This weekend saw the second edition of the Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge, the event where university students work for 24 hours on a complex challenge. This year, the focus was on issues related to the green energy transition, and the students' innovative thinking is impressive.
The Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge is organized annually by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with Dalarna University. The 2024 challenge was presented by Dalarna's nine energy companies and is about the commitment of the people of Dalarna to the green energy transition: what is needed for more residents to feel that they themselves can be part of the solution?
"It will be quick"
Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge was held at Dalarna Science Park in Borlänge, Friday April 12 to Saturday April 13, and 15 students from Dalarna University participated. They were assisted by Dalarna Science Park's innovation leaders and business coaches who guided and encouraged them through the process. Representatives of the clients and Dalarna University were also present in the building.
Innovation leader Jacob Ode, Dalarna Science Park, notes that the event is a unique and different experience for everyone involved.
- We live, eat and work together for a whole day, so there is a great sense of community. On average, participants slept only three hours each.
The challenge the students faced is not imaginary, but a highly topical issue that energy companies are continuously working on: how can the commitment to the green transition be greater and what can the companies do to increase the knowledge and awareness of the valley people?
Mats Rönnelid is a professor of energy technology at Dalarna University and one of the members of the competition jury. He thinks it is good that the students are given the chance to come up with new approaches.
- The energy transition is a gigantic transformation of society and it will happen fast. That's why it's important to have both social and technological innovations, so that the transition is not slowed down but also made enjoyable," he says.
A new kind of eye-catcher
The Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge began at lunchtime on Friday with an introduction to the challenge and a division into smaller project groups. This was followed by many hours of work, interspersed with breaks for food, coffee, rest and ping-pong, before it was time to present the ideas to the competition jury on Saturday morning.
- The students have worked together with people they didn't know before and I think they have been very brave, says Erik Tosterud, innovation leader.
The representatives of the energy companies were also impressed by the students, both in terms of attitude and results.
- We know that local engagement is crucial for a sustainable future and now we have several innovative ideas to work with," says Bengt Östling, CEO of Dala Energi.
For Angelica Ekholm, Dalarna Science Park's CEO, the Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge has become one of the highlights of the year in the Dalarna Science Park building.
- I love the energy of bringing together individuals who don't know each other and getting them to collaborate on one of our great societal challenges. This is exactly how we need to work together: society, business and academia.
Angelica and the other members of the competition jury unanimously chose to award the first prize to an idea to transform traditional wind turbines into works of art.
Denise Tang, one of the students behind the winning idea, says that the project team experienced neither stress nor pressure, but that the day was only positive.
- Thank you for letting us be part of this, it was great fun! We didn't know each other before and didn't know who was good at what, so we followed the process and did everything together. Now we hope that the energy companies will take our idea further and implement it.
Winners 2024
1st prize: Local Artists
Denise Tang, Matus Miglierini and Dhiraj Gyawali.
Idea: Instead of hiding wind turbines, make them beautiful with the help of local artists. Even so beautiful that they can become tourist attractions, thereby benefiting the local community.
Jury's motivation: An innovative and simple solution that helps to turn something that is perceived as ugly into something that can be perceived as beautiful, while creating local pride. The solution can also help to strengthen Dalarna as a tourist county.
2nd prize: Financial Benefits
Paula Strobel, Kushmi Anuththara Chandrasena and Moritz Kalden.
Idea: Give people living near wind turbines financial compensation for activities that improve the local community. Everything can be tracked digitally and citizens can have a say in how the money is spent.
Jury's motivation: A smart visualization that creates a democratic process and engagement. The idea also strengthens the local economy.
3rd prize: The Dala Green Warrior
Saron Anteneh Sjödin, Sherin V S and Yasir Imam.
Idea: "The Dala Green Warrior" customer loyalty program where customers of electricity companies who use energy wisely can receive benefits. The idea also includes training and inspiration.
Jury's motivation: A solution that creates engagement where the customer can understand what they get in terms of benefits. The energy companies also believe that the solution can be implemented jointly.
FACTS - Dalarna 24h Innovation Challenge
Concept: An idea competition where university students are given 24 hours to find solutions to a concrete challenge, presented by a company or organization. The competition has been held annually since 2023.
Purpose: Generate new ideas that contribute to sustainable development in Dalarna and increase interest in innovation, energy and technology.
Content: Workshops, idea work, presentation and award ceremony.
Organizers: Dalarna Science Park and Dalarna University.
Mission 2024: Dalarna's energy company: How can we get more people to contribute to the green energy transition?
Jury 2024: Jon Norling, VB Elnät; Bengt Östling, Dala Energi; Mats Rönnelid, Dalarna University; Angelica Ekholm, Dalarna Science Park.
