Step On The Box

Scaling Nature-Based Solutions: From Pilots to Full-Scale Impact (SOL/People-Planet-Food Hackathon)

We are looking for:
HBO & WO students in all fields of study.

Status
Running
Spots
8 available
Registration deadline
13 Nov 2025
Sprintday
20 Nov 2025
Location
Croeselaan 18, 3521 CB Utrecht, Netherlands, Onsite
1. Description of the challenge

The Eems-Dollard 2050 program has launched a series of innovative pilots aimed at transforming the coastal zone of Northeast Groningen into a resilient, biodiverse, and economically vibrant region. 

These pilots include sediment-based dike reinforcement, kleirijperij (clay ripening), and nature-inclusive engineering. Your challenge is to explore how these pilots can be scaled into full-size projects. What technical, ecological, and stakeholder conditions must be met? How can we learn from the results of each pilot to inform future implementation? You’ll work with data from these pilots and concepts from Fugro’s portfolio, including sediment solutions, biodiversity monitoring, and engineering innovations. 

The goal is to develop a roadmap for scaling these pilots that is both visionary and grounded in practical feasibility.

Fugro is committed to delivering sustainable solutions for coastal resilience and flood defence. The Eems-Dollard 2050 pilots align with our mission to integrate nature-based approaches with cutting-edge technology. Fugro has committed itself to the EcoShape consortium to also play a pivotal role in developing and applying nature-based solutions both in the Netherlands and globally. 

Scaling these pilots offers an opportunity to:

  • Demonstrate the value of sediment reuse and circularity.
  • Enhance biodiversity through monitoring and adaptive design.
  • Strengthen regional flood defences in synergy with ecological goals.

Your insights will help shape Fugro’s future contributions to climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure.

2. Expected outcome

We are looking for:

  • A clear framework for scaling one or more pilots to full-size projects.
  • Identification of key technical, ecological, and stakeholder requirements.
  • Lessons learned from the pilots and how they inform future design.
  • Creative integration of Fugro’s capabilities into the scaling strategy.

About Fugro

We are the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Through integrated data acquisition, analysis and advice, we unlock insights from Geo-data to help our clients design, build and operate their assets in a safe, sustainable and efficient manner.