KB Commits to Supporting WUR Student Challenges Until 2028

Amidst panel discussions and networking sessions, a commitment was made: KB will continue supporting WUR Student Challenges with a total contribution of €90,000 until 2028. The cheque was formally signed and handed over by Carolien Kroeze, Rector Magnificus of WUR.

KB first began supporting Student Challenges in 2020. Since then, it has contributed to four different challenges, both financially and through in-kind involvement, including researchers coaching participating student teams. The renewed commitment secures support for five upcoming editions: two editions of ReWild the Future Challenge and three editions of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge. Student Challenges are now included in KB’s programme plan until 2028 as activities not directly tied to a specific research line.

In her address, Carolien Kroeze highlighted how Student Challenges align with WUR’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which centres on shaping responsible change. She emphasised that the programme plays a direct role in empowering a new generation of responsible changemakers by inviting international student teams to tackle complex sustainability challenges within planetary boundaries. Reflecting on previous finals she attended, Kroeze added:

For KB Project Leads Anthony Verschoor and Jene van der Heide, the value lies precisely in that interaction. While KB operates within structured research programmes, Student Challenges offer space for experimentation and independent thinking. “We need creative, informal spaces alongside formal research,” they noted. “Students approach complex problems with an open mindset, and that can also inspire us.”

According to Rio Pals, Partnership Manager at WUR Student Challenges, the long-term nature of the commitment is key. “Multi-year support allows us to deepen collaboration,” she explained. “It enables more structural exchange between students and researchers, rather than one-off interactions.”

With support secured until 2028, the partnership between KB and Student Challenges continues to strengthen, linking foundational research, education and student-driven innovation in a shared effort to develop and empower responsible changemakers.