In September 2019, the Company Challenge gathered 20 EIT RawMaterials Alumni (among them were 3 EMerald) to develop potential solutions to real industrial challenges and demonstrate the skills and innovative attitude of EIT students to the industry!

It was co-organised with Atlantic Copper.

The event started with a visit to the Atlantic Copper plant, giving some insight into the technical process and everyday routine of the plant. Atlantic Copper is a Spanish company, one of the leading natural resource companies, producing high-grade refined copper, molybdenum, cobalt and gold. More than a million tons of ore is processed at the Huelva plant, to produce almost 300,000 metric tons of refined copper every year.

Teamwork sessions were alternated with presentations from experts to give participants further tools to tackle the challenge. The Alumni heard about problem solving methodologies, presentation techniques and team roles and responsibilities as well as the market considerations for the elements in question. The day ended with a trip to the UNESCO-protected Marismas del Odiel and a dinner in the downtown of Huelva.

The Company Challenge concluded with a pitching competition, where teams were assessed on both technical criteria and business viability. All of the teams presented incredibly impressive work for such a short time and the expert jury found it difficult to choose one winner! But of course, there had to be one, and Team Rainbow were awarded with a prize of EUR 100 each.

Find out more about the challenge here.