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October 20, 2025

Testing Five Innovations at Into The Great Wide Open 2025

Since 2016, Into The Great Wide Open has offered a testing ground for innovations that contribute to a more sustainable society. Over the past years, more than forty prototypes have had their trial run there. During the 2025 edition, five new innovations were tested — ranging from cooking on hydrogen to a resuscitation app.

For three days, the festival served as a real-world environment where the innovators, guided by Innofest, put their ideas to the test. The experiments provided valuable insights into functionality, usability, and areas for improvement, with the goal of further developing the products and enhancing their social impact.

Cooking with Hydrogen

The HyCooker by Impact Hydrogen is a cooking device powered by green hydrogen – a fuel that burns cleanly and emits no CO₂.

During the festival, caterers used the device outdoors for three days. The flame was easy to control, though additional capacity proved desirable. Visitors and professionals responded positively; many campsite owners saw potential for outdoor cooking with hydrogen.

The HyCooker is now being developed further in two versions: the HyCooker XL for professional kitchens and the HyCamping for recreational use.

Retaining Heat and Saving Energy

ExpoTherm tested insulation covers for pots and lids that reduce heat loss and help prevent burns. The covers keep dishes warm for longer and shorten cooking times.

During Into The Great Wide Open, the prototypes were used by caterers and food truck operators. Participants reported using less energy and cooking more safely. The next step is to develop new versions for the hospitality industry and for campers.

Cooling with Solar Energy

On the festival’s sports field stood something new: a cooling container without a plug, without diesel, and without noise. Vriezon, VM Events, and Cup Concept jointly developed this container, which runs on solar energy and an integrated battery. During the festival, the container remained consistently cool throughout the entire weekend.

The system was 96% self-sufficient and drew significant attention from festival organizers. Less emissions, less noise, more efficiency. The partners are now working on improvements to the battery and solar panels, aiming for a fully autonomous cooling solution that can be used more widely at events.

Sustainable Changing

The DuPoncho offered festival visitors a circular solution for changing clothes. The product is made from 100% linen, woven from locally grown flax, and was developed by Flaaks in collaboration with NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

Visitors found the DuPoncho practical and versatile – suitable for the beach, campsite, or sports field. Research showed that users particularly appreciated its comfort, though they also asked for lighter fabrics and more size options.

This project brought together a university of applied sciences and an SME to conduct practice-based research into making sports, sports facilities, and physical activity more sustainable. Guided by Innofest, and supported by SIA and Sportinnovator, the innovation was tested during the festival.

Resuscitating with an App

The SimCPR innovation makes it possible to learn CPR independently using an app, an AI avatar, and a sensor-equipped mannequin.

During the festival, visitors practiced with the system. Within twenty minutes, many participants with no prior first aid experience earned their first certificate. The test produced twenty areas for improvement, which have since been incorporated into a new version of the app.

Learning Through Testing

The tests during Into The Great Wide Open were made possible by Founded, Gemeente Groningen, Gemeente Assen, Goeie Grutten, Regieorgaan SIA, Click NL, and Sportinnovator. Thanks to this collaboration, innovators have the opportunity to test and improve their ideas under real-life conditions.

Are you working on a product, service, or prototype that contributes to a sustainable or social transition?

On this page, you can find more information about the projects you can apply for and how to participate in an upcoming testing phase through Innofest.

Want to learn more or get in touch with the innovators?
Email: oc.ts1776000125efonn1776000125i@ejt1776000125leen1776000125

Photos: Christian Kamminga

Website by HOAX Amsterdam