Innovation plays a crucial role in addressing complex challenges across different industries, requiring structured methodologies that foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Design thinking is one of them and emphasizes deep problem exploration before solution development. By focusing on user needs, iterative prototyping, and interdisciplinary teamwork, this methodology enables individuals and organizations to develop effective solutions.
The SUGAR Global Innovation (SGI) student program applies design thinking principles to guide student projects. It begins with an in-depth exploration of the problem space, ensuring students identify challenges worth solving before proposing a solution. This program, coordinated by Aalto University in Finland in partnership with Linköping University in Sweden, follows an iterative process that includes technology research, need-finding, ideation, experimentation, and prototyping. Throughout this process, students engage with users and stakeholders to refine their understanding and enhance the relevance of their solutions.
The program is structured as a relay between courses, allowing student teams to build upon the work of previous teams. It consists of four different courses, three hosted at Linköping University and one at Aalto University. The Term Project course in Linköping serves as the foundation, where students conduct research on given technologies and identify opportunity areas. The insights generated in this phase inform about the next steps in the program.
The Engineering course at Linköping focuses on structured challenges, while the SUGAR projects, carried out collaboratively between Aalto and Linköping universities, tackle more open-ended challenges. These global student teams work on technology-based opportunities that require innovative thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
During the program, students receive continuous mentoring and attend lectures that provide guidance and support. While structured mentorship is available, students also have independence in their approach to problem-solving. They are equipped with tools that enhance creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, enabling them to transform ideas into viable concepts. This experience prepares students for entrepreneurial and professional challenges by fostering an innovative mindset and problem-solving skills.
Throughout three rounds, the SGI program has engaged 95 students, supported by a core teaching team of 3 members between Aalto and Linköping, and an additional handful of other coaches and mentors varying from project to project. Through nine courses, participants had the opportunity to explore six of the ATTRACT technologies including, Unicorn Dx, MetaHiLight, and POSICS-2, among others.
Here you can watch a video of the SGI program:
For additional information about the program, visit here.
Innovation plays a crucial role in addressing complex challenges across different industries, requiring structured methodologies that foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Design thinking is one of them and emphasizes deep problem exploration before solution development. By focusing on user needs, iterative prototyping, and interdisciplinary teamwork, this methodology enables individuals and organizations to develop effective solutions. […]
