Distinction

Two young ULiège graduates win a scholarship to launch their prototype


The Ecopoon project, a range of edible and biodegradable cutlery designed by two young graduates from HEC-Liège, won a €5,000 grant from the Albert Vanhee Fund of the Foundation for Future Generations.

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he aim of these grants is to enable young entrepreneurs to build a better future by enabling them to develop the prototype of their innovation. The Selection Committee analysed more than 30 projects identified in partnership with the country's student incubators. Among these, the 11 most convincing projects were retained and selected for their positive impact on the major dimensions of sustainable development, for their zero-waste approach and for the quality and precision of the prototyping plan, as well as their innovative character. Each initiative won a grant of up to €5,000, thanks to the support of the Albert Vanhee Fund for Future Generations and the Federal Ministry of the Environment.

Among the award-winning projects were Ecopoon, a range of edible and 100% biodegradable cutlery designed by Maxime Vanderheyden, Master's degree in Economics at HEC-Liège and Cyril Ernst, Master's degree in Management of Social Enterprises and Sustainable Development at HEC-Liège - coached by the VentureLab in Liège. This range of cutlery is a truly sustainable alternative to the different types of plastic and wood used in the world of catering. Ecopoon wins a grant that will enable them to perfect the design of their cutlery and to create new prototypes of production moulds.

About the Foundation for Future Generations

Founded in 1998, the Foundation for Future Generations is a Belgian foundation dedicated exclusively to the transition of our society towards a sustainable development, one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. A public utility foundation, pluralist, independent and active in the three regions of the country, it enables its partners, patrons and donors to invest in future generations. It has extensive experience in supporting organisations and project leaders who implement sustainable initiatives in Belgium and Europe.

About the Albert Vanhee Fund for Future Generations

The Albert Vanhee Fund for Future Generations created in 2018 by Marguerite Vanhee within the Foundation for Future Generations, in honour of her father Albert Vanhee, aims to financially help these student-entrepreneurs take the step between the concept and its realization, at a key moment in their journey as future entrepreneurs.

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