Road salt has been used in Finland since the 1970s for road de-icing. However, the use of road salt has many harmful drawbacks for the environment, infrastructure and vehicles, for example. Therefore, new solutions are needed.
YIT is now looking for new mechanical and/or chemical solutions through the YITHackathon to replace or complement the currently used road salt. The aim is to find eco-friendly and economically viable solutions suitable for the Nordic environment. The call is open from 31 January to 28 February 2025.
YIT is primarily seeking a chemical solution. If there is no suitable chemical solution, mechanical solutions replacing or reinforcing sand and gravel are welcomed. With the mechanical solutions, YIT is looking for circular economy solutions that will preserve nature (e.g. gravel ridges and rock formations).
The YITHackathon offers networking opportunities and visibility for teams' expertise at international level
YITHackathon offers participants excellent opportunities to network and establish cooperation with other companies and experts in the same field – also internationally. For example, participants get to test their ideas directly with a large potential customer and develop the commercialisation potential of their ideas. In addition, participants can find new business opportunities with the help of mentors.
The hackathon is open for all interested participants: companies, research institutes, educational organisations, students, and other actors. Your team can also consist of collaboration between several organisations.
Participation is cost-free and does not include any obligations.
Learn more about YITHackathon and please read the participation rules.
Join the challenge by 28 February by gathering your team and submitting your application!
Schedule of the hackathon:
- Open call for solutions 31 January - 28 February 2025
- Team selection by 12 March 2025
- Kick-off for selected teams 9 April 2025 (online)
- Hackathon event in Jyväskylä, Finland 8 - 9 May 2025 (online participation possible).
