The increasing complexity of societal challenges has led to the emergence of educational programs that aim to equip students with the necessary skills to develop innovative solutions. These programs focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering global responsibility, and leveraging emerging technologies. By integrating different domains, including deep technology, design, and engineering, among others, such programs prepare students to address issues aligned with global sustainability goals.
The Challenge Based Innovation A3 (CBI A3) program brings together graduate and post-graduate level students from universities across three continents. It aims to build a generation of design innovators capable of tackling complex societal challenges through novel methodologies. Participants work in multidisciplinary teams, combining perspectives from health sciences, design, engineering, computer science, and the arts. The program encourages students to explore the intersection of deep technology, future thinking, radical innovation, and societal needs.
The program equips participants with methodologies and techniques to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By fostering a focus on radical design innovation, students develop future-oriented solutions that may take the form of products, experiences, systems, or built environments.
Additionally, it highlights the role of technology in driving positive societal impact and integrates ATTRACT technologies into the innovation process. Students also engage with researchers, explore cutting-edge technological advancements, and refine their approaches through collaborative efforts.
“The shift in student skills and attitudes is always impressive; it is a privilege to see how their creative confidence, sense of initiative to drive positive social change, and ability to leverage deep technology grow throughout the program”, mentioned Christine Thong, Academic Director of the Design Factory Melbourne at Swinburne University and coordinator of the CBI A3 program.
Over two rounds, the CBI A3 program has engaged 40 students from various disciplines, leading to the development of 12 projects based on the exploration of 10 different ATTRACT technologies, including HipMed, HYGER, and VISIR2, among others. Throughout this process, students were mentored by 19 faculty members and coaches from diverse backgrounds.
This program is coordinated by the Design Factory Melbourne at Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), in collaboration with IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN. It also partners with other Design Factories, including inno.space at Hochschule Mannheim (Germany) and the New York City Design Factory at Pace University (United States of America).
Here you can watch a video of the CBI A3 program:
For additional information about the program, visit here.
