The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) has officially launched the PRME Students Innovation Studio, a premier global incubator designed to mobilize the collective energy of over three million students within the PRME community. This initiative serves as a strategic platform to amplify youth voices and equip the next generation of leaders with the practical skills required to translate ambitious ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. Delivered in partnership with the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals, the program bridges the gap between academic theory and entrepreneurial action, fostering ventures that contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Program Overview and Objectives
- The Innovation Studio functions as a global incubator that empowers interdisciplinary student teams to design, refine, and scale ventures aligned with the SDGs.
- It leverages PRME’s extensive network across more than 90 countries to provide young innovators with access to global mentorship and professional ecosystems.
- The program focuses on two primary pillars: Skills Development & Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness.
- Participants are equipped with future-ready capabilities to build responsible ventures while strengthening pathways toward meaningful employment and responsible careers.
The Innovation Journey: How the Studio Works
- Application & Selection: Interdisciplinary teams of 2 to 5 people apply through an open call, with successful applicants chosen based on the strength and impact potential of their SDG-aligned venture ideas.
- Mentorship Phase: Accepted teams are matched with specialized mentors based on their sector, development stage, and specific SDG focus.
- Venture Refinement: Mentors provide tailored guidance on critical areas including design thinking, market validation, venture scaling, leadership, and fundraising.
- Pitch Readiness: Teams undergo intensive coaching in storytelling and business model development, participating in internal rounds and semi-final evaluations.
- Global Showcase: The program culminates in a global pitch competition where finalists present their ventures to an audience of academia, United Nations partners, and industry leaders at the PRME Global Forum.
- Acceleration Support: Winning teams receive seed funding and ongoing mentorship to accelerate growth, while all finalists gain exposure to the PRME global ecosystem.
Eligibility and Team Requirements
- Team Composition: Teams must consist of 2 to 5 members who are current students or recent graduates (within one year) from a PRME Signatory Institution.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While teams can include members from various departments (e.g., Political Science), at least one member must belong to a PRME Signatory faculty or school (e.g., the Business School).
- Project Scope: The proposed project or venture must demonstrate a direct contribution to one or more SDGs with clear social, environmental, or economic impact.
- Commitment Level: Participants must commit to a three-month hybrid program (March – June 2026), attending mentorship sessions and meeting all milestone submission deadlines.
- Diversity: Applications from female-led teams are highly encouraged to support diverse representation in the innovation space.
Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026.
- Selected Teams Announced: Mid-February 2026.
- Program Commencement: Early March 2026 (Announcement at the Commission on the Status of Women - CSW).
- Mentorship & Development Phase: March to June 2026.
- Virtual Semi-Finals: Late April 2026.
- Final Pitch Competition: Late June 2026 at the PRME Global Forum in Cairo, Egypt.
Application Process
- Submissions must be completed by the January 31 deadline via the official application portal.
- The application process requires a Gmail login for document submission; however, candidates without a Gmail account are instructed to contact the PRME Students secretariat via email to facilitate their application.
- Detailed Terms of Reference are available through the PRME website for teams seeking further technical requirements.
The PRME Students Innovation Studio represents a significant opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to transition from student-led projects to viable, impact-driven enterprises. By connecting academic talent with the resources of the UN Global Compact and a worldwide network of industry experts, the program provides a structured pathway for students to lead the global transition toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Candidates are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria and prepare their venture proposals ahead of the January deadline.