CRUSH 2026: Create a sustainable business idea in an international team

CRUSH 2026: Create a sustainable business idea in an international team

WSB University invites students from Poland and abroad to take part in Creative University Sustainability Hub 2026 (CRUSH 2026) - a hybrid programme and competition in which participants develop innovative solutions for sustainable business. CRUSH combines a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship with sustainability challenges, helping you move from inspiration and a problem to a concept, prototype, and final pitch in an international, intercultural environment.

The programme is based on proven project-work methods: design thinking, customer discovery, lean startup, business modelling, and storytelling. You work in a team, receive support from mentors and experts, and present your results to an international jury during the final.

When?
CRUSH 2026 is delivered in a hybrid format: an online part and an intensive on-site part.

Online workshops (18-20 March 2026)
Programme kick-off, forming international teams, introduction to tools and the project sprint, and developing an initial solution concept.

On-site workshops at WSB University (24-27 March 2026)
Deepening the problem, working with the user/audience, prototyping and validation, and preparing the final presentation with mentor support.
Planned arrival: 23 March 2026, departure: 28 March 2026.

CRUSH Pitch Day (27 March 2026)
Final team presentations, jury deliberation, announcement of results, and networking.

Costs and funding
Participation in CRUSH 2026 is free of charge for selected participants.

Funding rules:

• The first 30 selected participants may receive funding covering accommodation, meals, and additional activities.
• Funding for accommodation and meals applies to participants living outside the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis (GZM).
• Additionally, up to 10 places are available with free participation but without funding for accommodation and meals.
• Travel, visa, and insurance costs are covered by participants themselves.

Who can apply
CRUSH 2026 is open to:

• active students (Polish and international),
• people ready to work in a team and present in English (recommended level: B2),
• candidates available for the full programme dates,
• people willing to take part in a mandatory recruitment interview (dates: 2-3 March 2026 or 11-12 March 2026),
• candidates who accept the participation rules.

How to apply
Fill in the application form available on the CRUSH 2026 website. Prepare:

• a short motivation statement in English,
• optionally: a scan/photo of your language certificate (if you have one).
• Places are limited - it is worth applying as early as possible.

REGISTRATION FORM

Funding: CRUSH 2026 is implemented as part of internationalisation activities supported by NAWA under the Welcome to Poland programme.