econext Clean Growth Ideathon – Virtual for CNA Students
Embrace the Future of Clean Growth!
econext is thrilled to announce it’s fourth ideathon, paving the way for innovative solutions that will drive sustainable progress in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time, we are making the ideathon VIRTUAL and bringing it to College of the North Atlantic students all throughout the province! The two week event, open to all CNA students, will be taking place March 12-26, 2025, with winners being notified on March 28, 2025.
What is an ideathon?
Ideathons are competitive events in which students work together in teams over a short timeframe to come up with solutions to a set challenge. Our ideathons are a space to develop innovative solutions for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The specific challenge can be found below, with more being shared at the opening webinar where we will provide you with all the necessary information needed to participate.
Teams will consist of 2-5 students.
Learn more about our previous in-person ideathons here: September 2023 | March 2024 | September 2024
What is Clean Growth?
Clean growth refers to economic growth that is achieved in an environmentally sustainable way. It involves developing and adopting innovative technologies, practices, and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and preserve natural resources while fostering economic prosperity.
Sustainability is the concept of meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It emphasizes the balance between environmental health, economic development, and social well-being.
By embracing clean growth, Newfoundland and Labrador can build a sustainable, diversified economy that preserves its natural beauty and resources for future generations.
The Challenge
We challenge you to identify a problem, an issue, or an opportunity that is present in Newfoundland and Labrador relating to “clean growth”, and then create an innovative solution that addresses it. Clean growth is highly relevant to our province, here are a few areas that might help you get thinking:
- Renewable energy potential
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Resource-based economy: oil and gas, mining, forestry, etc.
- Emerging green industries: green hydrogen, biofuels, clean tech
- Climate resilience
- Value from waste
- Greening Business
Your solution could be a technological advancement, a regulatory or policy change, a business idea, etc. The ideas are endless and we encourage you to step outside of the box and rely on your education and experience. More information will be provided during the virtual webinar scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at 6pm. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Who can participate?
This is a multi-disciplinary event and we welcome any student from CNA to participate. If you are interested in clean growth, we encourage you to participate!
When and where?
The ideathon will take place online over a two week period from March 12-28, 2025. See the section “what is the schedule?” for more information.
Why should you participate?
- We will be awarding cash prizes to the top three teams: $3,000 for 1st Place, $2,000 for 2nd Place, and $1,000 for 3rd Place!
- Network with people in the industry as well as your peers
- Workshop opportunities
- Learn about the clean growth industry
- Team building
- Have some fun!
How to register?
Registration is individual, but you will be required to work on teams of 2-5 students. Each member of your team must complete the registration separately. You will be required to submit your team name and members to us. We will provide details on how to submit this before the event. Team submissions will be accepted no later than noon on Thursday March 13. If you do not have a team, we will try our best to match you to one.
Click here to view the registration page.
Communications
Prior to and throughout the duration of the event, we will be communicating with participants via email. When registering, please provide the email in which you would prefer to be contacted.
What is the schedule?
Our ideathon is a two-week long event.
On Wednesday March 12 at 6:00pm a mandatory webinar will be held to release the challenge and provide any information necessary to participate. This will also be your chance to ask questions. A webinar link will be provided to participants.
Over the next two weeks, teams will work together on their ideas. You will have the opportunity to avail of mentor office hours. You will be required to sign up for 15 minute appointments. The list of mentors and their office hours are to be confirmed. Teams will also have the opportunity to participate in online workshops to help with idea formation and presentation preparation. These workshops and their times are to be confirmed.
On Wednesday March 26 at noon, teams are required to submit their presentations in video format. All team members are required to be present in the video. Details of how to submit, as well as the judging criteria, will be provided.
On Friday March 28, the top three teams will be announced.
Have questions?
Reach out to Alex Rumbolt at alex@econext.ca or Chelsea Linfield at chelsea@econext.ca.
Stay tuned for more information! We will be updating this page in the coming weeks as the ideathon approaches.
The econext Ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.
