Stud Fund projects

Three teams competed against each other in an exciting competition focused on clean tech innovation on April 3rd at YES!Delft. They provided some really fantastic solutions to address environmental problems. The program attracted a lot of attention, as seen by the 40 registrants, showing a strong dedication to improving sustainable solutions. The jury? Yes, they were excellent; speakers included representatives from Graduate Entrepreneur, Bird & Bird, Green TU, and Biosphere Solar. The event was more than just a competition because of YES!Delft's vibrant environment for businesses and innovation; it was an opportunity for everyone to network and become geeky about clean tech.

The money provided by Stud played a crucial role in organizing the event, allowing for the seamless execution of various aspects of CleanTech challenge . Firstly, it covered the expenses associated with securing the venue at YES!Delft, ensuring a vibrant and conducive environment for the participants and attendees. The money provided by the fund opened an exciting opportunity to organize a networking event alongside the main activities. This networking session featured small snacks and drinks, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Overall, the fund's contribution not only enabled the event to take place but also enhanced its quality and impact.

Highlight Delft, in collaboration with us, organized an open call. The aim was to find a student willing to create an artwork for Highlight Delft 2024, focusing on the creative application of technology. Students were required to organize a pitch of up to three minutes, presenting their ideas. The winning idea was selected by a jury consisting of board members of Stud, the curators and tech team of Highlight Delft, and students who had previously presented projects at Highlight Delft. Michael "Mikkel" Olthof was announced as the winner of the STUD Open Call. With his pitch on the immersive experience Curved Sounds, he impressed the jury. Mikkel was supported by the curators and tech team of Highlight Delft for several months to further develop his project.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the STUD Fund for the invaluable support and co-financing provided for the successful organization of the INDESEM week (International Design Seminar). Thanks to the contribution, this event has proven to be a remarkable platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration among design enthusiasts and professionals from around the world.

INDESEM (International Design Seminar) is a prestigious biennale, established in 1962 by a group of students and revived in 1986 by Herman Hertzberger. Held at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of Delft University of Technology, INDESEM has become a must-attend event for architecture and design enthusiasts. 

This year, we were fortunate to have an exceptional lineup of distinguished lecturers who graced us with their expertise and wisdom. The insights shared by renowned architects such as Souto de Moura, Herman Hertzberger (AHH), Joost Moolhuijzen (Renzo Piano Building Workshop), Jette Hopp (Snøhetta), Kazuya Katagiri (KAD), Jean-Philippe Vassal (Lacaton & Vassal), and many others have left an indelible mark on the minds of all who attended. Their thought-provoking presentations and extensive experience have truly enriched our understanding of architecture and design.

One of the highlights of the INDESEM week was the workshop powered by the STUD Fund, where participants were tasked with creating their own 'boundary' using scrap materials. This hands-on experience allowed them to explore the concept of boundaries in design, emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness and innovation. The workshop not only provided a platform for practical learning but also fostered collaboration and creativity among the participants.

We are deeply grateful to the STUD Fund for recognizing the value and significance of events like INDESEM week and for supporting the development and growth of the design community. Their contribution has made a tangible difference in the quality and impact of this event, enabling us to continue inspiring and nurturing the next generation of designers.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the STUD Fund for your unwavering support. We look forward to future collaborations and the opportunity to create more meaningful and transformative design experiences together.

Project MARCH is a TU Delft | Dream team consisting of 27 students dedicated to developing an innovative exoskeleton. An exoskeleton is a robotic suit that provides support, enabling individuals with complete spinal cord injuries to stand up and walk again. Each year, new aspects are added to improve the quality and user-friendliness of the suit. The first five teams primarily focused on the Cybathlon, an international competition where people with disabilities compete against each other to overcome everyday obstacles.

This year, MARCH VIII will build upon this foundation and primarily focus on balanced walking. The goal is to achieve balanced walking over a distance of 3.5 meters with a controlled 5-second stop in the middle by the end of the academic year. This is accomplished by scanning the environment with various sensors and cameras, such as a tilt sensor and a torque sensor. All the information measured by the sensors is sent to and processed by the computer in the back of our exoskeleton. Subsequently, the exoskeleton generates an appropriate response in the system, allowing the pilot (the driver of the suit) to maintain balance. Project MARCH will develop the second exoskeleton in the world capable of achieving this.

Additionally, this year we will further explore electroencephalography (EEG). This enables the pilot to control the exoskeleton using brain signals instead of a remote control. By the end of this year, the goal is for the pilot to initiate and stop walking simply by thinking about it.

On Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, the twelfth edition of All Energy Day kicks off in The Hague's Fokker Terminal. This is The Netherlands' largest energy event organised by students, designed to motivate and empower new generations of students to apply their knowledge and ingenuity to be part of the solution for a sustainable future. The day will begin with an inspiring keynote speaker, and continue with workshops and a pitch competition in which three innovative start-ups will receive the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of the audience and convince the panel of four experienced judges within the area of green innovation. The prize money that the winner receives is sponsored by Stud, enabling the winning start-up to further develop their business and turn their ideas into reality.