Utexpo proof of every student’s potential
An electronically controlled rescue board, a portable breathing unit for intensive care, and an AI that identifies grooming. These are just a few of the impressive range of innovations showcased at this year’s edition of the University’s graduation fair, Utexpo. Once again, students behind the most outstanding graduation projects were awarded scholarships worth hundreds of thousands of Swedish crowns.
“As a student, you have little to lose, which makes you bolder.”
Elin Olsson, alumna from the Programme in Innovation Engineering
On Wednesday, Utexpo kicked off for the 42nd consecutive year. Right from the start, the University Hall was bustling with activity as over 280 graduating students from 14 programmes showcased and presented their projects at their stands. University staff, other students, upper secondary school students, companies, and the public were present to witness this record year in terms of participating exhibitors.
Utexpo offers a unique opportunity to see how theory and practice come together in real-world projects, often carried out in collaboration with companies and organisations. For the University’s students, it is not just the end of their education but also a launching pad to the future.
The Utexpo Council, the student group that organises the fair each year. Tommy Sunrise, Maja Magnusson, Philip Andersson, and Emy Lindgren think seeing all the projects after five months of planning the fair is fantastic.
Childhood dream come true
This year, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Malin Hallén, cut the inauguration ribbon. In her speech, she praised the students’ efforts, which she sees as a manifestation of the University’s vision to create value, drive innovation and develop society.
After the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s inspiring words, it was time for an alumna to take the stage, as tradition dictates. This year, the honour went to Elin Olsson, an alumna of the Programme in Innovation Engineering. 14 years ago, Elin Olsson presented her project, a new generation of smoke detector, which proved to be a pivotal moment for her. The visitors she met back then confirmed the strong need for a product like the one her idea offered. Elin Olsson received several scholarships at Utexpo that year for her innovativeness. It was there that she found the confidence needed to take the step to start her own business through crowdfunding, among other methods.
“My childhood dream of becoming an inventor came true, mostly thanks to the education at Halmstad University”, said Elin Olsson, who now works as a product manager.
The alumna believes that the study period is an excellent time to start a company and, therefore, encourages graduating students to seize the opportunity if it arises.
“You have so many sources of knowledge around you. As a student, you have little to lose, which makes you bolder”, said Elin Olsson.
Excitement and joy as students reap scholarships
On the second day of Utexpo, the most innovative students are awarded at a scholarship ceremony. It is a tradition where various scholarships are awarded by the University’s collaboration partners and the Sten Fåhré Foundation. With great excitement and joy, scholarships – totaling over SEK 300,000 – diplomas, flowers, and Utexpo statuettes were handed out.
This year, for the first time, the company MilDef awarded scholarships to the Master of Science programmes in Computer Science and Engineering and Intelligent Systems. Yonan Yonan and Mohammad Omar Abdullah, both from the programme Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, were the first recipients, sharing SEK 15,000.
Yonan Yonan and Mohammad Omar Abdullah were rewarded for their project focusing on machine learning and data privacy.
Another student duo who received a scholarship for outstanding thesis work were Jesper Liljegren and Alexandra Malmström. They received SEK 10,000 for the best thesis in environmental science from the company SeeU. They feel it is gratifying to receive recognition for all the hard work they have invested in their project, which addresses nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in urban environments.
“It feels fantastic and surprising”, says Jesper Liljegren, and Alexandra Malmström adds:
“We didn’t think we would get it. There were many other great projects”.
Jesper Liljegren and Alexandra Malmström, graduating students from the programme Environmental, Innovation, and Sustainability.
Additionally, a number of other scholarships were awarded by Byggföretagen Halland, Chalmerska Ingenjörsföreningen, Getinge Sterilization Inc., Halmstad Energi och Miljö Inc., HMS Networks, Stena Recycling Inc., Leap for Life, and Quokka.
“There is potential in every student”
When Utexpo closed its doors for this year, many students began preparing for the next highlight – the graduation ceremony at Halmstad Arena – which takes place the following day, that is, today.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Malin Hallén emphasises that Utexpo is an important tradition, demonstrating that graduation projects are more than academic exercises. They represent tangible contributions to society:
“This fair is proof of the potential in every student.”
Text: Katarina Tran
Photo: Dan Bergmark and Ida Fridvall
Footnote: Crowdfunding is a form of fundraising that takes place via crowdfunding websites, where a large group of individuals contribute small amounts to help finance a venture.
About Utexpo
Utexpo is a graduation fair and a platform where the graduating students of Halmstad University can showcase their innovation capabilities and demonstrate what they have learned during their studies – a launching pad for new ideas for a sustainable future. It has been an annual tradition since 1982, and it will return in the spring of 2025.
Did you miss the 2024 event? You can read about the students’ projects on the University’s website.
