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On Tuesday a similar event was held at the Mix Settlement Living Lab site hosted by NUST. NUST Project manager Ms. Helvi Ileka together with Mix Settlement community leader Ms. Julia Bashir welcomed guests and the community members. The community leader at Mix Settlement described Living Lab’s establishment in the community being as ”dynamite” brough into the community. The Project Coordinator Mia Ekman emphasized in ger speech the importance of education and directly addressed the youth of Mix Settlement: \u201c<\/em>Education can open many doors allowing you to make a difference in shaping your future. If you don\u2019t believe in yourselves, no one else will.\u201d <\/em>LUT University\u2019s Project manager, Associate Professor Antti Pinomaa at LUT School of Energy Systems, gave an overview of the technical specifications of the Living Lab site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The testimonials from the community members at both sites were awakening; the work that the course teachers in the project have done is amazing. Community members at both sites expressed their gratitude and appreciation not only for having the Living Lab, but for the entrepreneurship education trainings in helping them manage their businesses in a profitable manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both of the Living Labs are equipped with solar system providing electricity to computer devices, internet connectivity, freezers, printing devices and other equipment such as hair clippers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A student innovation challenge took place during the week with students from UNAM and NUST working in mixed teams for two clients. The innovation challenge was conducted by Senior Lecturer Ville Lehto (LAB University of Applied Sciences) together with NUST lecturers Ms. Selma Iipinge and Mr. Moses Shuuya. The students were given challenges the companies were facing in their business operations to innovate solutions for overcoming these challenges. Student teams presented the solutions they came up with to the company representatives, and a jury gathered to decide which team\u2019s solutions were the best for the client. The ambition and creativity of the students was remarkable. Solutions they created for the clients were brilliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the evenings, the team engaged in joint dinners and productive discussions. The program included a visit to Penduka\u2019s women\u2019s centre, where local women presented their craftwork, highlighting its role in economic sustainability and women\u2019s empowerment. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to join a voluntary safari, observing Namibian wildlife such as crocodiles, antelopes, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The experience was enriched by a sunset picnic, offering memorable views of the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"[Alt](\"https:\/\/blogit.lab.fi\/labfocus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/516_2025_SmartVille-project-partners-visited-Namibian-partners-in-November-2025_2-1024x562.jpg\")
Innovation challenge; providing solutions for real-life client cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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