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We are excited to offer your students the opportunity to participate in an in-person Hackathon focused on developing innovative ideas for the bioeconomy. ​

This Hackathon brings together students from the Nordic and Baltic region who share an interest in sustainability, agriculture, forestry, and marine ecosystems. Participants will collaborate in teams to tackle real-world challenges in these fields, guided by expert coaches from the industry. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of key issues and equip them with practical problem-solving skills.

Join the Hackathon to be part of the solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable food systems. By participating, you’ll collaborate with other students from the Nordic and Baltic regions to tackle real-world bioeconomy challenges, contributing directly to the green transition. 

This Hackathon is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Bioeconomy program, driven by Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and the Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ). It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, connect with like-minded peers, and make a meaningful impact in shaping a sustainable future for rural areas. 

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About the Hackathon​

• Teamwork: You’ll work in teams of four. You can apply individually or with a team, but team selection is not guaranteed for all applicants. If your full team is not selected, you’ll have the chance to join a team with other students.​
• Challenge Areas: Teams will work on challenges related to agriculture, forestry, or marine ecosystems.​
• Virtual Kick-Off: A virtual session will be held about a month before the event to introduce teams, kick off the Bioeconomy Hackathon, and begin formulating challenges.​
• Timeline: Teams will have time to do preparatory work on their challenges from the kick-off until the Hackathon, which will be held on May 27–28 at the Bioeconomy Campus in Saarijärvi, Finland.​
• Event Highlights: During the Hackathon, you’ll pitch your solutions during coaching sessions with industry experts and refine your ideas. The event concludes with a final pitching session to a jury. Price for the winning teams will be announced in a later stage.
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You are 

• Having an interest in sustainability, agriculture, forestry, or marine ecosystems. 

• A university student in the Nordic and Baltic region, studying computer science, engineering, agriculture, forestry, marine sciences, bioenergy, environmental studies, or a related field. 
  

Practical Information​

• Travel arrangements will ensure arrival the day before and departure the day after the event (subject to change).​
• Meals will be provided, offering opportunities to network with fellow students, mentors and industry professionals.​
• Participants will be selected based on geographic and educational background, gender diversity and motivation.
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Application Details​

• Students are accepted on a rolling basis, so apply early to secure your spot! Applications close at 28 February, but seats are limited. ​
• Selected participants will receive additional practical information.​
• Submit your application via the link in the form.​

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Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a sustainable future while gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities!​

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions to NKJ@slu.se​

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About AgriVenture Finland​

• An event where 500 participants is expected, and a change to explore the latest innovations in sustainable food production, connect with leading companies in the field. Listen to inspiring keynotes and startup pitches and build meaningful networks.​
• Read more about the Agriventure​

About the Organizers​

• The Hackathon is hosted and organized by JAMK with support from The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ), Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and Nordic Testbed Network.​
• The Hackathon is funded by the Bioeconomy program within the Nordic Council of Ministers.​

When: December 14th 2023, 13.30–16.00 CET
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be sent out in advance of the meeting
Registration: Register to the event by sending an email (name, research area and institution) to nkj@slu.se

The main goal of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ is to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030.

On the matchmaking day we take a deep dive into how you as a researcher can utilize living labs and lighthouses. We also offer an opportunity to connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities on research connected to living labs and/or light houses. Matchmaking with other researchers will be carried out in smaller groups to maximaze the chance for the participants to gain new contacts in their own area of interest.

The groups will mainly focus on food and agricultural research in living labs/light houses connected to:

• Climate resilience
• Soil health
• Plant health

You will be inspired by speakers from light houses and living labs in the Nordic region. NKJ will also inform you about the current open call that can fund your future networking activities.

AGENDA
13.30 Welcome
13.35 Inspiration talk: PLEN Living Labs
13.55 Inspiration talk: cooperation on light houses, Mære landbruksskole
14.15 How to apply for funds from NKJ: tips and trix
14.30 Networking workshop
16.00 Finish