About the Maastricht University Challenge

The Maastricht University Challenge provides a platform for students and recent graduates of UM and Zuyd Hogeschool to showcase and develop their innovative ideas, related to societal and entrepreneurial issues. Besides, by taking part in this challenge, you will be supported by coaches from the industry in making real progress in realising a viable business plan.

Maastricht University offers a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from law to economics, and from medicine to artificial intelligence. Education at Maastricht University contributes to the development of students with a responsible and innovative attitude, focused on social issues and solutions.

By continuously cooperating with companies and governments from the Netherlands and abroad in the EU-region, Maastricht University and its students are capable of exchanging high-quality knowledge and as a result, find solutions for tomorrow’s problems.

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences incorporates three core activities: education for students, research for companies and institutes, and training courses and study programmes for professionals. Zuyd is known for its relatively small scale education and personal attention devoted to students and their studies. Additionally it collaborates intensively with other companies, knowledge institutions, and government bodies, as applying gained knowledge to practice is ever so relevant in today’s context.

Fontys' education is closely connected to their practical research. In an authentic setting researchers, students and teachers together with the workfield all contribute to innovation in the region, to solve complex social-cultural questions. HAS Hogeschool is the academy for full time hbo bachelor studies in the field of agro, food and environment. The dynamic triangle of students, teachers and business is pivotal in their education.

This touches the heart of the Maastricht University Challenge: offering students at both UM, Zuyd, Fontys and HAS the possibility to submit their innovative, entrepreneurial ideas and develop these ideas into a feasible and viable business plan.

During the competition, you can further develop their core competencies, such as an entrepreneurial mindset, innovative thinking, and working in interdisciplinary teams. You get the possibility to realise your innovations, in co-creation with experts from academia and the industry. In doing so, you introduce yourself to the different companies and organisations, ultimately to further pursue your career.