IGNITE: Problem-based Learning Competition
09. - 13.11.2026 | Technical University of Leoben
- Upcoming events
Ready for a challenge? Dive into five days of creative teamwork and solve real-world business problems together. Join IGNITE, our EURECA-PRO problem-based learning competition!
We’re looking for teams of students who want to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to industry problems in just five days. IGNITE will be hosted at Technical University of Leoben, where you’ll not work on your cases, but also dive deep into the topic of entrepreneurial thinking and ideation.
The IGNITE week starts off with an introduction of all the participating companies and their cases. After learning about the problems that should be solved within the next five days, you’ll gather into teams and start working on your ideas.
During the week, you get the chance to participate in exclusive workshops on entrepreneurship, starting a business, presentation skills, and pitching.
Learning Journey
After five days of working on your problem, you present your idea to a commission and all the other teams. Impress the judges not only with your concept but also with your pitch, and secure the victory and prize money from IGNITE!
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Day 1 (Monday, November 9)
Opening ceremony and introduction to the participating companies and their cases
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Day 2-3 (Tuesday-Wednesday, November 10-11)
Working together on the case, voluntary participation in the workshops on entrepreneurial thinking, presentation and pitching
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Day 4 (Thursday, November 12)
Finalising the idea and submitting the concept for initial assessment by the commission
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Day 4 (Thursday, November 12)
Finalising the idea and submitting the concept for initial assessment by the commission
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Day 5 (Friday, November 13)
Closing ceremony with pitches of the best ideas and the awards ceremony
Key details
Interested in joining but you’re unsure how to get to Leoben, Austria? EURECA-PRO covers the costs of travel and accommodation for one team from each EURECA-PRO partner university.
Apply as a team and be nominated by your university to use this funded opportunity!
Registration Deadline: 11.10.2026
Language: English
Mobility: Physical
Course duration: 09. – 13.11.2026
Target audience: All students (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and early-career researchers
Certificate: participants can obtain certificate of attendance
Meet the Challenge Providers
Discover the organisations behind this year’s real-world challenges!
RHI Magnesita:
RHI Magnesita is a global leader in high-grade refractory products, systems, and services essential for high-temperature industrial processes exceeding 1,200°C. RHI Magnesita drives critical operations across diverse heavy industries, including steel, glass, cement, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals. Operating an extensive worldwide network of manufacturing sites and raw material mines, the company combines advanced materials science, custom engineering, and automated recycling solutions to deliver sustainable, heat-resistant infrastructure globally.
Austrian Institute of Technology:
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest research and technology organisation working on key infrastructure issues of the future. AIT focuses on the two interlinked research priorities of “sustainable and resilient infrastructures”, particularly in the areas of energy, transport and health, and the “digital transformation of industry and society”, working closely with industry and clients from public institutions.
IMM Electronics:
Immersive Politics:
Immersive Politics is an experiential learning platform designed to demystify negotiations, political change, and decision-making processes. By combining realistic simulations, engaging immersive experiences, and compelling political storytelling, the platform transforms complex civic and governmental frameworks into tangible, interactive learning environments. Through these dynamic scenarios, Immersive Politics empowers participants to actively experience, critically question, and deeply understand how real-world decisions are made and how meaningful political change takes shape.
EURECA-PRO:
EURECA-PRO is a European University Alliance and was founded in 2020 as part of the European Universities Initiative. Centered around the theme of “Responsible Consumption and Production,” the alliance is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 while also fostering deeper cooperation and connection across Europe. EURECA-PRO consists of 9 universities in 8 countries and since its creation, has developed joint study programmes and joint research flagships to enable students, researchers and university staff to move seamlessly between partner universities.
