Building a sustainable future by reducing food waste

How our students learn to tackle real-world challenges in the orientation group challenge

At Tomorrow University, we believe in learning by doing, an active way of learning by "solving a challenge" or "find a solution for a problem" instead of trying to memorise theory. Our degree students engage in real-world scenario challenges, usually 3 to 4 weeks long, that expand their knowledge and skills while making a positive impact on today’s pressing problems. Our curriculum is divided into four parts: Orientation, Calibration, Elevation, and Activation. In this blog we will be sharing The Orientation Group Challenge, which is the culmination of the first semester, where learners put their foundational knowledge about sustainability, data processing, and business strategy into practice.

Building a sustainable future by reducing food waste

In this Orientation Group Challenge, our Master of Science in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Technology learners Barbara, Alexandra, Camilla, Kaisa and Johannes address the issue of food waste-related emissions by proposing innovative solutions. They developed a food use tracking app designed to prevent food waste in homes.

Through the learners research, they discovered that food waste accounts for 6% of global emissions, with 60% originating from household waste. They analysed why people typically waste food and examined differences among consumer groups.

Their solution—a food use tracking app—demonstrated a clear problem-solution fit, supported by their research into current technology. They also developed a realistic and actionable go-to-market strategy to launch their product and create a positive environmental impact.

The journey of our students

Overcoming challenges and achieving success

The Orientation Group Challenge, a unique blend of learning and real-world application. For Johannes, it was an enlightening journey:

Johannes: "The team challenge was incredibly fun, despite some early hiccups. Our brainstorming sessions were wild and intense, leading to a fantastic idea that we transformed into a polished product and presentation by the final week. This challenge underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in a team. When you combine these viewpoints, something truly amazing can happen."

Similarly, Camilla reflected on the challenges and rewards of teamwork:

Camilla: "The team challenge was tough. Our group of five was diverse in work styles and communication, spread across the globe with varying family situations. The first week was frustrating as synchronising our schedules was hard. However, after improving our communication, the last week was amazing. Our differences became strengths, resulting in a fantastic presentation and product. If I did it again, I’d keep the team smaller for easier synchronisation and set clear team rules and goals from the beginning to manage expectations."

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Learning outcomes of the orientation group challenge

Hands-on experience in real-world challenges

Students gain practical experience in analyzing data, developing innovative ideas, and creating actionable strategies. They learn to convey their research and development journey through engaging narratives.

Development of essential skills for the future

Participants enhance their critical evaluation, design-thinking, and storytelling skills. They learn to thoroughly examine problems before proposing solutions, ensuring a strong problem-solution fit.

Why we focus on challenge-based learning

The Orientation Group Challenge fosters critical evaluation, design-thinking, and storytelling skills. By working on challenges like reducing food waste, learners engage with pressing global issues and apply their knowledge to develop innovative, practical solutions. This hands-on approach allows students to deepen their understanding of real-world problems, encouraging them to think critically and creatively. By collaborating on real-life scenarios, students not only enhance their problem-solving abilities but also learn to create impactful solutions that can drive sustainable change. This method ensures that they are well-prepared to address the complexities of today’s world and become effective leaders in their fields.

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