A student-built rocket, an energy-efficient electric tricycle, furniture that promotes collaboration and idea creation, a game to train psychological resilience and other prototypes of products created by Riga Technical University (RTU) students are on display until July in the Innovation and Scientific Achievements Exhibition Space «RTU and Origo Future Stop» on the 2nd floor of the new «Origo» shopping centre building, Stacijas laukums 4.
«It is a myth that there are people who can create new ideas, products, services or technologies and those who cannot. There is an innovator in everyone, and at the RTU Science and Innovation Centre Design Factory we provide students with knowledge, mentoring, expertise, infrastructure and other support to encourage them to create ideas and turn them into real products, to collaborate with each other, companies and scientists,» says Elīna Miķelsone, Head of the RTU Science and Innovation Centre Design Factory.
«Innovation solutions drive the world. «Origo» Multifunctional Shopping Centre is one of the most modern shopping centres in Riga that has introduced technological innovations into its daily operations for the convenience and well-being of its visitors, promoting both easy access and a sustainable environment. We are pleased that through our cooperation with RTU we can introduce these student innovations to visitors, inviting them to think about the interaction of technology and a sustainable future,» says Viktorija Bižāne, Marketing Manager at «Origo» Shopping Centre.
The exhibition features both a 3D printed concrete climbing wall, designed to be adapted to different climbing levels and integrated into the urban environment, and a versatile SUP board fin, suitable for paddling in all types of bodies of water. And specially designed pentagonal tables, adaptable for individual work, groups, conferences, etc., will encourage collaboration and the generation of new ideas. The structure, made up of fibreglass tubes and 3D-printed fittings, can also be transformed to suit different needs. These can be used to create decorative stage elements, advertising hoardings, photo walls, etc.
Also taking part in the fair is Humico, a start-up company created by RTU students and scientists, which offers a humic solution made from peat to improve soil quality. Also on display is a student-built high-power rocket that has already successfully launched to a height of 1.9 km, and an electric tricycle that RTU students have ridden in several energy-efficiency competitions. The exhibition also introduces several games. The game «Saving your sanity» helps to overcome anxiety and fight negative and self-destructive thoughts. It has been tested by psychologists and psychotherapists as well as by young people. And «Cosmonaut LabLab versus RTU Rector Tālis Juhna» is a fascinating game of balance and strategy, revealing the interplay between science and academia. Also on display are prototypes of LabLab itself - the mascot of the RTU Science and Innovation Centre's Design Factory - which was created when students created an oversized 3D concrete sculpture in Ķīpsala.
The exhibition space, created in cooperation between RTU and the «Origo» shopping centre, introduces the general public to the latest technological solutions, scientific breakthroughs and achievements of RTU students, engineers and scientists.
