Event

Unlock Your Potential: Join the Exclusive Waste Management Workshop with Gruppo Hera in Ferrara

Are you ready to step out of the classroom, tackle real-world environmental challenges, and make a tangible impact?

From 21 to 23 October 2026, the University of Ferrara is thrilled to host a unique, three-day Challenge-Based Workshop in collaboration with Gruppo Hera, one of Italy’s largest utility companies. Open to all BA, MA, and PhD students from any discipline across our partner universities, this is an unmissable opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and the professional world whilst experiencing the beautiful city of Ferrara.

Tackle Real-World Challenges with Gruppo Hera

The core of this workshop is a genuine, real-life challenge presented by Gruppo Hera, focusing on sustainable waste management and environmental protection. Rather than studying hypothetical scenarios, you will be proposing concrete solutions to actual industry problems. You will receive live, direct feedback from Hera’s industry experts, and the most outstanding proposals will even be considered for real-world implementation. This hands-on experience is fundamental for building a robust CV, preparing for the global job market, and acquiring the essential skills that top employers demand.

The Gem of the Programme: An Exclusive Field Trip

A major highlight of this three-day event is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes field trip to a Gruppo Hera facility in Italy on Day 1. This unique visit will allow you to see the company’s technological excellence first-hand, providing crucial context and inspiration for your project.

Learn the ‘Imagine Design Thinking’ Framework

To help you tackle these challenges, you will be guided through the Imagine Design Thinking framework. This powerful methodology will help you deeply understand the root of a problem, activate your creativity to generate innovative ideas, and then apply critical thinking to select the most feasible, effective solutions. Widely used by top companies worldwide, this framework is a fantastic tool to add to your skill set and can even be applied to personal challenges in everyday life.

Hackathon Vibes and Fantastic Prizes

You will work in dynamic, multicultural teams in a fast-paced hackathon format alongside peers from across Europe. For the most ambitious teams, our workspace will remain open throughout the day so you can perfect your proposals. The hard work will certainly pay off: the winning team will receive tangible awards (including an official certificate and exclusive prizes) and have their project published on our official alliance websites.

Furthermore, this initiative is proudly endorsed by the Municipality of Ferrara, culminating in a post-event awards ceremony attended by local government officials.

Secure Your Spot Today!

With students joining us from all our partner universities across the COLOURS Alliance, including Université Le Mans (France) and beyond, spots for this exclusive event are strictly limited. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to boost your career prospects, network with industry leaders, and drive sustainable change. Register now to secure your spot!

More information about the COLOURS Alliance and its initiatives: