Frequently Asked Questions
+
Can I join the Challenge individually?
+
Can I join the Challenge individually?
No. To participate in the Challenge, it is mandatory to form an interdisciplinary team. The team
composition should include members with diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive
approach to tackling the assignment. It is crucial to have at least one team member with a background
in design. However, you can enrol individually and get assigned to a team.
composition should include members with diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive
approach to tackling the assignment. It is crucial to have at least one team member with a background
in design. However, you can enrol individually and get assigned to a team.
+
Do I need to be part of the team to participate in the Challenge?
+
Do I need to be part of the team to participate in the Challenge?
Yes. To participate in the Challenge, it is mandatory to form an interdisciplinary team. The team
composition should include members with diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive
approach to tackling the assignment. It is crucial to have at least one team member with a background
in design. If you do not have a team yet, you can enrol individually and get assigned to a team.
composition should include members with diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive
approach to tackling the assignment. It is crucial to have at least one team member with a background
in design. If you do not have a team yet, you can enrol individually and get assigned to a team.
+
What is the recommended size of a team?
+
What is the recommended size of a team?
The recommended team size is 5-8 persons.
+
How much time does it take to participate in the Challenge?
+
How much time does it take to participate in the Challenge?
On average you will spend 8 hours per week working on your team’s submission but it will vary
depending on the phase of the Challenge and your role within the team. Typically the periods around the
deadlines are more intensive and team members with significant team responsibilities (such as team
leaders) invest more time in the Challenge.
depending on the phase of the Challenge and your role within the team. Typically the periods around the
deadlines are more intensive and team members with significant team responsibilities (such as team
leaders) invest more time in the Challenge.
+
I have just graduated from the University. Can I participate in the Challenge?
+
I have just graduated from the University. Can I participate in the Challenge?
Fresh graduates are welcome to join the Challenge. The graduation should not take place earlier than the
academic year 2024/2025. Fresh graduates should not exceed 20% of team members.
academic year 2024/2025. Fresh graduates should not exceed 20% of team members.
+
Can a team consist of PhD students/ fresh graduates only?
+
Can a team consist of PhD students/ fresh graduates only?
No. PhD students and fresh graduates together cannot exceed 20% of the team members.
+
Is it mandatory to participate in all events during the Challenge?
+
Is it mandatory to participate in all events during the Challenge?
There are a few obligatory events to attend during the Challenge. Those include: Kick-off event (13/01/26), Studio 1 (afternoon, 20/01/26), On-line consultations (3/02/26), Meet the coach (13/03/26), Studio 2 (afternoon, 17/03/26), Studio 3 (afternoon, 7/05/26), Pitch consultations (week 20), Grand Finals (02/06/26). Those events are designed to help you with your entry.
+
Are all events on-line?
+
Are all events on-line?
Most of the events are hybrid events organized at the campus of the Wageningen University & Research.
+
Can I get study points for participating in the Challenge?
+
Can I get study points for participating in the Challenge?
This depends on your University. We recommend discussing this with your academic advisor. Students of
Wageningen University can receive study points for participating in the Challenge upon completion of the
course Student Challenge Learning Journey 1 (YWU51803) and 2 (YWU52309).
Wageningen University can receive study points for participating in the Challenge upon completion of the
course Student Challenge Learning Journey 1 (YWU51803) and 2 (YWU52309).
+
(WUR Students only) Can participation in the Challenge replace Academic Consultancy Training (ACT)?
+
(WUR Students only) Can participation in the Challenge replace Academic Consultancy Training (ACT)?
Unfortunately the participation in the Challenge does not replace ACT. Please consult your academic
advisor in case you have any doubts.
advisor in case you have any doubts.
+
Where can I find more information about the Challenge?
+
Where can I find more information about the Challenge?
Email: studentchallenges@wur.nl
If you have any remaining questions, send them to studentchallenges@wur.nl