Challenges to Business event in Rauma 20.-22.4.2022

In 2021 we had to organize a hybrid event, where most of the students, teachers and staff members were participating online, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Thankfully, the event was possible to organize onsite this year!

The first day of the event started at the University of Turku, Rauma campus, with a welcome speech, Emoji Quiz and an inspirational speech from entrepreneur Harri Ketamo, Founder of HeadAI. The day continued with a Performance power hour, which was a lesson about how to make a good presentation or public appearance. Also, the teams met with their mentors for the last time, at the concluding mentor meeting. Finally, it was time for the Amazing Race competition, where the teams went around Old Rauma to complete tasks in different activity spots. Dinner was served at Osteria de Filippo.

Picture 1. After completing the Amazing Race, it was time to group up and head for dinner. Mikko Lehtonen/AaVekellari

Day 2 started at the SAMK Rauma campus, and it was all about presenting the startup ideas the students had been developing for the last six months. Dragon’s Den event started with introducing the respected jury members including professor Ilari Sääksjärvi (University of Turku), sales manager Venla Wiik (ResQ Club), entrepreneur Harri Ketamo (HeadAI), education coordinator Terhi Liettilä (Cycle) and entrepreneur Ivana Blanco Gross (RaumArs artist).

Each team walked to the stage in front of the almost full Rauma Hall to present their three-minute pitching videos. After the video, teams had two minutes to continue with a live pitch, and then it was time for the jury questions.

Winners of Dragon’s Den 2022:

Jury favourite: Team 7 – NORTH Filters
The team started tackling the problem of marine litter inflow to urban stormwater drainage systems with a portable, modular filter, that can be installed into existing drainage systems. NORTH Filters solution is equipped with sensors and wireless data transmission capability to prevent litter from entering drainage systems into oceans and keep the streets flood-free due to filters clogging up.

Best technical solution: Team 11 – Rainergy
This team created a dual-purpose invention to collect water that can later be used both in potable water in places such as toilets and washing machines as well as passing through generators that can produce electricity from the rainwater.

Best product design: Team 9 – Starchaser Co
The winner for the best product design came up with an idea of a robot that replaces filters from a manhole. The manhole would have sensors and hooks on the lid, so the robot could lift the lid up. The robot would help to replace filters and take out the litter from manholes in a more easy and efficient way, as there is no need for people to go to manholes and empty the litter.

Most business potential: Team 8 – Well-being
The team that was awarded the most business potential had an idea to prevent waste from entering the ocean with a net, that would stop the plastic garbage from going into the stormwater but would let the water flow through. Their customers would be states and municipalities that are trying to find an easy and cost-effective way to reduce the flow of hazardous chemicals, micro- and macro plastics causing harm to species and ecosystems.

Best pitching performance: Team 27 – Food Fibers Fabric
This team worked with the challenge of how to reduce food waste. Their plan was to extract fibers from food waste and produce environmentally friendly fabric from the extracted fibers. They would collect the food waste from restaurants and grocery stores, then sell their newly produced fiber to manufacturers of clothing and accessories, who would need eco-friendly fabrics for their production.

Most creative solution: Team 6 – PLANET
The team with the most creative solution award was inventing new products from disposable tableware. They had the idea to create three-dimensional puzzles made from disposable plates and cups, that are used in small cafeterias that may not have the possibility to use water to clean the dishes. Their idea would reduce the amount of waste, and at the same time, create fun activities for kids.

Most sustainable solution: Team 26 – Strawfoam Inc
Strawfoam Inc’s solution was to create ecological building material out of agricultural straw that can be used as a heating seal in different buildings. They got their idea when they noticed that Styrofoam, which is normally used as a heating seal, is made of fragile plastic and therefore it is not ecological. Their product is more ecological than the materials currently used, as it does not leave any non-biodegradable trades on the ground.

Audience prize: Team 22 – Score
Team 22 won the audience prize for their solution that was a gamified application to create more awareness about pollution and climate change. The app would reward its users for their climate friendly activities and choices, such as using public transportation or bike instead of a private car or recycling different materials, with coupons and credits that they would be able to use in different stores.

The students’ feedback questionnaire after the event shows that as a result, they have learned a lot from the ChangeMakers project and gained new skills for the future. For example, Janica Nurminen and Ea Joensuu from Merikarvia high school mentioned that they have made new friends, learned presentation skills and their language skills got better. They got to meet their team members for the first time face-to-face, which was great after dozens of video conference calls and emails. The project inspired Janica and Ea to be more interested in entrepreneurship, and an own company is possible in the future.

Congratulations to all winners and good luck to all participants in your future projects!