From the 1st to the 6th of December 2024 AS Zagreb had the opportunity to host the Ideathon Finale. Following the first phase in Toulouse, the participants had the opportunity to bring their ideas to Zagreb (Croatia).
The participating teams arrived on the 1st of December and settled into their accommodations. Although the original plan was to have a welcome dinner at the hostel, a change in circumstances led to an impromptu outing to a local pub, where pizzas were ordered. This turned out to be a delightful start to the event, as everyone thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
On the morning of the 2nd of December, members from EUROAVIA Zagreb welcomed the participants with an introduction to the organisation and the city of Zagreb. This was followed by presentations from the event’s sponsors – Ansys, Eurocontrol and IGA. Afterwards, each team was assigned a unique challenge to complete, setting the stage for the core competition.
The final challenge of the Ideathon officially began on the 2nd of December at 14:15 (CET) and spanned over 48 hours, ending on the 4th of December at the same time. During this intense period, teams were given dedicated spaces to work, enabling them to focus entirely on their tasks. Recognising the importance of flexibility and efficiency, the organisers refrained from imposing a strict schedule for meals or breaks, allowing participants to manage their time as they saw fit.
This structure encouraged creativity and collaboration, fostering an environment where teams could work at their own pace while leveraging their diverse skills and ideas. The challenge pushed participants to think critically, solve complex problems, and present innovative solutions.
Once the challenge ended, the teams presented their solutions to the sponsors and other participants. The presentations showcased the remarkable ingenuity and dedication of the teams, with a wide range of innovative ideas on display. Presentations were wrapped up by 16:30, after which the teams had free time to relax before the highly anticipated “Cultural Night”.
The following morning, the teams visited the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla. Here, they attended several engaging lectures. Afterwards, they enjoyed lunch and some free time to explore or unwind in the city.
The event concluded with a memorable dinner at a traditional Croatian restaurant, chosen to provide a genuine cultural experience. Guests were treated to a variety of classic Croatian dishes and beverages, immersing themselves in the rich flavours of the region. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winning team, AVAION from AS Patras. Their innovative approach, exceptional teamwork, and well-executed solution earned them the top spot in the competition.
After dinner, the group visited the EUROAVIA Zagreb workshop, where the team demonstrated some of their projects, including rockets and drones, providing an insightful glimpse into their work.
The Ideathon Finale was not just a competition but an enriching cultural and technical exchange, leaving lasting impressions on all who attended.
AS Zagreb