Team ZED has won the Dutch 4TU Impact Challenge. The start-up of TU Delft students is developing a B2B IoT solutions provider, which ensures that companies can use wireless “battery-free” devices. As a prize, they will go on a trade mission to the World Expo in Dubai in 2021, together with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of companies.

This year, the innovation competition was organised for the second time by the four technical universities in the Netherlands. In the challenge, students can present their groundbreaking solutions to societal problems. The technical universities in Eindhoven, Delft, Twente and Wageningen have organised their own preliminary rounds in recent months. Ultimately, eight finalists took part in the Dutch 4TU Impact Challenge.

Team ZED (Zero Energy Development) of the TU Delft Impact Contest is the winner of the Dutch 4TU Impact Challenge 2020. They develop battery-free applications for a wide range of companies. This will limit the 35 million batteries currently in use. This way they contribute to both sustainability and working conditions. One of the reasons that the jury chose Team ZED was their inspiring idea. But also how they tackle various problems in their project and of course the enthusiasm with which they presented themselves in the Q&A. “It’s great, we’re really looking forward to showcasing our innovation to the world!” says team ZED. They are now ready for the next step on their way to the World Expo in Dubai next year, where they will represent the Netherlands.

In addition, the public voted online for the audience award, which was awarded to Reshore of the WUR Student Challenges. They are developing floating breakwaters that can replace the current gray breakwaters with flourishing ecosystems. Their project combines coastal protection, ecosystem restoration and food production. With this prize they can further develop their project.

Read the full story on Team ZED’s innovation.