RIT Croatia students win innovation challenge

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Dominik Benger and Daren Perincic, students at RIT Croatia, won first place in the 7th Henkel Innovation Challenge.

Two students at RIT Croatia have won an international innovation challenge for design by creating a concept that would allow people to change and design their hairstyle using an app, nanotechnology and a smartphone.

Dominik Benger and Daren Perinčić won the seventh Henkel Innovation Challenge, which asked students to create an innovative and sustainable product or technology for a Henkel brand, based on the trends and market needs in 2050.

Their prize: a ticket around the world, worth more than $13,700.

“We both have a background in sports and thus have a real passion for challenges. But I didn't expect to win this great challenge at all,” Benger said. “The best part of those three days was the international atmosphere. I met so many great people and I will never forget them.”

Only 10 teams from Croatia were selected to compete in the competition; four were from RIT Croatia. Benger and Perinčić won those semifinals and went on to represent their country at the finals, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Founded in 1876, Henkel manufactures laundry and home care products, beauty care products and adhesive technologies. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Henkel employees about 47,000 in more than 75 countries.