Participation in the renowned Erasmus University Challenge

In the March of 2024, a team of five ambitious business student joined the official start-up competition of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. They didn't have an established project name, let alone a logo when applying for the competition, only a business idea and their own dedication to make it come true. What emerged out of this experience? Well, more than just a refined brand name and delicate logo. The team, our team, developed into a real venture, equipped with all the tools to confidently embark on our journey to bring Leaf.it to life.

Throughout the 6 months of the competition, our team took part in various activities that enabled our transition from idea to venture. We participated in workshops centered around, for example, Idea validation and Pitching, both of which helped us better understand and define our own unique offering. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet industry professionals through a Speed dating event, which helped us put our goals and challenges as an aspiring social start-up more in perspective. Finally, through the required mid-term and final deliverables, we got to translate our new experiences into action, completing our first pitch-decks, prototype sketches and, among others, product descriptions.

We are beyond grateful for having had this opportunity to challenge ourselves and connect to other entrepreneurs and change-makers. The Erasmus University Challenge developed us as a team and a venture, and enabled us to be here now as Leaf.it, Europe's most innovative seedling protection venture!