Presentation during the ReThink Textile hackathon. Photo Guy Ackermans The two-week Biodiversity Hackathon starts on 18 March. During this time, all participating student teams must design a product to enhance local biodiversity and build a prototype of the product.
Marta Eggers of WUR Student Challenges explains that the hackathon challenges students to design something innovative. ‘No bird houses or insect hotels, as these products already exist. But what? Participants can come up with their own ideas. Perhaps a tunnel for hedgehogs or a toad pool?’
Eggers says the teams will mainly focus on the design aspects during the first week. ‘Suppose a team decides it wishes to design something for hedgehogs. This requires students to first analyse the animals’ behaviour, discover what challenges they face and what solutions may help the hedgehogs overcome these challenges, etc.’
Prototype
The second week calls for a more practical effort. ‘After imagining and designing a concept, the teams must build a prototype’, Eggers states. ‘That will be done in the PlusUltra II FabLab, which offers 3D printers, laser cutters and other tools.’ Students are frequently challenged to build prototypes at other technical universities. ‘We want to see if it works here as well’, Eggers states.
The Biodiversity Hackathon finals are to be held on 1 April. The jury, made up of young entrepreneur Zoe van Helvoirt (Bee Grateful), business development expert Bart-Jan Woertman (StartLife) and biodiversity experts Arnold van Vliet (WUR) and Harrie Hekhuis (Stadsbosbeheer), will select the team with the best design and prototype. The winning team will receive 500 euros. Registration is open until 11 March.
