Launch of the URGENSEA Challenge

The Andurand Foundation is proud to introduce URGENSEA, an innovative challenge inviting engineering students from across Europe to tackle two critical environmental threats: river pollution and coastal erosion. With a substantial prize allocation of €100,000, URGENSEA goes beyond a typical competition, acting as an accelerator that combines expert guidance, resources, and a collaborative platform for young minds determined to make a positive environmental impact.

Addressing Urgent Environmental Issues

The challenge centers on two urgent themes. River Pollution impacts our health and ecosystems by contaminating the air, water, and food. Coastal Erosion, driven by rising sea levels, threatens coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Through URGENSEA, the Andurand Foundation aims to engage students in finding real-world solutions that mitigate these escalating threats to natural and human environments.

Structure and Support for Participants

Open to university teams of 5 to 10 students from France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, URGENSEA offers participants multiple layers of support. Each team is encouraged to work closely with an academic advisor and may be made up of students from different institutions or even countries. Teams will select specific subcategories within each theme, ranging from “Systemic Solutions” to “Living Coastline” methods, giving them a clear path for project development.

Participants gain access to a curated database filled with tested solutions and resources, which provides inspiration and foundational knowledge. Additionally, URGENSEA offers two interactive supports: a Mentoring Platform, connecting teams with industry mentors, and an Expert Panel of seasoned professionals who can offer specific technical guidance on an ad hoc basis.

Challenge Timeline

The competition unfolds over several stages:

• December 6, 2024 – Final registration deadline on www.urgensea.com, with team profiles and chosen subcategories.
• March 28, 2025 – Submission of the initial project proposal and feasibility study.
• April 25, 2025 – Semi-finalist selection by the jury.
• June 27, 2025 – Deadline for semi-finalist teams to submit refined projects, including prototypes and business plans.
• October 2025 – Final exhibition and jury session, culminating in the selection of six winning teams.

Awards and Recognition

Winning teams will receive the prestigious “Scaphandre” awards in two categories: River Pollution and Coastal Erosion. Prizes range from €8,000 to €18,000, rewarding innovative projects that show promise in addressing these pressing environmental issues.

By mobilizing knowledge and connecting students with experts, URGENSEA aspires to be a catalyst for sustainable engineering solutions. Interested students are encouraged to submit their applications and join a movement dedicated to the protection and preservation of rivers and coastlines across Europe.