UNLEASH Innovation Lab for Sustainable Development Goals | call for applications

The first UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2017 for the Sustainable Development Goals takes place in Denmark in August. The 1,000 SDG Talents will come from all over the world, representing diverse backgrounds and aspirations. They will represent their entire generation and act as champions on behalf of the SDGs.

1,000 talents will meet in Denmark from August 13-21, to co-create new breakthrough solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals. We already have more than 8,000 applicants and we are astounded and amazed by the extremely high quality of applications.

Creative and innovative people from all regions of the world

Passionate about solving some of the world’s pressing challenges

Excited about engaging in co-creation with peers and experts

Academics, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and technical experts

Primarily 20 to 35 years old

UNLEASH picks talents based on five criteria.

Demonstrated commitment to solving some of the world’s pressing challenges

Possession of a creative and innovative mindset

Proven track record of making contributions to solving social causes

Willingness to engage in co-creation with peers and experts

High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussions

Application deadline: May 1, 2017
Innovation Lab dates: August 13 – 21, 2017

All costs related to participation in the program will be covered by the UNLEASH association, including flight travel to Denmark, accommodation, food, curriculum and facilitation for the entire 9-days program in Denmark. All talents are however asked to pay a fee of 145 USD (1000 DKK) to mitigate no shows and to ensure that we do not have empty seats, where other talents could have come. For talents who cannot cover this cost, UNLEASH will offer scholarship options as part of the application process.

UNLEASH is a non-profit initiative building the world’s leading lab for innovative and scalable solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first UNLEASH Innovation Lab will be held in Denmark, August 13-21, 2017.

Each year leading up to 2030, UNLEASH will travel to a new location, bringing together 1,000 global top talents. Talents apply with innovative ideas or insights on how to meet the SDGs, and UNLEASH provides a platform for them to co-create, innovate and collaborate on solutions. The talents are partnered with leading companies, research institutions, foundations, non-profits, and investors, and UNLEASH provides support to ensure implementation, ranging from financial aid to advisory services.

UNLEASH INNOVATION LAB 2017. DENMARK

Copenhagen Kick-Off
August 13^th-14^th

Participants enjoy two days of inspirational speakers, team activities and initial work on SDG solutions. They take part in interactives sessions with innovative companies, experts and start-ups, while getting to explore a range of SDG-hotspots around the city.

SDG Innovation Challenge
August 15^th-19^th
Talents are transported to 10 Folk High Schools, which are unique learning institutions located in the Danish countryside. The talents go through a facilitated process of innovation, uniquely tailored by UNLEASH. They form teams to explore real-life challenges within the 7 themes.

Culmination and awards show
August 20^th-21^st

The talents meet in Aarhus, European Capital of Culture 2017. All teams present their solutions to peers, experts, investors and experts within their field. And finally, there is a big awards show where innovators and thought leaders celebrate the talents’ work.

Project support
August 21^st-December 21^stAfter the event in Denmark the most promising UNLEASH projects will receive take-off support, where the Secretariat will help them by giving access to business plan development, networks, angel investors, mentoring, and accounting services.

More info