Student Challenges
From student ideas to real-world solutions
Student Challenges empowers students to work on real-world issues through international competitions hosted or supported by Wageningen University & Research. We connect students, researchers, and partners to turn ideas into meaningful, tangible solutions.
Upcoming challenges
Why join a Student Challenge
Solve real-world challenges
Tackle real societal issues such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity. Work on challenges that matter, together with partners from industry, research, and international organisations.
Learn by doing
Develop practical skills like business development, problem-solving, and pitching. Gain hands-on experience that complements your studies and prepares you for your future career.
Work with people worldwide
Collaborate with students from around the world and engage with experts, mentors, and organisations. Expand your network and gain insights from different disciplines and perspectives.
Make ideas happen
Bring your ideas to life through prototypes, research, or start-ups. Some teams go on to launch their own ventures, land jobs through connections made, or continue with research or PhDs based on their challenge ideas.
Upcoming Events
2 June: The Grand Finale (NbF Challenge)
After six months of work in the Nature-based Future Challenge, the top 10 teams from around the world arrive in Wageningen to present their ideas, face the jury, and compete for €9,000 and a trip to Louisiana. Join us to experience the energy, the pitches, and the moment we discover this year’s winner.
29 September: Grand Finals (FSI Challenge)
After months of hands-on work in the Food Systems Innovation Challenge, 30 teams from around the world come together in Wageningen to share their solutions for transforming local food systems. Meet the people behind the ideas and discover which teams rise to the top and take home the final prize.
2 June: The Grand Finale (NbF Challenge)
After six months of work in the Nature-based Future Challenge, the top 10 teams from around the world arrive in Wageningen to present their ideas, face the jury, and compete for €9,000 and a trip to Louisiana. Join us to experience the energy, the pitches, and the moment we discover this year’s winner.
29 September: Grand Finals (FSI Challenge)
After months of hands-on work in the Food Systems Innovation Challenge, 30 teams from around the world come together in Wageningen to share their solutions for transforming local food systems. Meet the people behind the ideas and discover which teams rise to the top and take home the final prize.
News and Stories (12)
“It was a challenging project, but the experience was rewarding. Learning from peers, sharing ideas, and supporting one another along the way made it both valuable and memorable.”
- Team Naturise
- finalist of the NBF Challenge #1
What students achieve
Our challenges open doors to careers, networks, research opportunities, and start-ups, while creating real impact for society.
33k
student participants500+
patricipating universities73
countries6
continents“We are still overwhelmed how much it changed our lives in such a short time. The chances offered to students all around the world through the competition are unique and truly amazing”
- Fabiola
- Winner ReThink Protein #1
“It brings hope, showing how students around the world collaborate to tackle society’s challenges with positivity.”
- Bertram de Rooij
- coach, Wageningen University & Research
Past Student Challenges
Over the years, thousands of students have participated in Wageningen University & Research Student Challenges. These challenges take different forms, from global innovation competitions to fast-paced hackathons.
The Food Systems Innovation Challenge invites student teams from selected universities to develop innovative food systems solutions for the Global South. Interdisciplinary teams address challenges related to climate change, biodiversity, and food security, and the top teams continue in Youth Food Lab, an incubation programme in collaboration with FAO in Rome.
Since its launch, the challenge has grown into a recurring international programme involving universities and partners worldwide.
Previous editions:
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026 (current edition)
New editions are planned annually.
The ReThink Challenge Series invites students to redesign key systems for a more sustainable future. Each edition focuses on a different global challenge, from food systems to textiles and biodiversity, while following the same innovation format: interdisciplinary teams develop solutions and pitch them to international experts.
Previous themes included:
The next edition of this series will be the ReWild the Future Challenge, focusing on restoring biodiversity in rural landscapes.
The Nature-based Future Challenge invites students to design innovative nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable regions. The first edition focused on the Bangladesh Delta, bringing together 62 teams from around the world.
Students explored how ecosystems can help address challenges such as flooding, food security and climate adaptation.
Student hackathons are shorter, high-energy innovation experiences where interdisciplinary teams develop solutions in just a few weeks. These programmes focus on rapid ideation, prototyping and pitching.
Previous hackathon themes included:
- Sustainable textiles
- Organic waste in cities
- Local biodiversity solutions
- Alternative protein
Meet the team
Visit Wageningen Campus
Wageningen Campus is a hotspot for innovation and knowledge sharing that brings together talent and scientific expertise.
Follow Wageningen University & Research on social media
Stay up-to-date and follow all activities and stories of our students.
Find us on social media!
On our social media channels you can follow and join new Student Challenges and get smart with our free webinars! You'll love to learn to think more outside the box and expand your (business) network.
You can find us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
On our YouTube channel you can check out all our current and past challenges. You can also take your knowledge to a new level with our free webinars, masterclasses and lectures from our experts. Follow us on Instagram (use #wurchallenges to be featured!) and Facebook to discover inspiring projects, behind-the-scenes stories, and exciting updates.
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