The final of the Millennium Youth Prize competition, culminated on Friday 12th of May in Think Corner, powered by the University of Helsinki. The winning work was chosen for its imagination, creativity, innovation, and practical implementation as well as research design and an extraordinary description.
Ella Kauppila and Wilma Nylander from Ylikiimingin koulu had prepared their winning work, Biochar and bokashi, toward self-sufficiency, in a collaborative way for several months. The collaboration was done with daycare, the same daycare where Kauppila and Nylander had been together as children, a school, and a university.
– We did the work, we came here, and we won – apparently! rejoice Kauppila and Nylander.
The winning work responds to the need for sustainable solutions for future generations. Biochar and bokashi, towards self-sufficiency, are based on natural character and purity – biochar is an organic and pure land healer. The winning work may change the circular economy and promote sustainable development in the future.
Young scientists
The participants in the competition are of a generation, which may win the Millennium Technology Prize in 30 years, states the event organizer. The jury also presented that conversations had been held about who would offer the best workplaces for future scientists.
The Millennium Youth prize competition gathered the five best teams in Finland, from Otaniemen lukio, Helsinki School of Natural Sciences, Tampereen lyseo (two teams), and Ylikiimingin koulu. The projects were so even that it was a challenge for the judges to choose a winner.
In second place, Ida Aulaskoski, Elina Ruha, Laura Pihlaja, Beata Kaukolinna and Xie Li, from Otaniemen lukio, for the innovation of Scoby and its’ possibilities as a future biomaterial. The project was awarded for a great description of research design and results as well as extraordinary practicality. In third place, Joona Aalto, Rasmus Pouta and Anton Heimola, from the Helsinki School of Natural Sciences – Alternatives for lithium-ion batteries, with an excellent theme and comprehensive use of sources.
The winners encourage future participants:
– Have the courage to come! And believe in yourselves!
The event was organized by Technology Academy Finland (TAF), Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and LUMA Centre Finland. A warm thank you to all the participants and directors.
The three winning teams were awarded with 5 000, 3 000 and 2 000 euros respectively. The competition aims to inspire youth to the fields of technology and innovation. Youth are in a key position in creating a better future, because of a new way of thinking. There are many solutions to global challenges.
