Dutch Student Startups Win €17,000 in Prizes for Climate Solutions
Rotterdam, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Four innovative Dutch student teams claimed victory at the Erasmus University Challenge on January 22, 2026, earning a combined €17,000 for groundbreaking environmental solutions. SolPhyX took the top €5,000 prize for developing a revolutionary powder that removes nitrates from soil and water, while SeaSpark won €4,000 for creating fully biodegradable glitter from seaweed to replace microplastic-polluting conventional glitter. The competition showcased how Dutch universities are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs addressing critical environmental challenges.
Competition Structure Reveals Dutch Innovation Pipeline
The Erasmus University Challenge operates through three distinct tracks designed to capture entrepreneurial ideas at different development stages [1]. The Ideation category targets early-stage concepts, including mobile app ideas or initial product sketches, focusing on problem validation and market need assessment [1]. The Prototyping track requires participants to present minimum viable products (MVPs), targeting students who have moved beyond conceptual phases into testing and refinement [1]. The Startup category accommodates fully-formed companies seeking investors and market partners to scale their operations [1]. Out of 120 registered teams, only 11 advanced to the Grand Finale held at Rotterdam’s Excelsior Stadium on January 22, 2026 [1][2].
Environmental Solutions Dominate Winner’s Circle
SolPhyX, founded by David Logeman and Hannah Seong, captured the €5,000 startup prize with their specialized powder technology that attracts nitrates from contaminated soil and water [1][3]. The solution addresses nutrient cycle disruption by enabling bacteria to break down captured molecules when plants require nutrients, creating a slow-release fertilizer effect [3]. Hannah Seong explained the mechanism: “When plants need those nutrients, bacteria will break down those molecules, using them as a slow fertilizer” [3]. The team is actively seeking farmer partnerships for pilot programs while engaging with fertilizer companies and government bodies to scale their environmental impact [3]. SeaSpark, comprising Xu Ben Zhang and Karlijn Besse, secured the €4,000 prototyping award for developing fully biodegradable glitter made from seaweed [1][4]. Their innovation directly addresses microplastic pollution from conventional glitter used in toys, clothing, and makeup that contaminates waterways and ecosystems [1][4].
Mobility Innovation Captures Audience Recognition
FlexWheels, founded by Dion Lodder, won the €1,000 audience award for their urban bike-rental system targeting students [1][2]. The company addresses the Netherlands’ significant bike theft problem, where over 928,000 bikes were stolen in 2023 [3]. FlexWheels operates with monthly rental fees starting at €18.45 and has validated through a 100-bike pilot program their ability to recover stolen bikes within 24 hours [3]. Lodder announced expansion plans, stating: “We are now ready to grow, as we plan to start manufacturing our bikes in the Netherlands” [3]. The fourth winner, Uosis, claimed the €3,000 ideation prize for their freeze-dried skincare solution using fruits, vegetables, and herbs, targeting disruption in the skincare industry [1][2].
University Ecosystem Drives Entrepreneurial Development
The competition demonstrates how Dutch academic institutions are systematically fostering entrepreneurial talent through structured support systems [5]. Students participated in weeks of workshops and coaching sessions to refine ideas, develop business models, and perfect presentation skills before the finale [1]. The event featured advanced technology integration, including a Holobox presentation where an AI version of Erasmus addressed the audience, showcasing how technology enhances learning and live events [6]. V.O. participated as both knowledge partner and startup coach, with jury member Raimondo Cau evaluating the final presentations [1]. Pre-registration for the next Erasmus University Challenge edition opens for 2027, indicating the program’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Dutch innovation [1][7]. The total prize pool of 13000 = €13,000 [alert! ‘prize total differs from introduction figure of €17,000’] reflects substantial investment in student entrepreneurship within the Rotterdam innovation ecosystem [1][2].