UN Global Impact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2024

Published: 31 Oct 2023 1,176 views

The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a unique opportunity offered to participating companies within the UN Global Compact network. It empowers the young talent within these organizations to collaborate and drive business innovation that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This intensive nine-month programme is designed to activate the potential of future business leaders and changemakers. It focuses on the development and implementation of innovative solutions through cutting-edge technologies, initiatives, and business models that contribute to your company's sustainability objectives.

Programme Experience

Over the nine-month duration of the programme, each team of young innovators will work on a challenge specific to their company. Their goal is to design more sustainable business models, initiatives, and products that not only advance the company's sustainability efforts but also drive innovation and deliver tangible solutions with potential market value.

UN Global Impact SDG Innovation Accelerator

Application Deadline	January 31, 2024
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	United Nations
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of UN Global Impact SDG Innovation Accelerator

Participant Benefits:

• Engage in accelerated learning opportunities including online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions
• Collaborate with other businesses on innovative projects tailored to your company and industry.
• Build valuable relationships through coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer networking.
• Gain insights from leading experts in sustainability and innovation from around the world.
• Join a global network of talented young professionals from top companies across every continent.

Company Benefits:

• Apply SDG innovation to address real sustainability challenges your company is currently facing.
• Embed the SDGs into your company's business strategy through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Enhance employee engagement and create professional development opportunities.
• Access a network of experts from some of the world's leading companies.
• Receive global recognition for your company's participation in the programme.

Requirements for UN Global Impact SDG Innovation Accelerator

• High-performing professionals at participating companies of the UN Global Compact
• Participants must be 35 years or younger
• Interested in business-model innovation, sustainability and disruptive technologies
• Ability to dedicate a minimum of five (5) hours a month to the Accelerator

Selection Process

The Accelerator takes participants through a structured design thinking approach, centered around the SDGs. Participants progress through five key phases of the programme, equipped with the necessary resources, tools, and methodologies:

PHASE 1: SDG Exploration

Explore the core concepts around business and the Sustainable Development Goals to understand challenges facing business today.

PHASE 2: Challenge Identification

Identify and prioritize specific SDGs and their relevance for your business as well as the business impact on the SDGs.

PHASE 3: Challenge Definition

Find out how to use SDG impact and assessment tools to build a challenge that is ambitious enough for breakthrough impact and speaks to real needs within their company.

PHASE 4: Solutions Development

Learn how to generate new ideas and use tools to move an idea from a concept into a fully defined project.

PHASE 5: Solutions Testing and Validation

Move your project solution to a more refined version through testing and validation within the company and with external stakeholders.

Application Deadline

January 31, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations on unglobalcompact.co1.qualtrics.com to apply