Blog
Dream It, Build It, Drive It: Global Village Launches Its First Innovation Bootcamp
2024-08-29
Introduction
Global Village recently made history by launching its first-ever Innovation Bootcamp designed by Professor Imamura from Toyo University.
A dynamic and intensive three-day program designed to immerse participants in the creative process and design thinking. This event brought together aspiring university students and young professionals to tackle real-world challenges, learn from industry professionals, and develop human-centered solutions. With a real case study provided by the company Canycom, participants were pushed to think critically, collaborate effectively, and present their innovative proposals directly to the company’s CEO.
The Inaugural Innovation Bootcamp
This was the first time Global Village hosted an intensive program like the Innovation Bootcamp, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. The bootcamp was structured to give participants a hands-on experience in solving complex problems through design thinking—a process that emphasizes understanding users' needs, brainstorming creative solutions, prototyping, and iterating based on feedback.
Experiencing the Creative Process
The slogan of the program is “Dream it, Build it, Drive it” and this was how the three days were divided up. “Dream it” refers to learning about Canycom and their problem and brainstorming innovative solutions with your team. “Build it” refers to finalizing their solutions and creating prototypes. “Drive it” refers to proposing their solutions and prototypes to the CEO of Canycom.
Over the course of three days, participants were immersed in a series of dynamic workshops and case studies that challenged them to think outside the box. They engaged in activities designed to enhance their problem-solving abilities and push their creative boundaries. From ideation sessions to rapid prototyping, each stage of the bootcamp was crafted to simulate the fast-paced environment of real-world innovation. Participants learned to develop effective, human-centered solutions that could address real problems faced by businesses today.
Real-World Challenge from Canycom
A highlight of the Innovation Bootcamp was the collaboration with Canycom, a real company that provided participants with a pressing business challenge.
The case study that Canycom presented to the participants was:
Develop an approach for recruiting and retaining globally-
minded human resources and training/motivating them so that Canycom can meet its future goals.
This case study presented participants with a real problem that Canycom wanted to solve, adding a layer of authenticity and urgency to the experience. The challenge required participants to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions that were not only creative but also feasible in a business context.
Guidance from Mentors and Professionals
Throughout the bootcamp, participants received invaluable insight and guidance from mentors and industry professionals.
These experts shared their knowledge about the innovation process, design thinking, and prototyping, helping participants refine their ideas and approach. The mentorship was a crucial component of the bootcamp, providing participants with the support and direction needed to navigate the complexities of innovation.
Teamwork and Collaborative Problem-Solving
Working in teams, participants collaborated to find innovative solutions to the real-world problem provided by Canycom. The team-based approach fostered a spirit of collaboration and collective problem-solving, allowing participants to pool their diverse skills and perspectives. Each team worked tirelessly to develop and refine their prototypes, ensuring that their solutions were both innovative and practical.
Presenting to the CEO of Canycom
The culmination of the Innovation Bootcamp was the opportunity for participants to present their proposals directly to the CEO of Canycom. This was a rare and exciting chance for participants to showcase their work and receive direct feedback from a top industry leader. The presentations were met with keen interest, and the feedback provided by the CEO offered valuable insights that participants could take forward in their future endeavors.
Looking forward
The inaugural Innovation Bootcamp at Global Village was an extraordinary success, providing participants with a comprehensive and immersive experience in the world of innovation and design thinking. By working on a real-world challenge provided by Canycom, participants gained practical skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future careers. The bootcamp not only fostered creativity and teamwork but also connected participants with industry professionals and provided them with an opportunity to present their ideas to a company’s CEO. As Global Village continues to expand its offerings, the Innovation Bootcamp stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
