Sustainable Innovation Starts with a Simple Question: How Can We Do This Better?
This mindset was at the heart of the ZHAW Entrepreneurship Industry Hack at Open-i. Our goal? To develop a new, innovative fish product for Switzerland. The result: MERRA – a premium fish jerky that combines sustainability with modern enjoyment.
Together with my team – David Lin, Khanh Ho, and Adluru Mohan Vamsi – we asked ourselves how we could rethink Swiss fish products. We drew inspiration from a classic: jerky. But instead of beef, we used Eggli, salmon, and trout. Everyone in Switzerland knows Eggli fillet, so we thought: Why not turn it into a high-quality, convenient, and healthy fish jerky?
Sustainability played a major role, but our main focus was creating a truly compelling product. By using "second cuts" – fish parts that are often underutilized – and 100% biodegradable packaging, we demonstrated that pleasure and environmental consciousness don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
From Idea to Pitch in Just 48 Hours
We went through the entire Design Thinking process in just 48 hours – from problem definition to prototyping to the final pitch. The pace was intense, the energy even higher, and I was surprised at how much could be accomplished in such a short time.
A particularly exciting part of the journey was working with Foodward, Foodhub, and United Against Waste. These experts provided us with valuable insights and helped us refine our concept in both creative and practical ways. It was fascinating to see how theory and practice complement each other and how expert knowledge can elevate ideas to a whole new level.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
What made this hackathon truly special for me was the collaboration with people I wouldn’t typically meet in a regular academic or professional setting. Students, coaches, industry experts – all bringing different perspectives and experiences. This mix made all the difference.
You start from zero, with little time to dive into a complex problem, and then, in a well-balanced team with various backgrounds, you must come up with a compelling solution. You quickly realize that the best ideas often come from those who "know nothing" – because they approach the issue with fresh eyes and ask the right questions.
This creative yet structured way of working is something that is often missing in traditional studies. Here, it’s not about endless theory – it’s about trying things out. Making mistakes, questioning assumptions, rethinking ideas – and doing it all in a supportive environment.
Why You Should Join a Design Sprint
I highly recommend participating in a Design Sprint. It’s not just about the final result, but about strengthening soft skills, learning new ways of working, and stepping out of your comfort zone. You don’t just learn how to work efficiently in a team – you understand how crucial it is to challenge existing processes.
One key takeaway for me: We often focus on solving the obvious symptoms of a problem instead of identifying the root cause. But that’s what makes the difference – and that’s what makes Design Thinking so exciting. It’s about questioning assumptions, combining different perspectives, and uncovering new solutions that can truly make an impact.
This experience showed me the huge potential of using resources more consciously, rethinking workflows, and creating truly sustainable innovations. The hackathon wasn’t just an intense challenge – it was an inspiring opportunity to collaborate with smart, creative minds, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
And in the end, one realization stands out:
We need more of this "Design Thinking" mindset in our everyday lives – whether in studies, at work, or when facing new challenges in general.
