EkSoc StartUP! competition is addressed to creative students and doctoral students of all universities from the Voivodeship of Lodz, who have an idea for a business, want to independently plan their own career and are thinking about setting up a company. The competition is organised by the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz and the Faculty Business Council.
The distinction for an ecological project, awarded for the first time this year, is related to the pro-environmental activities programme implemented at the Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz the objective of which is to initiate, support and promote projects for sustainable development. Projects related to ecology have been already awarded in previous editions of the competition, but in the current one, due to the growing importance of the topic, it has been decided to establish a special distinction for the project that will best fit into the definition of responsible entrepreneurship.
Students, the authors of eleven final projects of the 4th edition of the EkSoc StartUP!, took part, among others, in a two-day cycle of business trainings. Thanks to the courtesy of Marcin Wasiak, one of the mentors in this year's edition of the competition, they met in the startup-friendly space - Biznes Zone.
This year, the final of the competition is dominated by students of various fields of study at the University of Lodz, but it also includes representatives of the Lodz University of Technology and the University of Social Sciences. The final projects concern various spheres of business reality – gardening, automotive services, recruitment, event services, music, food industry, road infrastructure. Below we present all of them, in alphabetical order:
BetProFIT – a web platform and mobile application for physical exercise. Authors: Łukasz Chmielarz (project leader), Ludwik Bogucki, Krzysztof Franciszkowski – all from the University of Lodz, Bartosz Durys (Lodz University of Technology).
CarMe – an application for drivers and vehicle users to order mobile automotive services. Author: Mikołaj Antczak from the University of Lodz
E-qualite – a platform for equal dialogue – excludes non-substantive aspects of the discussion. A tool to ensure a truly equal voice. Authors: Albert Dąbrowski, Luiza Janko, both from the University of Lodz.
Evenimentum – an Internet portal facilitating the organisation of special events – access to services and service providers such as: renting banquet halls, music bands, photographers, videographers, bartenders. Authors: Paweł Kmieć, Karolina Filipiak, both from the University of Lodz.
Intelligent pedestrian crossing – a solution in the field of road infrastructure using modern technologies to improve pedestrian safety. Author: Mikołaj Kowalczyk from the University of Lodz
Plinka (an hourglass-bottle) – a reusable bottle in the shape of "8", with an hourglass inside, which counts down the time of using its contents (e.g. washing hair with shampoo). Author: Paulina Wojciechowska from the University of Lodz.
UVI – your visual independence – a navigation application for people with visual impairments. Authors: Tetiana Berehova (University of Lodz), Liliia Karaban (University of Lodz), Makar Oliinyk (University of Social Sciences in Lodz.).
RATON – an application that reduces food waste. Authors: Nikola Pluskota, Julia Gradowska, Wiktoria Olejniczak, Natalia Wołosowicz, all the ladies from the University of Lodz.
REJob.me – a recruitment platform that connects migrating talents with small and medium-sized companies in Poland. Author: Dziyana Tsybulskaya from the University of Lodz.
SocialFruit – a platform that brings together people who have an excess of fruit and vegetables from home gardens with fans of organic, "unsprayed" products. Author: Jakub Rycerz from the University of Lodz
Wynajmijmuzyka.pl – a platform that brings together creators and performers from the music industry with people looking for their services. Author: Mateusz Szernowicz from the University of Lodz
A team of experts deciding which projects have managed to get to the final of this year's edition of EkSoc StartUP! included: Łukasz Koprowski (PwC), Marcin Wasiak (Consulting4startup), Maciej Kokotek (Business House, Łódź), Michał Zawisza (Long Term Management) and Tomasz Dorożyński, EkSoc StartUP Project Manager! (University of Lodz).
During the gala, at the Andel's Hotel the projects will be assessed by a jury including:
- Łukasz Koprowski, Director of the PwC Office in Łódź and Chairman of the Business Council, Chairman of the Jury
- Radosław Dziuba, Director, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Lodz Institute of Technology
- Łukasz Kluj, Head of Marketing, CERI International
- Michał Kołakowski, Managing Director, Shumee S.A.
- Magdalena Kubicka, Head of the Innovation Department, Acceleration Manager, Lodz Special Economic Zone
- Prof. Agnieszka Kurczewska, University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Relations
- Bartosz Skuza, Head of the Corporate Banking Centre, ING Bank Śląski S.A.
- Michał Zawisza, President of the Board, Managing Partner, Long Term Management Sp. z o.o.
After the presentation of all the final start-ups by the authors, the jurors will decide which project will win the main prize and which – the distinction of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology.
The final struggle of the students can be watched on the competition's fanpage during a live broadcast (Tuesday, 21 June between 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.).
Source: EkSoc StartUP!
Edit: Promotion Centre of the University of Lodz