Over 100 student teams have already registered to take part in the fourth edition of the Erasmus University Challenge (EUC), the university's flagship entrepreneurship competition. Organised by Erasmus Enterprise, the challenge invites bachelor's, master's, PhD, and PDEng students to transform bold ideas into viable businesses while connecting with a vibrant network of mentors, industry experts, and investors.
Over the past four years, 993 individuals have taken part in Erasmus Enterprise programs, with 30% choosing to grow their ventures in South Holland. Today, 298 of these start-ups are still active or scaling up, providing that the region is a hotbed for innovation and impact.
A launchpad for innovation
The EUC is often as student's first step into the world of entrepreneurship. Participants gain hands-on experience through six tailored training sessions and expert guidance as they progress through one of three competition tracks:
- Ideation: for students with a promising business idea or a solution to a current or future challenge.
- Prototyping: for those building a prototype, scale model, or business model.
- Start-up: for teams ready to enter the market or expand their venture.
This proven format has already produced impressive success stories. OASYS NOW, winners of the first challenge, went on to become a leading European start-up, capturing a €1 million prize at Slush Helsinki. In 2024, CupHub won the €5,000 start-up award for Casey, a discreet, portable solution for cleaning and storing menstrual cups anywhere.
Why it matters
The Erasmus University Challenge is more than a competition - it's a dynamic ecosystem where students, academics, government agencies, and industry partners co-create solutions to real-world problems.
Kick-off on 7 October
The official kick-off takes place on campus on 7 October, and there's still room for students who already have a prototype or start-up to join. A total of €13,000 in prize money is on the line, plus professional coaching, co-working spaces, and access to a powerful network of innovators.
Know a student with a bright idea or a start-up?
Encourage them to take part in this exciting program and help shape the future of innovation at Erasmus University Rotterdam!
- More information
More information and registration: erasmusuniversitychallenge.nl
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