IRIS inspired by Slush 2017
Slush is a student-driven, non-profit movement originally founded to change attitudes toward entrepreneurship. Slush is the largest startup and tech event in Northern Europe and has often been viewed as the window to the Nordic startup ecosystem.
How this is all connected to IRIS? In fact in the project plan there is a description of the event which should be organized in 2019. This event should combine the elements of the Project IRIS: active learning, entrepreneurship, micro-e’s, networking, innovation, information and especially women but all community members. In addition the event should inspire community and encourage them to co-operate so that universities are links of co-creation.
Ideas from the Slush 2017 were several and they need to be modified further but some can be shared. For example, the frame of the event is important like clear theme, venues, date and time. In addition, attendees need to present diverse sectors of the society to get the most out of the activities and networking. In addition the role of students is significant and they should be trusted and allowed to be responsible of preparations of the event (with the IRIS project guidance). This is also in line with IRIS active learning approach.
One of the Slush speakers, Viola Llewellyn form Ovamba, emphasized the power of Africa. According to her, Africa is critically underserved despite of the massive demand and innovations should be developed with culture sensitive attitude, using local languages and knowledge.