New competition for students: Handels Impact Innovation Cup

Published

30 September 2024

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In the new competition “Handels Impact Innovation Cup,” students at the School of Business, Economics and Law have the chance to turn their business ideas into reality and propose solutions to societal sustainability challenges.

Students can compete in four categories: “Environmental,” “Social,” “Governance,” and “Project.” One winner is selected in each category and will a prize of SEK 50,000. The competition is organised by the School in collaboration with the student union HHGS, its career fair GADDEN, and Venture Cup Sweden, with generous support from Ernströmgruppen, which provides the prize money.

“By contributing to the competition, we want to encourage and inspire students to take their sustainability ideas a step further. Innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial for creating sustainable solutions for the future,” says Malin Jidéus, Head of Sustainability, IR & Finance at Ernströmgruppen.

From knowledge to concrete ideas

Providing students with the knowledge and skills to take responsibility and contribute to the sustainable development of society is part of the School’s strategy. Since 2013, sustainability has been integrated into all programmes, both through course elements and mandatory sustainability days.

With the “Handels Impact Innovation Cup,” the School aims to further stimulate students’ engagement in entrepreneurship and sustainable societal development.

“The School provides students with a lot of knowledge related to sustainability, and now they have the chance to transform this into concrete ideas that can help address sustainability challenges in society,” says Anders Sandoff, a lecturer in business administration and one of the initiators of the competition.

Pride and engagement

The student union HHGS has developed the competition together with the School.

“HHGS is very proud of the Handels Impact Innovation Cup and the opportunities it creates for students. We hope that the competition will contribute to an increased commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainability issues. We are also delighted about the collaboration that led to this and all the parties involved that made it possible. Together we are creating a sustainable future,” says Hugo Sjöö, Head of Business Relations at HHGS.

About the Handels Impact Innovation Cup

The Handels Impact Innovation Cup aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and engagement in sustainability among students. Inspired by the global sustainability goals, the competition challenges students to develop their business ideas into solutions that can make a difference. Students can compete in four categories:

Environmental: Business ideas focusing on environmental sustainability. Projects should address a relevant and feasible environmental challenge.
Social: Business ideas focusing on social sustainability. The challenge addressed can relate to inequality, discrimination, or similar issues.
Governance: Business ideas that promote or relate to strong governance practices, such as transparency, ethical conduct, diversity, and accountability. Solutions should help businesses operate with integrity, ensure responsible management, or foster trust with stakeholders.
Project: Projects targeting environmental or social issues. Projects should address a relevant challenge with a practical solution.

A winner in each category receives a prize of 50,000 SEK. Ernströmgruppen sponsors the competition by funding the prize.

Timeline:

Competition opened: 6 September
Application deadline: 21 October
Pitch day: 6 November at Innovation Expo during GADDEN
Winners announcement: 7 November at the Gala Banquet during GADDEN

For more information about the competition, visit Handels Impact Innovation Cup.

Area

Sustainability and environment Society and economy Student