“A Second Chance for Coffee – Let’s Find Sustainable Solutions”
Every day, not only in Slovakia, tons of used ground coffee are thrown away from households, offices and cafes. This waste can be a valuable raw material — if we can properly dry, store and reuse it.
The UPJŠ Technology and Innovation Park in Košice (TIP-UPJŠ) announces a student competition on the topic:
“A Second Chance for Coffee – How to Capture, Dry and Utilize It”
Your task:
Design a small container, vessel or device with the lowest possible energy consumption that will allow:
• to easily collect used coffee,
• to dry or stabilize it in an ecological and hygienic way,
• and to safely store it for further processing
Your proposal can be:
• a design product for the home or a café,
• a functional prototype made from commonly available materials
• or a concept that combines practicality with aesthetics and sustainability.
What you can get
The best three proposals will be awarded with financial prizes:
1st place – €500
2nd place – €300
3rd place – €200
In addition, you will get:
• the opportunity to present your idea in the TIP-UPJŠ incubator,
• mentoring from experts in design and sustainable technologies,
• the opportunity to turn your proposal into a functional prototype.
Deadline for submitting proposals: until December 31, 2025
Where to send: 📧 andrej.mirossay@upjs.sk
Why get involved:
Your idea can help turn waste from an everyday cup of coffee into a meaningful and sustainable product.
Show that even a small container can have a big impact – for science, the environment and the community.
Organizer: Technology and Innovation Park UPJŠ in Košice
Contact: RNDr. Andrej Miroššay, PhD., Director of TIP-UPJŠ
Motto: “Where ideas become solutions.”
