TU Delft Impact Contest

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Finalist

Solar Cleaner by BoberLabs (semi-finalist)

Solar panels accumulate dirt, bird droppings, and pollution, reducing efficiency and revenue due to soiling losses. Manual cleaning in Europe incurs high labor costs, offsetting the benefits of cleaning

Finalist

Sonneveld Biomanufacturing (finalist)

Despite ongoing efforts, vegan mayonnaise still faces significant challenges, including differences in taste, texture, and dipping behaviour compared to the egg-based versions. These issues limit their appeal and potential for reaching its full customer base. The key issue is the fundamental limitation of natural plant compounds in emulsion stability. Unlike egg yolk, which provide both emulsifying activity and emulsion stability, plant compounds mainly provide emulsifying activity, but lack emulsion stability. To compensate, food additives are used to improve emulsion stability, which in turn affects taste and viscosity. Without compounds that have more egg-like properties, vegan mayo will continue to face texture and taste challenges that limit its market potential.

Finalist

Interactive Image Descriptions (semi-finalist)

Existing image descriptions often lack context or detail and fail to meet the diverse needs of people with visual impairment. Preferences vary widely based on factors such as the type and onset of visual impairment, age, and personal interests. A one-size-fits-all approach to image descriptions is inadequate, highlighting the need for customizable, context-aware solutions. As mentioned in the article “The Accessible Books Consortium: what it means for publishers” by Catherline Jewell in WIPO magazine in 2018, globally, less than 10% of published works are available in accessible formats, leaving a significant gap inclusive for people with visual impairments. Accessibility and inclusivity has often been an ignored segment. This project investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) and interactive technologies can bridge this gap - and develops other integrate the solution that fits well with the need and real life scenario of target users.

Finalist

Blind (semi-finalist)

Live music events are losing authenticity as excessive smartphone use distracts audiences and artists. Current solutions like Yondr pouches are inconvenient, costly, and unsustainable, while camera stickers are easily removable. These methods also block all phone functions, including emergency access. There’s a clear need for a solution that ensures immersion without compromising safety and accessibility.

Finalist

THEX (semi-finalist)

Women’s health diagnostics often involve discomfort, invasiveness, and limited accessibility, leading to delayed or avoided screenings. Traditional methods can be rigid, anxiety-inducing, and unsuitable for diverse anatomical needs. Additionally, there is a gap in early, user-friendly detection of gynecological conditions. Our challenge is to revolutionize vaginal diagnostics by creating a flexible, patient-friendly device that enhances comfort, accessibility, and accuracy. By integrating advanced materials and digital health solutions, we aim to empower women with a seamless, stress-free diagnostic experience, improving early detection rates and overall healthcare outcomes.

Finalist

JUMP (semi-finalist)

The space industry is undergoing an unprecedented boom, with institutions and private companies racing to deploy new satellites and spacecraft for commercial, scientific, and technological missions. From global communications to deep-space exploration, modern space missions are more ambitious than ever. However, a major weak link threatens their success: power system failures. Reliable energy is the lifeline of any spacecraft, yet nearly 20% of mission failures stem from power system malfunction: deployment failures are particularly critical, often leaving spacecraft powerless and unable to fulfill their mission. Additionally, current designs rely on oversized, redundant, and costly power systems, increasing launch expenses and limiting efficiency. But what if we could eliminate these risks and provide a continuous energy source? JUMP explores a revolutionary alternative: harvesting energy from the Van Allen Belts and other planets' radiation fields, to supply spacecraft with uninterrupted power. This breakthrough could radically enhance mission reliability, reduce failures, and unlock new frontiers in space exploration, paving the way for an original energy solution beyond Earth's orbit.

Finalist

Zentence (semi-finalist)

Reading books takes effort and focus, causing many people who struggle with concentration to avoid reading altogether.

DIY kits for racing simulators

Simulation racing is an exciting and immersive way to experience motorsports, but the required equipment is often expensive and difficult to access. Steering wheels, pedals, and other essential components can be a significant investment, discouraging many enthusiasts from getting started. Additionally, there is a broader challenge: many people are interested in building things themselves but don’t know where to begin or lack the right resources and guidance.

Sircular

The semiconductor industry faces a significant silicon waste problem, with nearly 75% of the material lost during production. Current recycling rates for Si and SiC are extremely low (around 5%), and existing recycling methods are costly and inefficient. Europe’s heavy reliance on imported Si and SiC from Southeast Asia creates supply chain vulnerabilities, exacerbating risks during global semiconductor shortages. A sustainable, circular approach to silicon waste recovery is urgently needed to enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and secure a stable supply of critical raw materials.

MiniPower Africa

Many businesses in Africa rely on outdated or low-performance computers, which are slow, prone to crashing, and expensive to maintain. Traditional desktop PCs take up space and consume more power, making them less ideal for small businesses, startups, and schools. Despite the growing demand for technology, powerful mini PCs are not widely available.

Esmee Fransen

Jacob Perk