The Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation, Chemical Industry Federation of Finland and Finnish Forest Industries are launching the Future Makers / Tuleviku Loojad competition for the second time together with their Estonian sister organizations. In the competition, 13–14-year-olds develop solutions to real future challenges faced by companies, such as sustainable development and the energy transition. Schools and companies from Finland and Estonia will take part.
Teams of young people work on sustainability and development challenges defined by participating companies. At the same time, they learn about how companies operate and see in practice how STEM subjects and creative problem-solving are applied in working life.
A total of 12 schools will be selected, particularly from regions with significant industrial activity. For companies, the competition offers fresh perspectives and an opportunity to engage with future talent. For schools, it provides practical learning experiences and strengthens cooperation with working life.
The joint Finnish-Estonian competition also gives young people international learning experiences and encourages them to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields.
The first competition demonstrated the power of bold ideas
The competition was held for the first time in 2024. The winner was a team from Sääksjärvi school, who — in collaboration with Kiilto — came up with the idea for an environmentally friendly, multi-purpose glue.
The national finals of the new competition will be held in Finland and Estonia in early 2027. The best teams will advance to the international final in Tallinn on 22 April 2027.
Tallinn University of Technology serves as the competition’s pedagogical expert and co-implementing partner. The project receives Erasmus+ funding.
Applications for schools and companies to join the competition are now open.
The project is Co-Fonded by the European Union.
