Researchers, lecturers and students from Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research and Utrecht University are invited to join forces with colleagues from UMC Utrecht to participate in the Ureka Mega Challenge. Application is open until 24 March.
The Ureka Mega Challenge is the annual innovation competition of UMC Utrecht and supports ideas and research projects that aim to improve healthcare. This may include new treatment methods, digital health solutions, medical technologies or smarter ways of organising care. The goal is to accelerate promising ideas towards concrete implementation with real impact for patients and healthcare professionals.
Interdisciplinary collaboration at the core
The strength of the challenge lies in cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. Each team must include at least one participant affiliated with UMC Utrecht, but the added value comes from combining expertise from TU/e, WUR and UU. By connecting technological, medical, life sciences and social sciences perspectives, teams can develop innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. Participants will follow an intensive programme with workshops and expert mentoring, covering topics such as business modelling, validation, implementation strategies and pitching. The programme not only strengthens ideas, but also equips participants with valuable entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary skills. Throughout the entire process, the participants are coached by the Ureka team and the Dragons jury members.
Funding and impact
The winning team will receive a substantial cash prize (up to €50,000 in previous editions) to further develop and implement their innovation. In addition, the challenge offers visibility, access to a strong professional network and support in moving ideas towards real-world application. Previous editions have shown strong impact, with more than half of submitted ideas further developed or implemented within or beyond UMC Utrecht.
Submit your idea before 24 March
Researchers, lecturers and students from TU/e, WUR and UU are warmly encouraged to form a team with colleagues from UMC Utrecht and submit their idea before 24 March. By participating, teams contribute to the EWUU ambition of addressing major societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and education.