Three CBS students win the Grundfos Challenge

Karina Kaae Hermansen, Danielle K. Bernth and Anne Ernst have just won 75,000 DKK for their best idea regarding Grundfos’ long term business strategy. The students were asked to review Grundfos’ business development perspective for the next 15-20 years, and were presented with a case on American agriculture.

Production increase and reduction of water consumption

Grundfos has been active in the American agricultural market since the 1960s as a supplier of pumps, mainly for irrigation systems. However, most states in the US are starting to experience increasing water shortage. American agriculture accounts for 70% of fresh water consumption in the US, and it is a great challenge for the agricultural industry to produce more and while using less water. A sustainable solution is required.

Holistic solution

Karina, Danielle and Anne presented a holistic solution by introducing their product “AgriSolution”, a product that incorporates multiple processes in the agriculture, allowing Grundfos to take advantage of its expertise within several business areas. “AgriSolution” is a complete solution for livestock and crop farmers, transforming useless waste into valuable products, such as liquid fertilizers and energy. Its module-based system allows farmers to customize the solution to their particular needs, as well as simplifying Grundfos’ production, logistics and sales efforts. It offers Grundfos the possibility of moving from single product sale to sales of integrated solutions, offering a huge impact on the company’s bottom line. Karina, Danielle and Anne are invited to Grundfos USA to present their business plan.

Grundfos Challenge is a case competition where students from different Danish universities compete on finding an innovative solution to a business challenge faced by the company. Read more about Grundfos Challenge.