INNOVA Europe

INNOVA Europe is an annual competition that brings together students from top European business schools to address societal, economic, and environmental challenges outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition, launched in 2022, aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and the use of technology to generate new products and solutions with a positive and lasting impact.

The final event of INNOVA Europe 2023 took place at the Microsoft Italia Headquarters in Milan, where the teams from each school presented their innovations to a panel of experts. The participating business schools were POLIMI Graduate School of Management, EDHEC, and ESMT Berlin. 

The event at Microsoft Italia Headquarters in Milan demonstrated the power of teamwork, innovation, and the importance of addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals to build a better future for all.

The Student Challenge for Sustainable Development Impact was launched by EDHEC, ESMT Berlin, and Polimi Graduate School of Management, three leading European business schools. The competition aimed to harness the power of innovative and technology-driven solutions based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

EDHEC, ESMT Berlin, and Polimi Graduate School of Management joined forces to create the INNOVA Europe competition, inviting students and graduates from these schools to develop and submit startup ideas that address societal, economic, and environmental challenges aligned with the SDGs. The competition provided participants with the opportunity to utilize entrepreneurial thinking and innovative creativity to make a valuable contribution to sustainability.

The competition followed a rigorous process, with the three European business schools selecting their respective finalists on February 10, 2023. 

On 15th June 2023, three major European academic institutions, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, EDHEC Business School, and ESMT Berlin, hosted the final of ‘INNOVA Europe’. The event was supported by Microsoft Italia.

INNOVA Italia is an initiative that aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in Italy. The program brings together renowned academic institutions, industry experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs to address societal, economic, and environmental challenges through innovative solutions. With a strong focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), INNOVA Italia seeks to create a positive and lasting impact on the country's future.

One of the primary goals of INNOVA Italia is to encourage students and graduates from leading Italian business schools to leverage their skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to develop startup ideas that align with the SDGs. By focusing on these global goals, the program aims to tackle pressing issues such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, among others. INNOVA Italia recognizes that by empowering the younger generation to tackle these challenges, significant progress can be made towards a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Another key purpose of INNOVA Italia is to provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The program brings together diverse talents, including students from various academic backgrounds, industry experts, mentors, and investors. By fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, INNOVA Italia aims to stimulate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise. This collaborative approach allows participants to tap into different perspectives, leverage complementary skills, and co-create impactful solutions that have the potential to drive positive change in Italy and beyond.

Moreover, INNOVA Italia serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and the development of sustainable businesses. The program not only supports participants in the early stages of their startup journey but also provides them with access to valuable resources, networks, and incubation services. By nurturing these innovative ideas and assisting in their transformation into viable businesses, INNOVA Italia aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Italy. The ultimate goal is to empower the next generation of change-makers who will lead the way in creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for the country.

The projects presented at INNOVA Europe exemplify the program's impact on driving positive change. For instance, the winning team, Dooda, showcased an innovative solution to address food security and climate change. By utilizing insect-based ingredients, Dooda offers a sustainable alternative source of nutrition that is both natural and highly nutritious while generating zero waste. This project directly contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), addressing critical global issues.

In addition to the cash prize of €5,000, Dooda will also benefit from vital incubation services provided by the three academic incubators of the partner schools: PoliHub - Innovation Park & Startup Accelerator, EDHEC Entrepreneurs, and Vali Berlin - Entrepreneurship Hub at ESMT. 

These incubation services offer invaluable support, guidance, and resources to help the winning team further develop their idea, refine their business model, and bring their innovative solution to fruition. The expertise and mentorship provided by these renowned incubators will play a crucial role in nurturing Dooda's entrepreneurial journey and facilitating their path to success.

Another notable project, 'Oyster2Life,' focuses on preserving the marine ecosystem. By giving oyster shells a second chance at life, this initiative supports the regeneration of marine habitats and tackles environmental challenges. Through this project, the team contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and demonstrates the importance of sustainable practices to protect our oceans and marine biodiversity.

Additionally, 'One Planet' introduced a marketplace for companies to purchase Biodiversity credits, enabling greater investment in preserving and restoring natural habitats. By facilitating the financing of actions that positively impact biodiversity, this project aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and showcases the potential for innovative solutions to drive sustainable practices and responsible entrepreneurship.