park and Utrecht University, the student board of UtrechtInc did a pilot where student teams worked on translating academic research into marketable products and services. On Thursday 9th, all teams pitched their progress in front of a professional jury.

The challenge is set up as a 12-week valorisation program, where students work closely together with their own project team, researchers and external parties to conduct market research and to build a strong business case. The students have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting new research based startup.

Three project teams, ranging from a portable ultrasound device, a cell therapy facility and a novel 3D printing technique project, were part of the pilot. Different workshops on the topics of Problem Discovery, Business Model Canvas and Design Thinking were given to the students to help them on their way.

Every project team prepared a 3-minute pitch for the pitch night and judged by jury and public. The Cell Therapy Facility team convinced the jury and received tickets for Brainwash festival 2019! Afterwards, there was a drink to celebrate all successes of the past three months.

Thanks to all cooperating organisations for making it a successful pilot of the UtrechtInc Students Challenge! Do you have questions about the challenge or are you interested in participating in a new edition? Email the student board on students@utrechtinc.nl.