A filter that can purify large quantities of rainwater using only chlorine, electricity, and salt, a nutrient-rich protein powder made from the parts of prawns that are usually thrown back into the sea, and a satellite that can collect waste in outer space.
There were many good suggestions for sustainable solutions when the Green Challenge student conference was held at DTU Skylab on Friday, 23 June. Here, around 200 students presented approx. 65 different projects focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference was opened by Marianne Thellersen, Senior Vice President – Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Natasha Hougaard, President of Polyteknisk Forening (PF Student Association). In her opening speech, Marianne Thellersen said:
“We have a great responsibility as engineers. We play a special role—not the only role—but an important one because of our great technological knowledge and the special way in which we create solutions that make the world more sustainable and better. We have to shoulder this responsibility, and that’s why we’re holding Green Challenge today.”
In her speech, Natasha Hougaard emphasized the importance of Green Challenge in a world that needs sustainable solutions:
“Green Challenge sums up the essence of engineering, namely to use your knowledge to create green solutions that benefit society. Green Challenge isn’t just an example of everything that engineers are capable of. It also addresses the global challenges that we’re currently facing. When there is an ever-increasing need for resources and the amount of CO2 and the global temperature increase, it’s crucial that we focus on sustainable solutions.”
Panel discussion and pitches
After the welcome speeches, the judges started their assessment of the student projects. The almost 100 judges came from political life, companies, organizations, DTU, and other universities and were divided into 19 panels. Each panel of judges assessed approximately 10 projects throughout the day to ensure that all projects were seen by three different panels.
In addition, the student projects were divided into four categories to ensure a level playing field and equal participation opportunities for both BSc and MSc students. Some of the students had chosen to participate in groups consisting of both BSc and MSc students and students with different study programmes.
Students from 6 different international universities also participated in this year’s Green Challenge together with students from University of Copenhagen and Roskilde University.
Towards the end of the day, a panel debate was conducted with Anne Smitshuysen, industrial PhD student at DTU and DynElectro APS, Thor Thorup, DTU alumni and CCO at Portchain, Peter Aagaard, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, Salla Laasonen, Associate Professor at DTU, and Anders Lund Madsen, TV and radio host.
The purpose was to discuss how best to create sustainable development both on a personal level and in a business.
The day concluded with the awarding of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in four categories. Marianne Thellersen, Senior Vice President – Innovation and Entrepreneurship, handed over the awards together with Lars D. Christoffersen, Senior Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Student Affairs.
The four 1st place winners received DKK 30,000 each.
