100 hours, 15 master's students, and 1 challenge! The Global Impact Sprint in New York City brings together pioneers from five leading international universities - MIT, HPI, Tec de Monterrey, NYU and Babson College - to work on the pressing, global challenge of climate change based Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Climate Action.The 15 participants are divided into interdisciplinary teams of five – one student from each university. All teams are closely coached by experienced mentors using Jake Knapp's "sprint" logic and embark on their entrepreneurial journey. 

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• Who?: 15 postgraduate students from five outstanding international universities - three of them are HPI students
• When?: 5 days, June 24 – June 28, 2024
• Where?: Hudson Yards, Manhattan, New York City
• Working Mode: 3 teams, ~5 students per team, one coach per team,  following the logic of “Sprint – How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days” by Jake Knapp
• Travel and accommodation costs are covered (This only applies to students of the Hasso Plattner Institute. Students from other universities will receive free accommodation for the duration of the program but must cover their own travel costs or contact their university)
• All participants live together in a shared apartment in NYC, building a strong relationship and an international founder community 
• Creating real impact within the 100-hour sprint and working together with likeminded people

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The Global Impact Sprint is a unique experience that brings together outstanding talents from five leading international universities to create ideas for a better tomorrow. The program is designed to tackle pressing global challenges based on one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The program spans 100 hours and involves 15 talented participants divided into five interdisciplinary teams comprising one student from each university. Experienced mentors closely coach the teams throughout the five-day sprint.

The program is based on Jake Knapp's "sprint" logic, which means that all teams work on the same challenge and embark on their entrepreneurial journey. The goal is to generate digital solutions for urgent, global problems.

During the sprint, the participants tackle a global problem, hone their skills, and expand their horizons. They outline the problem, select a sprint goal, develop a solution, build a digital prototype, and conduct initial testing. The objective is to generate digital solutions for urgent, global problems. The program encourages everyone to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. The Global Impact Sprint is an excellent opportunity for young minds to showcase their skills and network with other talents, ultimately making a positive difference in the world.

The program starts with a kick-off call on June 10, where you get to know the other participants and learn about the course's challenges. After the kick-off, you will receive some documents to familiarize yourself with the challenge until the Global Impact Sprint week.

From June 24 - June 28, we will meet in New York City at an HPI New York office to work on the challenge in teams of five students - one student from each university - supported by one coach each. 

Every team will present their idea and prototype in a final pitch on Friday afternoon.

Application Process

Please submit your application by May 19 (end of day) using the prepared application form to which you will be redirected when you click on the "Apply Now" button. We will be interviewing the most promising applicants the week of May 20, so please be ready for that. On June 04, we will announce the final decision on which three HPI students will participate in the Global Impact Sprint.

Key Dates

• 06.05 - 19.05.2024, 23:59 Application deadline
• 20.05 - 31.05.2024 Application interviews 
• 04.06.2023 Confirmation of participation
• 10.06.2023 Kick-off call
• 24.06. - 28.06.2023 Global Impact Sprint in New York City

Key Learnings

• Experience cross-cultural teamwork
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset
• Understand digital solution design
• Learn how to approach global sustainability challenges
• Expand your prototyping and testing skills

Key Benefits

• Networking opportunities with talented peers
• Access to experienced mentors
• Enhanced problem-solving skills
• Understanding of sustainable development solutions
• Meet inspiring speakers and companies
• Feel the vibe of the city that never sleeps

Are there any specific requirements for participating in the Global Impact Sprint?
To participate in the Global Impact Sprint, you must be a Master's student at HPI (all Master's programs welcome). You must also complete the application form, including a 350-word cover letter and resume. An interest in entrepreneurship and sustainability is preferred.

Do I need to pay for flights, accommodation and meals?
The HPI School of Entrepreneurship will cover your travel and accommodation costs, and you will only be responsible for your own meals. We will book the apartment. All you have to do is book your flights and we will reimburse you after the trip. Please note: This only applies to students of the Hasso Plattner Institute. Students from other universities will receive free accommodation for the duration of the program but must cover their own travel and food expenses or contact their university.

When do I find out about the challenge?
During our kick-off call on June 10, we communicate the challenge.