BU 225 - Global Innovation for Sustainable Development

This course is offered in collaboration with Academic Programs Interanational, LLC. (API). The course utilizes a flipped classroom model, as well as team-based and experiential learning, to guide students through innovative idea generation, to design and development, to ultimately create a business pitch. Alongside the guided modules and supported learning opportunities with industry mentors and cultural coaches, students level up their learning along the way by earning three micro-credentials: Global Innovation, Global Problem Solving and Global Teamwork that will be granted by API.

Teams are interdisciplinary and selected through aligned interest in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Weekly modules guide the teams through collaborative ideation, developing a value proposition, defining a concept, modeling a hypothesis, communicating value, market testing, and pitching. The lab follows the Lean Launchpad methodology that uses the scientific method to frame business discovery and experiential concept design through active testing of business hypotheses and ideas. API lab activities are complemented with face-to-face classroom discussions, reflections, readings and other assignments provided by the course instructor.

Note: Meets Global Engagement Learning Outcome (GLOB)

Four credits.