Programme Overview

SDG Innovation Accelerator

logo

Innovation serves as the bridge that connects the aspirations of young professionals to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

Highlights of the Programme

Young professionals collaborate within teams to identify opportunities and create solutions that not only benefit their respective companies but also contribute to the broader goal of advancing innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).	The 9-month program encompasses a variety of components such as worldwide webinars, local training workshops, mentoring, live case studies, interactive sessions with both peers and experts, and challenge labs.	The activities within the program are centered around a "learning by doing" approach, emphasizing practical, action-oriented experiences to address real challenges and capitalize on existing opportunities.
Innovators are carefully paired with Mentors and Experts who provide guidance and support throughout the process of designing, developing, and testing their solutions.	The progress of these solutions is closely monitored and tracked throughout their development cycle. This serves as a source of inspiration and as a set of exemplary models for business innovation aimed at achieving the SDGs.	The program establishes a global network comprising young professionals from Global Compact companies. This network fosters ongoing engagement and promotes the concept of SDG innovation within the business community.

Who Can Participate

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

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.

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.

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.

Watch the videos to learn more

Interested in Participating?

Young professionals working at companies participating in the UN Global Compact and based in the following countries have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Network or local office to participate in the programme.