CONTEXT / PURPOSE
About the AMITY Challenge
A European learning programme where microbial technologies meet real environmental challenges, interdisciplinary teams and stakeholder perspectives.
MICROBIAL CULTURES / ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE
01 / PURPOSE
Why we created it
The AMITY Challenge brings students, universities, companies and public-sector stakeholders together to explore scientifically sound solutions for a sustainable circular economy. The programme develops the ability to define complex problems, apply scientific and engineering knowledge, assess feasibility and impact, and communicate to different audiences.
02 / PROGRAMME
Four connected parts
From a shared kick-off to the final pitch, the programme combines learning, locally supervised work and feedback from real stakeholders.
01 / LEARN
Online workshops
Ten one-hour webinars across technical and innovation themes.
02 / EXPLORE
Team projects
Small groups work locally on an environmental challenge.
03 / TEST
Stakeholder input
Monthly conversations check assumptions and direction.
04 / PRESENT
AMITY Summit
Meet the other groups and pitch to an expert jury.
Kick-off / working together
A mandatory joint session introduces programme expectations and the practical habits of team work: meeting organisation, minutes, chairing and project planning.
Workshops / a shared foundation
Ten one-hour webinars pair two 30-minute blocks across technical and innovation themes. Attend at least six. Technical topics include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles, microbial growth and modelling. Innovation topics include upscaling, societal and economic aspects, environmental assessment, legislation and intellectual property.
Team projects / local research
Small groups tackle a real-world environmental challenge with a biotechnological approach. Depending on the question, the work may combine modelling, design, literature synthesis, life-cycle assessment, process analysis or small-scale experiments. A local mentor provides scientific guidance.
Stakeholders / reality check
Each group is connected with a relevant stakeholder. Monthly conversations help establish boundary conditions, test assumptions, review progress and clarify the desired final outcome.
03 / FINALE
The AMITY Summit
A week with all groups: shared activities, workshops and focused preparation for a five-minute pitch to a jury of experts. The proposed final summit window is 12–16 July 2027.
SUN / Arrival, onboarding and social activities with the other groups
MON / Team activities, introductory talks and problem-statement pitches with feedback
TUE / Research-to-market workshop and pitch development
WED / Communications workshop and pitch development
THU / Site visit and final preparation
FRI / Pitch competition, jury feedback and award ceremony
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04 / PEOPLE
Organizers
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05 / NETWORK
Partners
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