CORPORATE CAMPUS CHALLENGE
Real Challenge Big Impact!
Get informed when the next application period starts
We bring like-minded thinkers together with innovative companies to create an impact on real challenges
The Corporate Campus Challenge is a 14 week educational program that enables you to tackle real challenges given by our corporate partners by applying Design Thinking and Lean Startup method to come up with a user centered solution idea.
Throughout the 14 week journey you will be guided by our experienced coaches and a mentor from the corporate partner.
Target Group
We are looking for talents with an open mindset who strive to create an impact. If you are a problem solver and a person who challenges the status quo then JOIN US!
SETUP
Be part of an interdisciplinary team of up to 5 members and collaborate in a vibrant environment with modern equipment. This ensures that you can unleash your creativity!
GOAL
You will be empowered to think and act entrepreneurially by learning and applying Design Thinking and the Lean Startup approach. This equips you with problem-solving skills, the ability to create user-centered solutions, and the competence to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
DURATION
14 weeks from 17th October 2024 - 31st January 2025 with weekly effort of 6 -10 hours Click for a detailed timeline
DID YOU KNOW?
Design Thinking focuses on “Desirability”. It is important not to approach challenges solely from a technological or business perspective, but to first understand user needs profoundly. Consequently, this ensures the creation of the most suitable and desirable product or service for your target group.
Innovate in an interdisciplinary team
Experience the thrill of working in a diverse & interdisciplinary team. You will enhance your teamwork skills, while boosting creativity through diverse perspectives and expertise.
Develop skills by gaining hands-on experience
Our program goes beyond textbooks! You have the unique opportunity to learn Design Thinking and Lean Startup method through hands-on experience! By tackling a real company challenge, you'll navigate the entire process from identifying user problems, to testing and iterating on your prototype.
Connect with a vibrant community of innovators
As part of the cohort, you have the opportunity to join a vibrant community where talents, entrepreneurs, and established companies come together. Dive into exchanges with visionaries, share experiences, and collaborate on future projects. Together, we create an inspiring, supportive, and entrepreneurial environment where everyone feels welcome!
The stepping stone into your startup journey
The Corporate Campus Challenge is your stepping stone! After the program, you have the opportunity to continue and develop your idea further, whether with a team or independently. We have crafted the perfect journey with our follow-up programs at Campus Founders, ensuring that we support and guide you along your way as you turn your idea into a real startup!
1
PICK A CHALLENGE
Once you’re admitted, you will be invited to our launch event where we will reveal this years challenge providers! The partners will pitch their unique challenges and then you will vote for your preferences.
2
JOIN A TEAM
Next, you will meet your teammates at the kick-off. They come from various universiities and have different backgrounds and nationalities. This ensures diverse perspectives and boosts creativity in the team.
3
SOLVE THE CHALLENGE
Your goal will be to identify unfulfilled user needs, to develop based on that new products/ services, and come up with a semi-validated prototype. Our coaches and mentors will guide you through the Design Thinking process and Lean Startup methodology to solve the challenge.
4
FINAL PITCH
14 weeks later, it’s time for you to showcase your work! You will present your solution idea with your team together in front of the corporate partners. Additionally, there will be a Final Evening awaiting you!
5
LET’S CONTINUE WITH YOUR JOURNEY…
Continue developing your idea through the CCC follow-up opportunities we provide, whether with a team or independently. Bring your potential startup idea to life!
14 WEEK CCC JOURNEY
Our team of highly experienced Design Thinking coaches with various professional and academic backgrounds will accompany you in your individual project team throughout the CCC journey.
Lars
Jaeyon
Johannes
Kolja
Sabrina
Lars
Imane
Manoj
Marion
Marian
Charlotte
Robin
Aqsa
Salo
Samer
It was a chance for me to make invaluable connections all while learning the building blocks of making a difference
Irini
CCC taught me that embracing failure as a stepping stone is the key to unlocking the door of continuous improvement and innovation.
Philipp
CCC is an amazing opportunity, which connects like-minded people from everywhere around the globe and also brings theoretical knowledge to practical experience
Lucas
The Corporate Campus Challenge was the first and probably most important stage in my professional development. Through the early collaboration with renowned companies such as SAP, I was able to build skills that opened up access to excellent internship opportunities and programs. In addition, a safe space was created where I could try out my entrepreneurial skills for the first time. Finally, this experience and the continuous support also outside the CCC of Campus Founders led to my startup "Senior Connect".
Tim
Every individual who has the intrinsic motivation can apply. But also you can apply only individually (not as a team) as we see working in an interdisciplinary and diverse team a big part of your learning journey. To ensure a maximum of learning, we are looking for applicants that show a high motivation and willingness to learn within a group of diverse people, regardless of the stage of your career, or from being a student to an experienced professional.
This program is aimed at change-makers and innovators and is therefore open to anyone who would like to contribute to the solution of a meaningful challenge.The only requirement is that you are 18+ years old.
We select our participants based on their motivation to join this year’s cohort. We accept everyone who can convince us of their motivation, but we have only limited amount of places. If all places are taken, we will let you know if you made it on the waiting list and inform you as early as possible if you can move up and join the program. In case you won’t make it into the program, we would be pleased about your application for the next batch.
Don’t worry! All of our sessions are offered in a hybrid setting, so you can still attend even if you are joining us virtually.
The goal is to enable you to act entrepreneurially, tackling a real challenge of companies by educating you Design Thinking and Lean Startup method. But you won’t be alone in this journey. Each team will have a dedicated coach and mentor from the corporate partner and will be guided through all phases of our program.
However, it is your motivation that will make the difference and let you achieve a result that adds real value. Each motivated participant will receive even more motivation from their coaches and mentors to help you achieve that goal and go above and beyond.
For all HHN students: The Corporate Campus Challenge is part of the Studium Generale. Therefore if you choose for Corporate Campus Challenge you will receive ECTS from HHN.
For all HUGS students : The Corporate Campus is part of the elective study program. The students need to register with the University to receive the ECTS
For all TUM students: The Corporate Campus Challenge is part of the elective study program. All BMT, BMDS, and MiM students will receive ECTS for their participation.
For all Uni Viadrina students: The Corporate Campus is part of the elective study program. The students need to fill in the official application form and also register with the University to receive the ECTS
But if you are only an “ECTS-hunter” – looking for the most fun way to get ECTS – this is not the right program for you.