About the challenge

About the Brightlands Startup Challenge

The Brightlands Startup Challenge empowers the innovative potential of students in the Limburg region. Home to a diverse array of educational institutions, Limburg boasts a rich talent pool across various sectors. The challenge connects these bright minds with a locally invested international partner network, fostering an ideal environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Brightlands Startup Challenge encourages students to develop solutions to societal and entrepreneurial issues. It supports them in creating or expanding viable business plans and enhances their core competencies, such as entrepreneurial mindset, innovative thinking, and teamwork in interdisciplinary settings. Participants can bring their innovations to life through collaboration with experts from academia and industry, gaining exposure to different companies and organisations for future career- or project development opportunities. It is an inspiring opportunity for all students in Limburg enrolled in a University of Applied Sciences or higher. This format promotes interdisciplinary and interfaculty collaboration, leading to impressive solutions for current social challenges.

The Brightlands Startup Challenge offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with motivated, innovative students. By participating, partner companies and organizations can endorse cutting-edge ideas, benefit from fast and agile innovation, recruit top talent, and coach and collaborate with emerging entrepreneurs. This challenge provides a dynamic platform for fostering creativity and collaboration, resulting in innovative solutions to contemporary social issues. Engaging with the challenge not only strengthens a brand's presence but also contributes to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Limburg.

Reasons to join

Network

Participating in the Brightlands Startup Challenge offers a unique opportunity to build and expand your professional network by connecting with an extensive international ecosystem of students and partners. By collaborating with motivated students, experts from academia, and innovative companies, you can establish valuable relationships that foster future business opportunities and partnerships. Engaging with this diverse and dynamic community opens doors to potential collaborations, industry insights, and access to top talent in the region.

Project & Personal development

The Brightlands Startup Challenge provides an exceptional platform for both personal and professional growth. By working on societal and or entrepreneurial issues of your own choosing, you can hone your problem-solving skills, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and enhance your ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, the challenge allows you to gain hands-on experience in project development, guided by industry professionals and academic experts, ultimately advancing your innovative thinking and preparing you for future career or business ventures.

Prizes!

The Brightlands Startup Challenge offers a diverse range of prizes, rewarding participants who demonstrate exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Each category features its own distinct awards, with additional prizes presented by the challenge's partner network. These prizes range from monetary rewards to valuable opportunities such as wildcards for exclusive events, access to collaborative working spaces, and other resources designed to support participants in bringing their ideas to life. Engaging with the challenge not only provides recognition but also equips winners with the tools and opportunities needed for further project development and entrepreneurial success.

Prizes


Ideation

€ 2.500,-


Advanced

€ 3.500,-


Social Impact

€ 1.000,-


Partner Awards

Specifics will be announced