Tallinn University of Technology

EuroTeQ Collider

EuroTeQ Collider is a challenge-based learning activity in which students are presented with challenges (incl. by research groups/businesses) in the field of sustainability, for which they then need to find solutions as a team. To solve real-life problems, interdisciplinarity is essential, which is based on the knowledge of different fields and the ability to link them to the needs of society and the industry. This study year, the central theme for Collider is “Leave no Waste Behind”. Collider's final product is a design, concept or prototype demonstrating a specific solution to a challenge.

This semester, it is possible to participate in Collider through various spring semester problem- and project-based courses. The initial list of courses that have joined the Collider and TalTech Sustainable Futures:

  • EPX5020 - Startup Entrepreneurship for Built Environment
  • EKE8260 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
  • TMJ3300 - Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
  • MMJ5240 - Social Entrepreneurship
  • HHI0132 – techEstonia - Innovation Lab of an Entrepreneurial State
  • UTT0110 - Mechatronics and Smart Systems project
  • MNA5410 - Digital Transformations of Government
  • IXX1530 - Computer and Systems Engineering Project

As an additional option, all students are invited to improve their knowledge and skills in the following modules offered across the course. This will help you approach your project/topic from the sustainability aspect, understand the need for communication and develop presentation skills.

Green and Sustainability module

This module gives insight into the multifaceted impacts of climate change and climate-smart strategies on global, regional, national and local scales. It addresses climate mitigation and adaptation through strategic frameworks and measures, along with practical examples.

By Kerli Kirsimaa, Strategy Manager of Climate Smart University

Green Deal and Sustainability, recording and slides

This module guides students towards understanding the interconnectedness of nature and helps them see beyond the goal of reducing carbon emissions. Drawing from various disciplines the students gain an understanding of how sustainable solutions can include a large variety of activities, extending from circular initiatives to the use of nature-based solutions. 

By Piret Vacht, TLÜ Associate Professor of Environmental Management

Sustainable Solutions, recording and slides

This part is devoted to developing an understanding of the role of communication in applying sustainable solutions. While the theoretical principles of strategic environmental communication are briefly glanced at, the main emphasis is on practical examples and developing the ability to critically assess environmental communication cases – including, for instance, how to recognize greenwashing. This guides the students towards having the basic knowledge to avoid making similar mistakes in communicating their sustainable solutions and ensuring their projects receive the attention they deserve.

By Piret Vacht, TLÜ Associate Professor of Environmental Management

Communicating Sustainable Solutions, recording and slides

During the workshop, an overview of the nature and main components of a presentation speech (pitch) will be given. A pitch presentation is practised to get valuable feedback from both the seminar leader and other students.

The seminar will take place on 08.05 from 16:00-18:30 in room SOC-210 in English.

Register for the workshop here!

Trainer: Mayri Tiido, founder of Materialivoog.ee and pitch trainer

TalTech Sustainable Futures 19.05.2023

Sustainable futures

It is a university-wide student project competition, which will take place on May 19 in TalTech main building cafe. All students who work in teams in the course and/or solve a problem/challenge related to contributing to sustainability goals are invited to participate.

Skeem_Collider

During the event, students present their projects to a specially selected jury, which selects the three best projects.

In addition to passes to the EuroTeQaThon, there are cash prizes for the three best teams. The entire event will be held in English.

More details:

  • Team size of 3-6 students
  • OnePager introducing the team's project
  • Evaluation criteria (not mandatory, rather a helpful and context-creating aid, the jury uses at the event)
  • Pitch 4-5 minutes

MORE INFORMATION on the event’s site

Check out more information intended for students HERE. 

Important dates and materials

Dates:

  • Green module - Green Deal and Sustainability 10.02
  • Green module - Sustainable solutions 10.02
  • Green module - Communicating sustainable solutions 14.02
  • Registration for TalTech Sustainable Futures event and Pitching workshop 04.05
  • Pitching seminar 08.05
  • OnePager introducing the team's project 12.05 (send karl-erik.karu@taltech.ee)
  • Presentation 18.05 (by 5pm latest) (send karl-erik.karu@taltech.ee)
  • TalTech Sustainable Futures 19.05
  • EuroTeQaThon 10.06-12.06 (for the three best)

PS! Suppose you are doing a project related to sustainability topics within a course that has not officially joined the Collider and TalTech Sustainable Futures event. In that case, you are still welcome to participate, especially in the Green and Sustainability module. And if you meet the conditions, register your team for the TalTech Sustainable Futures event at the end of April.

EuroTeQaThon

The EuroTeQaThon is a three-day extra-curricular pitching and networking event for 18 selected from six EuroTeQ partner universities, where:

  • the participating teams will pitch their projects to a dedicated judging panel
  • the winning teams will gain a prize and the opportunity to develop their project further

This semester, EuroTeQaThon will be held in Prague at the Czech Technical University on June 10-12. The university will cover the travel and accommodation expenses of the Sustainable Futures event's winners. On two previous occasions, the TalTech team has brought home the win in both the Energy and Cities categories.

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