Entrepreneurship week for a sustainable future brought together students from across Europe

The University of Gävle recently hosted the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week – Green Campus. Over 20 students participated with the aim of developing ideas into concrete concepts in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The event lasted five days and the schedule was filled with a variety of activities. Students from seven different European countries and eleven different universities took part in included workshops, seminars and networking sessions, where they had the opportunity to exchange ideas and benefit from expert advice from both academia and industry. The focus of the week was on sustainability and renewable energy.

- It has been a great experience to see so many students from different parts of the world come together on our campus to share their ideas and experiences. This diversity of perspectives and creativity is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve with the AIM project, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. Opportunities like this allow students to develop their entrepreneurial thinking," says João Gomes, project manager for AIM at the University of Gävle.

Various research and development facilities were also visited during the week. A highlight was the visit to the University's solar cell lab and Gävle Energi's factory, where they got to see the latest advances in renewable energy technology up close.

Our main objective of the week was to not only inspire students to think big, but also to give them the tools and knowledge to realise their ideas. By visiting these facilities, we are convinced that even more inspiration can be drawn from environments where ideas actually become reality," says João Gomes.

A green campus

One of the challenges was to develop ideas about a green and healthy campus for the University of Gävle in 2050 and how they can then be implemented. Four teams shared their views and solutions related to energy, food, health care, mobility and knowledge transfer, as well as having the hub as an innovation hub for start-ups. Prizes were awarded for the best group presentation, the best individual pitch and the best idea for a "green campus".

- "Having the opportunity to participate during this week has really been an eye-opener for me. I have gained not only knowledge but also inspiration and a network that I believe will be invaluable for my future. Having the opportunity to work with like-minded and committed people has been a real energy boost for me and I look forward to using what I have learnt here to make a real difference in the world," summarises Mohammad Zubair, student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU.

More innovation weeks to come
The AIM project could take a step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for entrepreneurship in higher education through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week and preparations for the next edition in September are already in full swing.