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UT Challenge

13 June 2017
Visitors driving onto the University of Twente campus are welcomed by a massive UT Challenge banner. That's what you'd call a grand entrance!

     
-Part I-
The time has come: Tuesday, 13 June, the very first edition of the UT Challenge at the University of Twente. The first part of the day is held in the Designlab, a creative spot with bean bags scattered around, a few wooden bookcases, made by students, and some lovely plants. It's a cross between a modern, oversized classroom and a laboratory.  

In the Designlab, the clock strikes 10:30 AM, the semifinals are underway. The finalists enter the room to a huge round of applause and take their seats in the front row. The host, Frank Kresin, takes the floor and takes us through the day's programme. 
Members of the jury are then introduced and asked what they'll be looking for during this semifinal. Before the first-ever finalist gets their turn, Prince Constantijn van Oranje comes on screen to wish the competitors the best of luck!  
'I wish you all the luck in taking the next step in your carrier as entrepreneurs'  

'Be there or be square'
After that royal inspiration, all that's left is for the 19 finalists to get going on round one. 'So here we go! Please give them a big hand.' The competitors have just one minute to convince the audience and the jury with their idea. It's a race against the clock, but even so, everyone seems to be keeping up. Within 60 seconds, each idea and prototype is brought in and given an approving nod by the audience.

    
 
The atmosphere is relaxed and positive during the first round. The content of the pitches is quite diverse; it's comparing apples and oranges. That means the jury will have a tough job picking just four finalists. Mike Verkouter, a member of the steering committee, says he's not only excited to find out who's going to win, but who will be where five years from now, as well. In the end, it's not just about the value of the idea; the person's overall mindset and entrepreneurial skills matter, too.  
     

-Part II-
The second part of the event is to be held in the De Waaier building. De Waaier is a picture of progress and ambition. It's high-tech and straightforward. In the afternoon, plenty of forward-thinking companies have set up stands at the innovation market being held in the building's central space. It's a busy scene, with discussions happening and valuable contacts being made everywhere you look. We decided to ask a few attendees about their first impressions of the challenge.

Marjolein Berkers | TMC: 'The pitches are motivating, stimulating, and inspiring.'  
Dennis Schipper | Demcon: 'Participating in the challenge is definitely worthwhile for anyone who wants to be the next Steve Jobs!' 
Arnold Poelstra | EY: 'It's extremely relevant for students to be able to build contacts with companies during the challenge.' 
Victor van der Chijs | University of Twente: 'The UT Challenge has exceeded all of our expectations!'  
      

'Don’t let the change happen to you, make the change!'
At 2 PM, the crowds migrate to the large lecture hall, where inspiring speakers are to give innovation speeches. One of the speakers is José van Dijk, Vice President of Cisco, an example for many and a particularly good reflection of the power of women. Ms Van Dijk encourages everyone to keep moving, keep making connections, and keep taking risks. 'Otherwise you’re not going to make it.'

The lecture hall looks amazing. The projections on the high walls are impressive, and the many seats are filled with a good mix of leading figures in the business community and ambitious students. Nellie Kroes and Marina van Dammeare two of the impressive faces in the audience today. 

As everyone waits with bated breath for what comes next, the Robert Jay Band starts to play. The singer appears at the top of the stairs in a dazzling dress and begins singing to the crowd. Goosebumps! The music jumps from opera to Bruno Mars, a transition that helps the band keep the audience in thrall, from listening in awe to swinging in their seats. It's true diversity in all its glory.

      

'The pitch of their lifetime'
At around 3:30 PM, it's time for the UT Challenge final. Four finalists will fight for first place, one winner in the ideation category and one in the prototyping category. Two finalists are competing in each category. 
It's Joost Brinkman's job to announce the finalists. Hops & Grains will battle it out against the standard multi-spindle drilling machine in the ideation category. 

      

The jury takes their place on stately armchairs drawn up alongside the stage as the finalists prepare for the pitch of a lifetime. This time, each finalist gets two minutes for their pitch so that they can give a more detailed explanation of their first-round presentation. The jury then gets the opportunity to ask a number of in-depth questions. The questions are critical, but still constructive, and intended to help the finalists find their way towards developing their idea and making it a reality.  
After the ideation pitches are over, Joost Brinkman announces the two finalists in the prototyping category: Xpressinkwill face off against Aryzon.

There's also a special announcement for another semifinalist, NociTrack.   
The prototype really appeals to the jury. However, the timeline for reaching the market is still too long at present. That's earned them the third place spot, an excellent performance and a valuable compliment!  

It's now time for the jury to take their seats and get ready to judge the prototype pitches. Both Xpressink and Aryzon come out with strong presentations; they're both modern products with a large potential market.

The finalists proudly stand and face the jury, answering questions like fully-fledged entrepreneurs.

'A mindset of always questioning things'
While the jury makes their final deliberations, an artist wows the audience with a spectacular performance full of amazing football tricks. It's this kind of variety that keeps the audience's rapt attention. Frank Kresin then invites Atilla Kerpisci, Director of Marketing & Communication for the University of Twente, to the stage. This is a big day for the university, he explains. Both the finalists and the companies here today are excited about all of the activity and knowledge that's been part of this event. Mr. Kerpisci also shared some valuable advice: 'As an entrepreneur, don't just focus on your product's technical aspects or solutions, but pay attention to the human side, as well.' In the end, we're all people who use technology as a tool. When you find the right balance between the two, you'll never go wrong!'

 
     


The jury deliberations come to a close, and with the proverbial white smoke, the jury members file back into the room. Though it was a difficult task, a choice has been made. The UT Challenge prizes are awarded by no less than Mr Van der Chijs and Ms Kroes. 
The ideation category winner is Hops & Grains, and Aryzon will take home the prize in the prototyping category. The winners come forward to thunderous applause to claim their well-earned prizes.

      
  
The overall experience of the first UT Challenge can be summed up in three words: vibrant, innovative, and diverse! A few final inspirational words from Marjolein Berkers (TMC Group) and Hank Oosterbaan (ASML): 'Everyone should take part in the challenge, as it's a unique chance to present yourself as a young entrepreneur and develop new skills. It's not only good for your career; it's also an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life. So just give it a try and keep the dream of your business plan alive!'