EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges in Brussels
Do you want to test your innovative mindset together with other students from Europe? The EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge will be arranged at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, in November 2025. The event engages students in collaborative partnerships and challenge-based initiatives with stakeholders from the public and private sectors. You will gain a ton of experience and get a chance develop your cross-cultural competence. Eight students for the University of Gothenburg will have the chance to go!
You will collaborate on a creative project together with students from across the 10 EUTOPIA Alliance universities. This year’s Innovation challenge has been developed in tight collaboration with EUTOPIA’s Connected Community Multilingualism and Diversity, and combines lectures and interactive seminars led by academics from the partner universities, along with discussion sessions with external stakeholders.
This year’s theme is “Challenges and Innovations in Multilingual Societies.”
Who will you do this with?
8 students from each EUTOPIA University will be able to participate. Each team will be composed of students from a mix of universities and study backgrounds.
Am I eligible to apply?
To take part, you need to be enrolled at the Bachelor/cycle 1 or Master/cycle 2 level at the University of Gothenburg, both at the time of application and at the time of the event. It is not open to incoming exchange students.
We welcome students from all study fields; however, you will be asked to show your interest in, and motivation to learn more about, multilingualism and the challenges it brings in today’s societies. You don’t need any prior experience, curiosity and a willingness to engage with these themes will be key in the selection. Priority will be given to students in their 2nd year of undergraduate studies or higher.
The application has to be completed and submitted by the deadline 19 October 2025 at 23:59 CET (11:59 pm).
Why should I apply?
In addition to the challenges themselves, participants will be able to build new international networks, as well as get training and experience in intercultural competence and teamwork, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), business plans and budgeting, and storytelling.
How will the students be selected?
Selections will be based on a variety of criteria, including open-ended answers in the application, mix of academic levels and backgrounds, motivation, and availability to participate in all stages of the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Students.
We are looking for students who will be fully engaged in the event, and with the EUTOPIA spirit of collaboration and peer support. In addition, applicants will be asked to demonstrate a genuine interest in, and motivation to learn more about, multilingualism and its challenges in contemporary societies. Prior experience is not required, but curiosity and willingness to engage with these themes will be an important factor in the selection.
Is there any funding?
Participants will receive funding to support travel, accommodation, and meals. There is additional funding available if you travel by approved green means. There is also additional financial support if you are a student with a permanent physical or mental impairment or if you are a student with a dependent child.
Experiences from past events
Not sure about participating? EUTOPIA is an alliance of 10 European universities who have arranged similar events over the years. Here are information and testimonials from students who have attended recent Innovation Challenges:
Innovation Challenges for students EUTOPIA website
