Challenge – Our newest project form

In 2022 Sustainalink introduced a new collaborative initiative called "Challenge." This initiative brings together university students from diverse educational backgrounds to collaborate with companies facing sustainability-related challenges. In a Challenge, student groups work to address real-world issues presented by the participating companies. Each Challenge begins with a kick-off event, followed by a period where students independently work in teams, culminating in a final presentation event where they showcase their proposed solutions.

In short, the Challenge concept is based on joint and cross-disciplinary learning, where students and companies exchange knowledge and gain new perspectives on sustainability issues.

Are you a student and curious about the next Challenge? Then you can register your interest and we will contact you with more information when the next event approaches. If you want to participate as a company, please contact us.

Previous Challenges

So far, three Challenges have been held with different themes. In 2022, 28 students from 20 programs participated, who in interdisciplinary groups helped nine companies with sustainability challenges. During the spring, the students took on challenges linked to circularity and during the autumn the focus was on sustainable leadership. The events were arranged with Leader Skånes Ess and Leader Söderslätt respectively. Participating companies at the event were Tryde 1303, Nordfrö, Svensk Hampaindustri, Tvärpilen, Stora Juleboda, Mylla Mat, Smygehus havsbad, Grönby byalag, Foteviken and Sparbanken Skurup.

In the fall of 2023, the Challenge was held in Kristianstad in collaboration with Sparbanken Syd. Nearly 20 students from Kristianstad University, SLU Alnarp, Malmö University, and Lund University worked with four companies on the UN's global sustainability goals. The participating companies were Jobbarenan, YinTorp, Ateljé Lyktan, and Kristianstad Golf Club.

What can the projects be about?

Previous Challenges have addressed topics such as sustainable material choices, communicating sustainability efforts, analyzing new customer segments, sustainable tourism, and practical issues such as methods for managing grass clippings. We design each project in close collaboration with participating companies, ensuring that it aligns with their unique sustainability goals. A defining feature of a Challenge is that it harnesses the diverse perspectives of an interdisciplinary student team, generating innovative solutions.

Who can participate in a Challenge?

The same applies here as in Sustainalink’s other projects: we collaborate with Scanian companies, associations, and organizations seeking fresh perspectives on their sustainability efforts. Students from all universities in Skåne are warmly welcomed. Our Challenges are conducted in English, though perfect pronunciation is certainly not required. Our goal is to encourage as many as possible to join and contribute!

Company experiences from previous Challenges

Companies that have participated in past Challenge events have shared that they gained valuable new insights into their own operations and were impressed by the students' ability to produce impactful results within a short timeframe.

Students' experiences from previous Challenges

The students have valued the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse educational backgrounds and appreciated the chance to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.