ABB Smart Power Vaasa Sustainability Challenges in the GreenSkill Week’s Competition
After a refreshing summer break, I couldn’t have imagined a better way to kick off the autumn semester than with a major win at the Green Skills Competition during the Voices of the Future event!
This competition, part of the GreenSkills Vaasa initiative co-funded by Erasmus+, brought together students, industry leaders, and innovators to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.
I had the honor of leading my team, “EcoShift“, in responding to a challenge set by ABB Smart Power Vaasa. Our task was to propose innovative solutions for making industrial processes more sustainable. After brainstorming and researching, we developed an idea centered around reuse of plastic and returnable transport containers made from recycled materials. Our solution aimed to reduce waste, minimize carbon emissions, and support the transition to a more circular economy.
The Winning Moment
It was a surreal experience when our team was announced as winners in both categories:
- The Jury’s Winner: Awarded by a panel of experts from the industry.
- The Audience’s Favorite: Voted by the enthusiastic attendees at the event.
We were thrilled to see our idea resonate not only with the jury but also with the audience, who believed in the impact and practicality of our solution. Knowing that our concept could make a meaningful difference in industrial logistics while promoting sustainability was incredibly rewarding.
The Competition Experience
The event was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, learn from their experiences, and gain insight into the future of sustainability and energy storage. Several presentations were held, offering participants valuable perspectives on entrepreneurial journeys and the future of green innovations.
Being part of this competition gave me and my team the chance to showcase our commitment to sustainability and creative problem-solving. It was a truly collaborative effort, and I’m grateful for the dedication and teamwork that EcoShift demonstrated throughout the challenge.
What We Won
As a reward for our efforts, our team received some fantastic prizes:
- A day cruise or return ticket on the hybrid vessel Aurora Botnia, sponsored by Wasaline.
- Tickets to the Swimming Hall, courtesy of the City of Vaasa.
- A computer bag made from recycled bottles, sponsored by Vamia.
While the prizes are exciting, the real reward was the experience, the connections made, and the sense of accomplishment in being able to contribute to a greener future.
Looking Ahead
This competition has not only set a positive tone for the rest of my semester but has also fueled my passion for finding sustainable solutions in my future work. I am eager to continue exploring new ways to integrate sustainability into industry practices, and I look forward to taking on more challenges that allow me to apply my skills and knowledge in real-world contexts.
I’d like to thank ABB Smart Power, the event organizers, and everyone involved for making this opportunity possible. This win is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and innovative semester ahead!
Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my journey towards driving sustainable innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Winning both categories (Jury’s Winner and Audience’s Favorite) at the Green Skills Competition.
- Our solution focused on reuse plastic and returnable transport containers made from recycled materials.
- Excited to continue the journey of innovation and sustainability this semester!
