The future of industry is built on innovations that reduce environmental impact and use resources more wisely. The Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge offers young students an opportunity to take on this challenge and develop solutions that make a difference for the whole planet.
This year’s theme focuses on the utilization of side streams from the mining, steel, and forest industries. The finalists have created concrete ideas to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
– The Innovation Challenge is a unique opportunity to see how students apply their knowledge to real industrial challenges. From these encounters arise ideas that can transform entire sectors, says Mari Pilventö, Acting CEO of Tapojärvi.
The Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge 2025 Final will take place on Monday, 27 October, at the SnowCastle of Kemi. The event will bring together students, industrial experts, and sustainability professionals. The final is by invitation only, but it will be streamed live on Tapojärvi’s YouTube channel.
This year’s host, Simon Coen, a member of the 2023 winning team, returns in a new role. His story illustrates how the competition can create lasting connections and open doors to an international career.
– Participating and winning made us truly understand what developing an innovation requires. It’s not just about ideas – it’s a long process that demands time, experimentation, and commitment. Many lessons, such as testing realities and commercialization steps, were learned only through practice, says Simon Coen.
The competition is organized in cooperation with EIT RawMaterials and supports Europe’s circular economy strategy and sustainable industrial development.
Follow the final on 27 October HERE and get inspired by tomorrow’s innovators!
