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Erasmus University Challenge winners 2023 announced

Posted on October 2, 2023October 9, 2023 by Valeria

Over €12.000,- awarded to students driving positive societal impact through entrepreneurship at the Erasmus University Challenge

On 21st September the Grand Finale of the 2nd Edition of Erasmus University Challenge took place at the Excelsior Stadium and it was bigger than ever. Adding to the existing categories of Ideation and Prototyping was a new Start Up Category, for more established ventures. This year’s competition saw a record number of 74 teams participating, bringing a focus on logistics, energy transition and making societal impact.

Team ReRun were announced as winners of the Ideation category, with their idea of recyclable running shoes. Habbi won the Prototype award with their solution hydroponic farming solution for a more sustainable planet. For the first time the Start-Up award was won by Playful for their initiative with their creative app solution to reduce craving such as smoking. As Ed Brinksma, President of Erasmus University, said “The finale was a great showcase of our vibrant student entrepreneurial community. All of the 15 finalists presented innovative forward-thinking ideas and I am looking forward seeing the impact they make.”

Member of the Jury, Saskia Mureau, Director Customer Digital with Port of Rotterdam shared her thoughts on the huge task faced by the finalists “What an amazing thing to be part of, I can’t believe how well all the finalists did with their pitches, it was very cool way to see the future of entrepreneurship”. Saskia joined in the student fun, awarding a year of free beer, coffee or tea to Nacalu Crafts. Other winners included The Audience Award of €1000, voted for live and won by Accuselect. The category winners were awarded cash- Ideation won €3000, Prototype €4000 and Startup €5000.

For everyone involved, the finale was a chance to see the huge progress made by the teams since the program began in April. “I was really impressed by all the participants and seeing the teams grow and improve together throughout the process has been a highlight” observed Han Go, Director & Co-Owner of Go-Tan “What an impressive challenge to be part of!” with Marie- Jose, owner of BREYTMANS BV saying “As a jury member it is nice to see how hard all the teams involved have worked, and I was really glad to be part of celebrating their achievements. All of the participants should be very proud of themselves.”

The 2023 Erasmus University Challenge has been a huge success. For the winners, they have the chance to make international impact at Berlin’s Stage TWO competition. This year with double the participants and double the entrepreneurial fun of the 1st edition, it has been a clear demonstration of how bright the future of innovation is.

The Erasmus University Challenge is initiated by Erasmus Enterprise. Photos, videos and more information about the competition can be found at erasmusuniversitychallenge.nl or email liesje.goldschmidt@eur.nl.

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Technological Revolution: The Future of Entrepreneurship

Posted on July 25, 2023September 11, 2023 by Valeria

Are uncertainties about your future career leaving you concerned? Did you know that the technology’s impact on our lives is revolutionary?
Embrace the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and transform your hobby into a thriving business. Whether you wish to retain your current job or explore new horizons, starting your own business can offer exciting opportunities and become a valuable source of supplementary income. So, why not take that step towards a fulfilling and rewarding journey? The possibilities are endless!

With the ability to work remotely, we can now earn a living without the pressure and constraints of traditional office settings, even from the comfort of our homes. In the ever-changing landscape of the business world, entrepreneurship has consistently proven to be a driving force behind innovation, economic growth, and job creation. However, in recent times, a new wave of entrepreneurs has emerged, reshaping the traditional notions of business ownership and carving their path to success. This blog explores the rise of entrepreneurship and how it is revolutionizing the way we perceive and engage in businesses.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: AI has already made significant strides in various industries, and its applications in entrepreneurship are vast. From automating processes to enhancing customer experiences, AI can empower entrepreneurs to make data-driven decisions and streamline their operations.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Businesses: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainable and eco-friendly businesses are gaining traction. Entrepreneurs who focus on green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices are likely to attract a growing consumer base.

3. E-commerce and Digital Marketplaces: Online shopping has experienced tremendous growth, and the pandemic further accelerated this trend. Entrepreneurs who can create innovative e-commerce platforms or tap into niche digital marketplaces are poised for success.

4. Health and Wellness Industries: The health and wellness sector is thriving, with consumers becoming more health-conscious. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on opportunities in fitness tech, mental health apps, personalized nutrition, and other wellness-related products and services.

5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: These technologies have the potential to revolutionize various industries, including entertainment, education, and training. Entrepreneurs who leverage VR and AR to create immersive experiences can disrupt traditional markets making it more attractive for the consumers to experience things digitally.

6. Personalized and Customized Products/Services: Consumers increasingly seek personalized experiences and products tailored to their unique needs . Entrepreneurs who can offer customization and personalization will likely stand out in competitive markets.

7. Financial Technology (FinTech): The FinTech sector has been rapidly evolving, disrupting traditional financial services. Entrepreneurs with innovative solutions in digital payments, blockchain, and financial management are well-positioned for success.

8. Remote Work and Collaboration Tools: The shift to remote work during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of efficient collaboration tools. Entrepreneurs who can create seamless remote work solutions are likely to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

As we have explored that the landscape of business is continuously reshaping, and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation. From the boundless potential of Artificial Intelligence to the rise of sustainable ventures and the transformative power of Virtual Reality, the umbrella of entrepreneurship promises an array of avenues for success.

Entrepreneurship enables us to explore our passions, create personalized experiences for consumers, and adapt to the changing demands of the world. As technology continues to revolutionize our lives, embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship can be a powerful way to shape our future and make a lasting impact on the world around us. So, whether you’re a little worried about the future or eager for new horizons, consider entrepreneurship as the gateway to a fulfilling and dynamic journey of possibilities.

