What does a sustainable city look like in practice?

From 5 to 8 May 2026, students from across the EUTOPIA alliance gathered at the University of Gothenburg for the latest edition of the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Students. Under the theme “The Sustainable City”, participants spent four days working together to develop innovative solutions to real challenges faced by local organisations and public authorities.

And there could hardly have been a more fitting place to explore this topic. Widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Gothenburg welcomed participants with beautiful spring weather and plenty of sunshine, offering an inspiring setting for both learning and discovery.

Unlike traditional academic exercises, the challenges presented to students were not hypothetical scenarios or grand societal problems detached from reality. They were concrete needs identified by organisations operating in and around Gothenburg, giving participants the opportunity to work on issues that local stakeholders are actively trying to solve.

The programme followed a design-thinking methodology, encouraging students to move step by step from problem exploration to solution development. Through workshops, mentoring sessions, brainstorming activities, field visits, and group work, participants learned how to transform ideas into actionable proposals while working in international and interdisciplinary teams.

Four challenge owners partnered with the programme, each presenting a real-world sustainability challenge.

Sustainable Tourism – Göteborg & Co

The Gothenburg archipelago is one of Sweden’s most popular destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, increasing tourist numbers during peak season can place pressure on local infrastructure and affect the daily lives of residents.

Students were therefore asked to explore how tourism could contribute positively to island communities while minimising its negative impacts. How can visitors become more conscious of their role as guests? How can tourism support local wellbeing rather than disrupt it?

To better understand the challenge, participants visited Brännö Island and engaged directly with local stakeholders, gaining firsthand insight into the realities of life in the archipelago.

Sustainable Campus Development – Akademiska Hus

As the University of Gothenburg continues to develop and expand its campuses, Akademiska Hus challenged students to imagine what a future-proof university environment could look like.

Teams explored how campus spaces could become more inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and conducive to wellbeing while fostering interaction between students, researchers, staff, and visitors. Through site visits and observations, participants reflected on how physical spaces influence learning, collaboration, and community building.

Sustainable Movement – SMOVE

Promoting physical activity among young people is a priority within the Swedish education system. Yet implementing meaningful movement throughout the school day remains challenging due to social inequalities, diverse student needs, limited resources, and staff constraints.

Working on behalf of SMOVE, students developed ideas to help a municipal school in Gothenburg integrate sustainable and inclusive movement practices into everyday learning. The challenge required participants to balance health, accessibility, and educational objectives while considering the realities faced by schools.

Sustainable Mobility – Göteborgs Stad

Shared e-scooters have become a familiar feature of urban mobility in Gothenburg, helping reduce car dependency and complement public transport. However, improper parking practices often create obstacles in public spaces and generate frustration among residents.

Students worked with Göteborgs Stad to develop solutions that could encourage better parking behaviour without undermining the convenience and environmental benefits of shared mobility. The challenge highlighted the complexity of designing sustainable urban systems that work for everyone.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While the challenge sessions formed the core of the programme, some of the most valuable learning experiences took place outside the workshop rooms.

Throughout the week, students participated in site visits, stakeholder meetings, and field observations linked to their respective challenges. These experiences allowed them to engage directly with the people affected by the issues they were addressing and better understand the local context behind each challenge.

Whether taking the ferry through the Gothenburg archipelago, exploring university facilities, or observing mobility patterns in the city, participants discovered Sweden’s second-largest city firsthand and saw how sustainability is embedded in many aspects of urban life.

The programme also created countless opportunities for exchange between students from different countries, disciplines, and cultures. Informal discussions during breaks, meals, and social activities often proved just as enriching as the formal sessions themselves.

“We all come from completely different backgrounds and histories, and it’s fascinating to learn from each other, share our perspectives, and grow together through this challenge. Having engineers, computer scientists, and people from the humanities working side by side allowed us to take a much more holistic approach to solving real-world problems. It’s been a truly fantastic experience.”

From Ideas to Action

The week culminated in a series of final pitches, during which each team presented its proposed solution to challenge owners, mentors, and fellow participants.

Although only a few days long, the Innovation Challenges demonstrated what can happen when diverse perspectives come together around a common goal. Students were encouraged to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and develop solutions grounded in real needs rather than theoretical exercises.

A huge thank you to the University of Gothenburg, the challenge owners, mentors, and organisers who made this extraordinary experience possible.

View the full photo album below

 Article and photos by Maud Simon