From October 9 to 12, Military Boekelo in Boekelo will be centered around innovation and practice-based research. The Centre of Expertise for Wellbeing Economy and New Entrepreneurship at Avans University of Applied Sciences is joining forces with the Centre of Expertise for Health Perspective and Innofest to test three innovative projects in a real-life setting, right in the midst of visitors and professionals.
What makes this initiative special is the close collaboration between students, researchers, and SME entrepreneurs. Through this co-creation, new insights and innovative solutions emerge, with knowledge, entrepreneurship, and practical experience reinforcing each other. Thanks to Innofest, which uses festivals as ‘living laboratories,’ the projects also receive direct feedback from users and visitors.
The following projects take center stage:
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The Last Cup: Focused on solving the ‘last cup problem’ at events. The current deposit system achieves only 68% of the intended collection rate. The Last Cup tests an accessible solution with recycling machines and payments via Tikkie, ensuring fewer cups are left behind.
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MeidenApp: An app designed for girls aged 12 to 18, who tend to be less physically active due to school pressure and social isolation. The app connects sports with social interaction, making exercising together fun and accessible. The project explores how technology can support both mental and physical health.
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Fitycal: This app uses 3D scans to provide insight into physical progress. By offering visual feedback, it motivates users to achieve their fitness goals. The project examines how this technology can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
With this initiative, we demonstrate how collaboration between education, research, and the business community can deliver concrete solutions that benefit both people and society.