The science competition is organised in collaboration with higher education institutions and businesses in the area. This is, in fact, the first science competition organised as a joint effort of public administration, the education sector and private businesses in Finland. The idea was presented for the City of Turku by Managing Director of Bayer Nordic Miriam Holstein in 2019. New businesses to take part in collaboration include Turku Energia, Raisio Oyj and NGS Finland Oy.
– Gaining a national top position in science and technology has taken place in excellent collaboration with businesses and higher education institutions in the area. I am very glad that this science competition as one of the results of collaboration has been well received. Collaboration and know-how are our foundation and our prerequisites for success now and in the future, says Mayor of Turku Minna Arve.
– The high level of project entries is a good example of the ability of the young generation to innovate and combine science and sustainable development into solutions that serve society. The positive reception this competition has had from operators in the area is a strong indicator of the power of collaboration. It is, indeed, notable that the science competition combines the efforts of the young generation as well as the City of Turku, higher education institutions and businesses, says Managing Director of Bayer Nordic Miriam Holstein.
The ideas of teams were related to e.g. climate change, sustainable development, social environment and wellbeing technology.
– On the basis of the application phase, we can expect magnificent and interesting end products. It was also delightful to see that half of the ideas came from upper secondary schools and the other half from vocational institutions, states Head of the Project Office Matti Mäkelä from the City of Turku Development Services.
The teams proceeding to the project phase that lasts until the end of November receive sparring by students from higher education institutions in Turku. The winner will be announced in January 2021.
Beyond 2030 Challenge is a competition that encourages upper secondary school students and vocational education and training students to immerse themselves in the world of science and technology. The competition, directed towards all upper secondary education students in Southwest Finland, has the ambitious goal of finding new creative solutions that save the planet and man. For the part of the City of Turku, STEAM Turku is responsible for implementation. www.turku.fi/beyond2030