Handels Impact Innovation Challenge

Are you ready to make a difference? The Handels Impact Innovation Challenge is your opportunity to turn sustainable ideas into real-world impact. In collaboration with the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg, GADDEN, HHGS, Venture Cup Sweden, and proudly founded by Ernströmgruppen, this is more than just a competition—it's your opportunity to create innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

What's the Challenge?

We invite students to develop business ideas or sustainability projects that align with the ESG framework —Environmental, Social, and Governance. Whether you're aiming to start a company or run a campus-wide initiative, your idea should balance profit with purpose , driving positive environmental and social change through responsible innovation.

Ideas can range from long-term ventures to short-term, high-impact sustainability projects implemented locally—at the university, in the city, or online. 

The ESG Dimensions

Your idea should clearly address each pillar of the ESG framework:

• Environmental: How does your solution reduce environmental impact or support climate adaptation?
  
  
• Social: How does it contribute to equity, health, rights, or improved working conditions?
  
  
• Governance: How will you ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible implementation?

In addition to business ideas, we also welcome proposals for time-bound sustainability projects – for example, initiatives that could be implemented at the university, in the city, or online. These projects should have a clear sustainability focus and a defined scope, demonstrating how targeted efforts can create a measurable impact within a specific timeframe.

Key Dates

• Competition Opens: asap
• Application Deadline: October 22nd
  
  
• Pitch Day: November 5th at the Innovation Expo
  
  
• Winner Announcement: November 5th at the Gala Banquet
  

How to Compete

Step 1: Prepare Your Idea

You may apply alone or in a team, but the majority of team members must be students from the School of Business, Economics and Law.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Fill out the competition form and answer the following questions:

1. Summary/Background: What is your business or project idea? What's your vision and how do you plan to achieve it? What local sustainability challenge does it address? Include the name of your project.
   
   
2. Market Analysis: Who is your target audience? Who are your competitors and potential collaborators? What trends support your idea?
   
   
3. Product or Service: Describe your product/service in detail. What's your development strategy?
   
   
4. Financials: How would you use the prize money? Include short- and long-term financial planning.
   
   

You may update your submission at any time before the deadline.

Judging Criteria

Your idea will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to the ESG framework
  
  
• Innovation and originality
  
  
• Environmental and/or social impact potential
  
  
• Feasibility and implementation potential
  
  

Let your vision shape the future of sustainable business. Click on CONTRIBUTE to get started and be part of the change.