Program overview

For whom?

companiesthat want to integrate sustainability and innovation into their offering.

Who takes part?

Founders, product developers

What is the objective of the labs?

In 6 labs, we teach you state-of-the-art methods for product and innovation development through learning by doing. The goal: to develop real product ideas all the way to marketability.

What is the program based on?

Our Labs are based on five central pillars:

1. Future, technology and sustainability orientation – because we shape the future today, best with the methods of tomorrow
2. Goal and result orientation: Ecological meets economic: We focus on goals that combine both ecological and economic values .
3. Lean startup methods and always in focus: the customers!
4. Expert knowledge combined with state-of-the-art learning methods
5. Networking – not collecting contacts, but sharing knowledge and resources.

Program details

LAB 1: Discover

Description: Immerse yourself in the world of sustainable innovation and discover how ESG principles – Environmental, Social, and Governance – and eco-design can improve not only the design of products, but also of services, processes and systems. In this workshop, we will explore how companies can make a positive contribution to the environment and society by applying ESG principles and eco-design.

Contents:

• Learn how ESG principles serve as an overarching framework that guides the design of products, services, processes and systems towards sustainability.
• Discover how ecodesign principles can be applied to products and services to promote environmentally friendly solutions. An environmentally friendly product or service should, for example, be durable, repairable, material-efficient, energy-efficient, low in problematic substances and made from renewable raw materials.
• Learn more about sustainable process design and how companies can improve their internal processes to meet ESG criteria while maximizing environmental efficiency.

By the end of this lab, you will have a deeper understanding of how ESG principles and eco-design can be applied in all aspects of business, from product development to services, processes and systems. You will be able to identify concrete steps to drive sustainable innovation in your company and have a positive impact on the environment and society.

LAB 2: Understand – Understanding

This workshop focuses on understanding the needs and problems of customers. We will get to know different methods and techniques to identify the needs of customers and understand their problems. Through direct feedback and interaction with customers, we will gain valuable insights that will serve as a basis for the development of innovative solutions.

• Introduction to the importance of customer success and why it is important to understand customers’ needs and problems.
• Learn needs analysis techniques, including customer interviews, surveys and observations.
• Carry out practical exercises to interpret the information gathered and identify patterns.
• Application of design thinking methods to develop innovative solution concepts from the identified customer needs.
• Interactive discussions and feedback rounds to refine and improve the developed solution concepts.

Learning Journey:
Get to know a company that has already successfully gone through this program. Here’s inspiration and contacts!

At the end of this lab, participants will be able to better understand the needs and problems of their customers and use this understanding as a basis for developing customized solutions. You will be able to use direct feedback from customers to continuously improve their products and services and maximize customer success.

LAB 3: Ideation – Finding ideas

Our brainstorming workshop is all about developing creative solutions for sustainable innovations.

Structured brainstorming exercises and creative methods based on design thinking

• Development of a design brief

Mentoring:
Important for your success: learn from the mentor’s feedback.

At the end of the lab, you will have developed an idea in a compact format that summarizes the core idea of your solution.

LAB 4: Define – Define

In this workshop, you will focus on defining and designing your business model.

• Develop a clear value proposition for customers that highlights the sustainable products or services
• Identification of potential sources of revenue and revenue models that offer both economic and environmental benefits
• Consideration of the partnerships and resources needed to implement your business model.

At the end of the lab, you will have a clearly structured and customized business model.

LAB 5: Validate – Testing

The aim of this lab is to test the idea developed so far on potential customers. Learn how you can use methods and techniques for validation and how AI can help.

• Getting to know testing techniques
• Insight into the “pivoting” process

At the end of the lab, you will know how to test your ideas and be ready to implement your next steps based on the feedback you have received.

Mentoring:
Important for your success: learn from the mentor’s feedback.

LAB 6: Shine & Final Event

• Learn how to pitch your product in 3 minutes – with storytelling
• Practice your pitch
• Pitch your sustainable idea in front of all teams, mentors and experts!
• Networking

At the end of the sixth lab, you presented your idea on stage in front of an audience.