In March, the 6th edition of the Fujifilm Future Challenge kicked off with a virtual event. International students from 9 different universities from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Japan, United States and Indonesia are participating. In mixed teams, the students develop innovative and feasible "green" ideas and present them to an expert jury. They exchange knowledge, collaborate and simultaneously compete for the prize: the Fujifilm Innovation Award and a trip to Fujifilm's European headquarters in Ratingen/Düsseldorf, Germany.
This week the midterm meeting was scheduled. The teams presented their first business ideas, based on Fujifilm technology and matching the Fujifilm strategic directions.
It is great to see that students from this generation are so driven to tackle issues of sustainability and the environment. There are good ideas that will be given further shape in the coming month. The students will make a concrete business plan, they will talk to potential customers and will probably also have to adjust their initial ideas. They are also introduced to Fujifilm's Sustainable Value Plan. This 10-week program is a good simulation of the processes involved in day-to-day practice within Fujifilm.
From Fujifilm, the teams will be supported alongside Michiel by technical experts Davide Bocciardo, Mert Colakoglu and Paris Rallis. Several coaches are present on behalf of the participating universities and, as in previous years, Frans Stel, Managing consultant Vennebroek Academic Services is again involved in the organization.
The Fujifilm Future Challenge is part of the European program "Scale-up for Sustainability" and is made possible by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union.
Good luck and enjoyment to all participants!