Over the past few weeks, the inaugural RIS Winter Schools Series, co-founded and supported by EIT Urban Mobility, saw a gathering of almost 120 bachelor students from various RIS countries in three European cities to delve into the realms of sustainable urban mobility. During one week, participants were involved in different workshops and lectures to enhance their knowledge and skills on innovation and entrepreneurship to develop innovative solutions to different real-life challenges faced by cities.
Here’s a peek into the highlights and achievements of each Winter School:
Innov4mobility Winter School
Aveiro, Portugal.
Organising partners: BGI, S.A and Technical University of Berlin.
At the University of Aveiro, students dived into challenges such as micromobility and pollution reduction, culminating in the winning project “ReNEW a BOAT”, which aims to convert combustion boats to electric ones. Maria Bike, Pedalar sem Idade, and CER FF showcased their prototypes. Additionally, the EcoVoltas initiative by Ecomood Portugal provided students with hands-on experiences, allowing them to test drive electric karts and witness first-hand the potential of eco-friendly transportation solutions.
WINSCOOL Winter School
Tartu, Estonia.
Organising partners: Kimitisik B.V and University of Tartu.
Against the picturesque backdrop of Tartu, participants engaged in a collaborative endeavour to tackle the city’s pressing urban mobility challenges. Visits to local institutions like the AHA Center enriched their understanding of Tartu’s unique mobility landscape. The teams grappled with issues ranging from traffic congestion to winter walkability, culminating in presenting innovative solutions. The standout proposal from team “StreetHeat”, incorporating an array of heating systems to enhance road safety during winter, garnered praise from both peers and mentors.
EXCEL Winter School
Gozo, Malta.
Organising partners: Cleantech Bulgaria, MCAST and Project Aegle Foundation.
Nestled in the idyllic settings of Malta & Gozo, participants delved into the complexities of transitioning towards sustainable transportation solutions. Challenges centred around modal shifts and renewable energy integration for ferries prompted teams to think outside the box. The winning team “Sustainable Innovators”, captivated the audience with their vision of hydrogen-powered ferries navigating the Maltese archipelago, showcasing the potential for eco-friendly maritime transportation.
Beyond the academic rigour, the Winter Schools provided ample opportunities for social engagement and networking. From citizen engagement initiatives to lively karaoke nights, students forged bonds and shared insights, enriching their learning experience.
The RIS Winter Schools not only showcased the students’ dedication but also underscored the power of collaborative innovation in tackling pressing urban challenges. As these young innovators return to their respective communities armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, they stand poised to make a tangible difference in the realm of urban mobility.
