United Nations SDG
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge
Sep 27-28, 2026
Learn the principles of Human-centered Design Thinking,
Responsible AI, Entrepreneurship and Global Problem Solving
A 2 Day workshop on Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and AI
Program Date: Sep 27 and Sep 28, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: Case Western University
Day 1 - Tinkham Veale University Center (Parking Lot 29)
Day 2 - Sears think[box], Floor 1 (Parking Lot 53)
Registration Deadline: Sep 14, 2026 by 10:00pm, or the maximum capacity is reached
Download and submit the forms to the email you receive
after you complete your registration.
Check out this cool video on Design Thinking
Role of Young People in making a Global impact
Flaunt your skills with a Digital Certificate on LinkedIn
Upon completing our program, Ycenter will provide participants with a verified certificate that can be showcased as a LinkedIn badge, highlighting your achievement and new skills. This badge not only enhances your professional profile but also signals to potential employers that you've gained valuable, hands-on experience in innovation, sustainability, design thinking and entrepreneurship.
Program Structure
The entire workshop is delivered using Experiential Learning Pedagogy, which means as participants you will be engaging in hands-on activities rather than learning only theories. Get a chance to specifically work on your respective project ideas (if any) or pick a problem statement under the context of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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9 - 9.30 am Breakfast and Registration
9.30 - 10 am Introductions to the Human centered design concept and setting the culture
10 - noon Problem identification using human centered design approach
12- 1 pm Lunch
1 - 2 pm Primary market research using Empathy
2 - 3 pm Secondary market research
3 - 4 pm Defining the Entrepreneurial Opportunity in response to your chosen “World Problem”
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9 - 9.30 am Breakfast and Recap from Day 1
9.30 - 10 am Creativity and Innovation
10 - noon Analogous Thinking Design Sprints
12- 1 pm Lunch
1 - 2 pm Idea Selection
2 - 3.30 pm Preparing Final Presentation and Learn the Art of Pitching your idea
3.30 - 4.30 pm Final Pitches
4.30 - 5.30 pm Awards, Feedback and Post Program Keeping in touch planning
Download and submit the forms to the email you receive
after you complete your registration.
In this workshop you’ll learn to use AI responsibly to quickly prototype high-impact business ideas. No coding needed. Bring a laptop — if you need a device, we can help on the day.
Pictures and Feedback from our 2025 workshop
I enjoyed the workshop and was passionate about the problem we solved - James Sellers, St Edward High School
I loved making new connections and getting outside of my comfort zone. - Pressley Grzybowski, GlenOak High School
I loved the experience and coming together with like minds to brainstorm ideas to heal the worlds in ways some may find unconventional, but in these unique viewpoints we find new hope - Mya-jane Warren, Arizona State University Prep
But, wait - What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals i.e. UN SDGS?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Who Is This For
Students with existing early stage ideas or wanting to learn about Entrepreneurship and design thinking for new ideas.
Open to selected Northeast Ohio High School Students nominated by their teacher
All learning and working materials will be provided. Please bring your laptops, especially on day 2.
Selected Participants must be available to attend the event in person on both days
Selected participants will receive a scholarship, provided by The Veale Foundation, to cover their costs to participate in the program
Top skills you acquire
Complex Problem Understanding and Breakdown
Cause and Effect Analysis
Idea to Prototyping
Stakeholder Mapping and Market Research
Human Centered Design
Creative Problem Solving
Building A Business Model
Meet your Facilitator
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Dhairya Pujara
An entrepreneur, engineer, educator and venture partner working at the intersection of innovation, technology, and human-centered problem-solving. He is the Founder and CEO of Ycenter, where he has developed award-winning entrepreneurship and innovation programs for universities and organizations across 30+ countries.
He is also the Founder of EPIC AI, an applied AI capability company, the author of the upcoming book Ants in the Room, and a Venture Partner with Human Health Platform, where he supports science- and technology-driven ventures in healthcare and the life sciences.
Dhairya has spoken at the United Nations, World Bank, World Economic Forum, SXSW, TEDx, leading universities, and Fortune 500 companies. His work has been featured by the BBC, Entrepreneur, the Philadelphia Business Journal, and other international media outlets.
Partners for the Program
The Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum (VYEF)
The Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum (VYEF) was established in 2012 to take high school students beyond the classroom and into the real world of entrepreneurship. Through a collaborative network of educators, business leaders and collegiate-level resources, VYEF offers programs and experiences that allow students to think creatively and analytically, recognize business opportunities, take initiative, solve problems, persist through failure, communicate persuasively, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship
At Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, we accelerate, build and scale the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Case Western Reserve University and beyond through our programs, education and resources.