EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge in Gothenburg
Do you want to help develop new ideas for future sustainable cities with students from across Europe? In May 2026, the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges will finally take place in Gothenburg. During four intensive days, you will work with others to develop innovative solutions to real-life cases. Eight students from GU will have the opportunity to participate!
Theme of the challenges
This year’s Innovation Challenge takes its starting point in the city of Gothenburg. For many years, Gothenburg has worked actively with issues related to climate, mobility, urban development, and social sustainability. The city is part of the EU’s initiative for climate-neutral and smart cities, aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
During four intensive days, you will work on current challenges in collaboration with external partners. Based on real-life cases, you and your team will develop ideas and proposals that contribute in different ways to a more sustainable city.
The challenges address topics such as sustainable tourism, campus development, mobility, and everyday movement. What unites all themes is the focus on how we can create inclusive, well-functioning, and long-term sustainable urban environments.
Teams
Eight students from the University of Gothenburg will participate, joining students from a total of ten universities. You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary team with students from different countries, academic fields, and levels of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, you must be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student at the University of Gothenburg at the time of application and during the event. Students from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply.
Previous experience in sustainability work is not required. What matters most is your motivation, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate in an international environment. Priority will be given to students in their second year of Bachelor’s studies or higher. The event is not open to exchange students, but international degree seeking students can apply.
Applications must be complete and submitted no later than 25 March 2026 at 23:59.
Why participate?
- Collaborate in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams
- Work on real sustainability challenges together with external partners
- Develop your skills in innovation and idea development
- Take part in social activities and connect with students from other European countries
Who will be selected?
The selection process will be based on several criteria, including the open responses in the application, a balance of academic levels and backgrounds, motivation, and availability to participate in all parts of the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Students, including the social events.
We are looking for students who will be fully engaged throughout the event and who share EUTOPIA’s spirit of collaboration and peer support. Previous experience in sustainability work is not required, but a genuine interest in sustainable urban development and a motivation to contribute perspectives and ideas on how cities can become more inclusive, resilient, and climate-conscious are important.
The program offers an international experience in Gothenburg. We particularly encourage students who, for various reasons, have not had — or do not expect to have — the opportunity to study or participate in activities abroad to apply. This may be taken into consideration during the selection process.
