Wipak Oy is one of four companies taking part in the Lahti Venture Program – a project which brings students, Lahti businesses and business developers together in a bid to strengthen training and opportunities in the area.

Backed by Lahti University of Applied Sciences (LAMK), Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and the University of Helsinki, as well as LADEC Oy – an organization which facilities regional development, the program sets local students a two-month business challenge. During this time, students work in mixed teams to develop solutions, with the program culminating in December 2017. The participating companies then select the best ideas as part of a ‘Best Business Concept’ competition, shortlisting the students they would like to continue working with.

“Wipak Oy has set the students the challenge of finding new solutions, technologies and ideas for recycling plastics,” explained Tuija Suur-Hamari, Managing Director at Wipak Oy. “In particular, we are looking for ideas that enhance the collection of plastics or ideas that bring about new ways for us to utilize collected plastics.”

Almost 50 students were selected from 15 different fields of study to take part in the project, which is a first for the region. Delivered in English, the project also aims to provide studying and networking opportunities for foreign students, with more than half of its participants being international students.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing what the students have come up with in December,” concluded Tuija.

Further information on the challenges set can be found at https://lahtiventureprogram.com/former-companies-and-challenges/.