The programme offers young professionals the opportunity to connect with other business units and collaborate on innovative projects relative to their company and industry. Young professionals will have access to a unique learning experience through a comprehensive curriculum with a blend of learning opportunities, including on-demand and in-person workshops, case studies, convening opportunities and forum discussions. Young professionals will also have the chance to build working relationships and learn from some of the brightest minds working on sustainability and innovation from around the world.

The programme offers companies the opportunity to engage their top talent at the junior and middle manager level and develop a new generation of employees that think between the intersection of corporate sustainability and innovation. Companies also benefit from the development of real business solutions that have the potential to provide value for both the company and society.  

While the programme is designed to facilitate cross-pollination of knowledge, new skills and ideas across project teams, we recognize the importance for companies to safeguard proprietary information and ideas. As part of the application process, we require the Innovators and Mentors to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to cover any intellectual property being used or discussed as part of the programme.

As a participating company, you commit to:
▪ Selecting 2 – 4 Innovators to take part in the programme for the full duration of 9-months;
▪ Allowing Innovators the time needed for full participation in the programme.
▪ Identifying a Champion who will support the Innovator team internally within the company.

Innovators are the young professionals that form teams to take part in the programme to develop viable SDG business solutions for their companies. Champions are senior-level executives within the same company as Innovators that ensure the teams have high-level support in their company and the SDG business solutions are aligned with the company’s strategic goals and objectives. Only companies in participating Networks can select Innovators for the programme. Each Innovator team must have a designated Champion throughout the programme.

Mentors are individuals outside of the Innovators’ company with knowledge of technical and relevant subjects in the programme, such as sustainability, innovation, product design and breakthrough technologies. Mentors are matched to Innovator teams to shepherd the team throughout the programme and provide guidance in their training and project development.