Enterprising students from the University develop a project to generate electricity from footprints.

The entrepreneurship program of the University of Navarra, Fast Trackhas just concluded its first stage. For three months, more than 150 students from the center have been developing different entrepreneurship projects with the goal to design the best business plan. 

The first stage of the competition consisted of defining an innovative entrepreneurial idea, developing it in a model canvas and presenting it to the rest of the participants in audiovisual format. After a very close vote, Simo's was awarded the award of this first stage: €1,500 in technological material. 

The team, formed by Mario Ernesto Antelo, student , 3rd year of Electrical Engineering at TecnunThe team, formed by Mario Ernesto Antelo,Philosophy; Ricardo Martínez and Alejandro Muñoz, students of MIDI (Master in Research, development and Innovation of Medicines) of School of Pharmacy; Jav ier Mo rales, 4th year of Law + GLP (Global Law Program); and Alb a Zabalza, student of PPE ( , Politics and Economics) of School of Philosophy and Letters, is developing tiles that absorb the energy of our footsteps and convert it into electrical energy. 

"Our goal is to place these tiles in spaces with a large number of people, such as shopping malls, concerts, large events or in the street. It would be fantastic to be able to illuminate different public or private spaces exclusively with the footsteps of the attendees," says Mario Ernesto, the team's engineer. In addition, "we are committed to sustainability and renewable energies. Unlike those that already exist, these tiles do not depend on weather conditions, such as solar or wind energy," concludes Alba Zabalza.

In addition, Offiara was the team that came very close to this first position. Formed by Mª José Ortega, student of the Master in Marriage and Family; Aitor Garmendia and Mikel Jauregui, 2nd year of Telecommunication Systems Engineering and 2nd year of Industrial Engineering, respectively; and Raúl González, Kilian Ramírez and Fernando Robles, students of the Master of design Galenic and Manufacturing in Pharmaceutical Industries; the team is developing a system of bonuses in the garbage containers to encourage citizens to recycle. "Users register with their profile and, depending on the weight and quality of their recycling, they get rewards or discounts from collaborating companies," adds Jauregui.
 

NEXT STEPS

The program Fast Track program of the University of Navarra brings together students from all faculties to train and develop multidisciplinary entrepreneurship projects. After the first stage, which began in September, students have received training in ideation, canvas or market analysis. Starting in January, the final stage begins and will run until April. During this second stage, the teams will continue to shape their projects and will receive more in-depth training on communication, financial statements, marketing, prototyping and business plans.

The definitive winners will be announced during the celebration of the Innovation Day on April 30 at the University of Navarra Museum.