Ambitious student projects receive in total €50,000 grant through Delft University Fund
In December 2023, students had the opportunity to apply for a FAST grant to organize an event and to finance an ambitious project. FAST received a total of 27 applications, which were assessed for innovation, feasibility, impact and budget. During the committee meeting, the best projects gave a short pitch and had to answer critical questions about their plans. After the meeting, FAST's executive grant committee awarded no less than €50,000 in grants. Listed below the winning projects and events:
Ambitious projects:
Emergence Delft
€9.,900 awarded
Emergence, TU Delft's newest Dream Team, works at the intersection of art and technology. They want to create awareness about the major, but sometimes intangible impact of technology on our lives through exhibitions. Read moreThe team is currently working on a temporary exhibition at Delft station, playing with light, projections and movement. By choosing a public location, a wide audience is reached. Thanks to FAST's contribution, Emergence can purchase the necessary equipment, such as screens, projectors and sensors.
Clean surgical instruments
€15,000 awarded
Millions of people die every year due to unsafe and unsterile surgical instruments, especially in developing countries. Students of the Biomedical Engineering master's program want to change this and have developed a toolkit for use in hospitals.Read moreThanks to this toolkit, the sterilization of used instruments after surgery can be drastically improved. A commonly used four-bucket system for cleaning is in practice performed carelessly. With clear instructions, training and follow-up, the procedure can be improved and unnecessary infections can be prevented. The focus is on hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa and there is close collaboration with a number of local partner organizations in Kenya and Uganda. About 50 hospitals can be reached with FAST's contribution.
Improved detection of cervical cancer
€14,500 awarded
Early detection of cervical cancer can prevent a fatal result in most cases. However, in developing countries this is a major challenge, partly due to the high costs of preventive research. Students from the master's programs Biomedical Engineering and Integrated Product Design have developed a smart speculum. Read moreThis speculum is smaller and has an integrated camera. By using AI, the images can be analyzed with high accuracy and a doctor can immediately determine whether there is cervical cancer. Thanks to FAST's contribution, a clinical test can be set up in Cameroon and the AI can be further trained.
Transport using Maglev
€1,250 awarded
Joseph, Thijmen and Len are friends from high school and have each recently enrolled in a (different) bachelor's degree at TU Delft. Together they are working on a small-scale prototype of a vehicle with 'Electrodynamic Wheels' (EDWs). Read moreUsing this technique, magnetic resistance can be converted into forward motion, so that EDWs can theoretically achieve higher speeds with less energy. The students want to use their prototype to investigate whether it is a suitable alternative to existing, but extremely expensive maglev systems. Thanks to FAST's contribution, they can finance the necessary parts for the prototype.
Events:
Wellbeing week Virgiel
€5,000 awarded
A recent study by the Trimbos Institute for Mental Health shows that 44% of students sometimes experience anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the use of alcohol and drugs has been normalized within this target group. Read more Student association Sanctus Virgilius is concerned and wants more attention for the mental health of Delft students. That is why two events will be organized around this topic on March 18 and 19, during the Wellbeing Week 2024. Students can listen to lectures, talk to each other and visit a symposium. The organization aims to break taboos and create awareness of the social, personal and societal consequences of excessive substance use.
Symposium S.G. "William Froude"
€2,500 awarded
Study association SG William Froude wants to organize a symposium for students, alumni and stakeholders within the shipping sector. Read moreDuring the symposium, which lasts all day, the most important question will be how the sector as a whole can renew and become more sustainable. Through workshops, guest speakers and a panel discussion, participants can become part of the change that the sector so desperately needs.
Technology for girls
€1,500 awarded
Students from the Vereniging voor Technische Fysica will organize a day aimed at making girls enthusiastic about technology. This day will take place in the Science Center and girls from groups 7-8 from Delft primary schools can sign up for this. Read moreParticipants can carry out tests and experiments themselves and are guided in this by students, who at the same time act as role models. In this way, the students want to show that a technical study or career is very normal and can be great fun, regardless of your gender.
Find out more?
Want to know more about the winning concepts? Or see how you can apply to the University Fund as a student? Then check out the FAST website.
Go to FAST website