The Camp Innovation Process

Camp 2030 uses a proven innovation process to support Campers in developing next-generation solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals. Using human-centered design, teams of Campers work their way through our Innovation Workbook to define a problem and build a solution by the end of the week.

a Learn by doing model

At Camp 2030, we're not just brainstorming; we're building next-gen solutions with a human touch. By embracing design thinking, we're crafting ideas that resonate deeply with the communities in focus. And don't sweat the process – our seasoned mentors, Counselors, and the UNITE 2030 HQ Team, have got your back, guiding you every step of the way.

Our Innovation Process is based on human-centered design techniques, workshops, and activities. Campers will build their solutions based on by achieving specific “Gates” throughout the week. These “Gates” help Campers achieve their deliverables for the SDG Solutions Hub - where they will pitch their final solutions to a Judging Panel in New York City on the final day of Camp.

To help Campers achieve these “Gates,” they utilize our Innovation Process Handbook, which is full of exercises to guide them along the way.

“We decided to dive into the problem of the lack of access to clean cooking fuels in underdeveloped, rural areas of the world. We created an action plan that contained our problem statement, suggested solution, costs, and how we will make it happen. Overall, I learned so much about the innovation process, about how to keep it realistic, feasible, and sustainable.

I also learned that the most important part of innovation is falling in love with the problem rather than the solution.”

— Trevor Jones, USA, 2023 Camper

The ‘Gates’

Throughout the week, Campers work through a self-guided Innovation Process, supported by Counselors and Mentors, to pass through ‘Gates’, which help them achieve the final deliverables - an Action Plan and a Pitch, which are all presented to industry expert on night 5 of Camp.

Gate 1: problem Definition

In Gate 1, Campers will have the opportunity to connect with their team, and develop their problem statement. The problem statement frame’s the problem with clarity. it becomes the guidepost for creative thinking through the week. Here’s where we fall in love with the problem, not the solution.

Gate 2: Problem Articulation and Ideation

In Gate 2, Campers will begin expanding on their problem, and diving into the root causes, before they begin broad scale ideating new ideas to the complex social and environmental issues they are working on.

Gate 3: Action plan and pitch

In Gate 3, Campers will spend a significant amount of time testing, prototyping, gaining feedback, learning about social business models and more, in order to define their solution. Campers will spend time narrowing their problem, solution and how they will do it into a one page Action Plan, and 3 Minute Pitch.

2023 CAMP 2030 FINALISTS

  • Global Winner

    United Waste connects the food waste from grocery stores and consumers to local bioplastic producers and facilitate sustainable relationships between companies.

  • 2nd place

    Fishfert directs volumes of fish waste from landfills and water bodies, transforming it into a high-value bioproduct.

  • 3rd place

    Vibravolt captures wasted vibrational energy from appliances and converts it into usable electrical power.

Campers are guided by expert global mentors

During Camp 2030, Campers meet virtually with our global Cohort of mentors, who provide expert knowledge and guidance through the innovation process, helping campers move from problem to solution.