A Closer Look at Funding: How Funding Can Help Your Startup?

Posted on July 13, 2023September 11, 2023 by Valeria

“Money is like oxygen to a business; without it, it simply cannot survive.” – Sir Richard Branson

What is funding?
Funding refers to the financial support or capital provided to startups or businesses so that businesses can grow and achieve their goals. It can come from various sources such as investors, venture capital firms, government grants, or even personal savings. Startups often need funding for several reasons:

Launching and Development: Startups require capital to turn their ideas into reality. This includes developing prototypes, conducting market research, building a team, and refining their products or services.
Expansion to Scale-up: Once a startup has established its initial presence, funding becomes crucial for scaling up operations, entering new markets, or expanding the customer base. This often requires significant investments in marketing, infrastructure, and hiring additional staff.
Research and Innovation: Many startups operate in industries that require continuous research and development. Funding enables them to invest in innovation, explore new technologies, and stay competitive in the market.
Attracting Talent: Startups need to attract skilled professionals and experts to fuel their growth. Funding allows them to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and stock options, making them more attractive to top talent.

How can Erasmus Enterprise help you?

Access to Regional Investment Funds: Erasmus Enterprise collaborates with regional investment funds, such as UNIIQ, to provide startups with potential investment opportunities. Through this partnership, startups within the Erasmus Enterprise community can pitch their ideas and business plans to these funds, increasing their chances of receiving financial support
Alumni Investors Network: Erasmus Enterprise actively engages with its network of alumni investors who have a vested interest in supporting entrepreneurial ventures. By connecting startups with alumni investors, Erasmus Enterprise creates opportunities for funding and mentorship. These investors can provide capital, industry expertise, and valuable connections to help startups grow.
Graduate Entrepreneur Fund: Erasmus Enterprise extends its investment network to all members of its community through the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund. This fund offers financial support specifically targeted at entrepreneurial ventures initiated by graduates of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Startups founded by Erasmus alumni can access this fund to secure funding for their businesses.
Erasmus University Challenge: The Erasmus University Challenge is an initiative that aims to support and fund students and entrepreneurs through a competition-style program. Participants pitch their innovative ideas or startups to a panel of judges, with funding prizes awarded to the winners. This financial support enables them to further develop their projects or businesses, providing participants with exposure to a widen their networks, helping them foster connections. Within this network, investors may offer funding, mentorship, and other forms of support like guidance and this guidance boosts participants’ chances of attracting funding, not only within the competition but also in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hence, by being part of Erasmus University Challenge, participants gain validation, visibility, and a platform to showcase their ideas or startups to a broader audience of industry professionals and the academic community.Find out more about Erasmus Enterprise by following our social media and stay up to date with upcoming events.

Breaking barriers: How an academic entrepreneur is creating impact

Posted on April 25, 2023September 11, 2023 by Valeria

Erasmus Enterprise has recently welcomed Iris Casteren van Cattenburch and Sonja Wendel, incorporating into our community The Human Stuff, their narrative-based research consultancy for creating cultures of care. Their journey demonstrates that it is possible to combine academia with entrepreneurship and turn research into positive societal impact. In an interview, Iris shared the exhilarating journey of building their business, along with the challenges they had to overcome.

The Human Stuff helps organisations focus on the human element, thus improving the health of people and of the organisation. “Our premise is that every human being needs to be seen and heard to feel a sense of belonging. In this way they commit themselves to the vision, mission, and goals of the organisation,” shared Iris. By using an age-old learning tool that is accessible to everyone, our human ability to tell stories, they encourage customers and employees to cultivate a constructive and mutually beneficial human culture.

Asked about how this journey to enter entrepreneurship as an academic was, Iris answered that for her it was not as challenging as for Sonja. “I have been self-employed as a communications strategist since 1999, so entrepreneurship is my starting point. I also combined my PhD research with my professional career,” told Iris. She developed her dissertation into a method to apply Shakespeare to organisational and sustainability challenges and became an associate researcher at GovernEUR, one of the impact centers of Erasmus Research & Business Support (ERBS) at the Erasmus University to add the narrative-based approach to their qualitative research projects in public administration. The director of ERBS, Laurien Poleij, connected her with Sonja.

Sonja is an assistant professor and teacher at the Erasmus University Rotterdam (School of Economics) and senior researcher at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing. One of her main research objectives is to prioritise health and well-being, drawing on human experiences captured in stories. She passionately believes that connecting inter-disciplinary theories and practices can stimulate out-of-the-box thinking and enhance academic research to create impact. Sonja and Iris shared passion for stories and the impact they can have, by using them as interventions for improving organisational cultures, made them take the leap and embark on a business adventure together.

Their biggest challenge was to develop the steps of their business process into something clear and understandable for their potential clients. Nevertheless, the support of ERBS, and from the business developers of Erasmus Enterprise (EE) and Erasmus Research Services (ERS) helped them overcome this hurdle. Their innovative research activities are developing into a promising business and have now become a separate BV under the umbrella of Erasmus Enterprise. Iris shared that being part of the Erasmus Enterprise community is inspiring for the entrepreneurial spirit everyone breathes. “No matter what age, position or background; it’s a community of skilled intellectual doers who want to make a positive change in the world.”

The inspiring journey of these women serves as proof that although combining being an academic and entrepreneur can be a challenge, it is within reach with the appropriate support and perseverance. Their advice for fellow academics that want to do the same? “If you want to make a change, it’s worth your venture!”