Why Berlin?
We immerse ourselves in Berlin’s dynamic landscape of innovation where history meets cutting-edge creativity. From the symbolic Brandenburg Gate to repurposed spaces like Tempelhof Airport, our program explores how Berlin has transformed historical challenges into opportunities for community-centered design and sustainable development.
We begin our journey exploring Berlin’s rich historical context while navigating its efficient public transit system. We discover how the city’s past informs its present through visits to iconic landmarks and museums that showcase technological evolution. Then we dive into Berlin’s thriving start-up ecosystem, connecting with local entrepreneurs who are redefining user-centered design and sustainability practices. Finally, we experience firsthand how abandoned spaces have been reimagined as vibrant hubs for community innovation and collaboration.
Our program examines how innovation ecosystems thrive at the intersection of history, technology, and community engagement—and challenges us to apply these insights to foster positive change in our own communities.
1-2 Nights - Berlin
Landscape of Innovation
Get familiar with Berlin’s public transit and stop at key sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial where we will discuss the history of the city. Scout the different neighborhoods, from the bustling Alexanderplatz to the historic Mitte. Adventure through the well-curated exhibits at the German Technology Museum and Science Center as well as the Museum of Communication.
2-3 Nights - Berlin
Cool-hunting and Designing User-Centered Products
Learn about Berlin’s start-up culture from local entrepreneurs, and try your hand at spotting trends and designing products to accommodate new ways of living. Visit local sustainability-centered spaces to understand how Berliners are designing their lifestyles and living spaces in ways that are both environmentally conscious and community-oriented.
2-3 Nights - Berlin
Creative Approaches to Products & Processes
Explore old and new spaces and see how they continue to be reimagined and reutilized; from our friends at Impact Hub and their partners maintaining a space for creation and experimentation, to places like Tempelhof, that has been transformed from a former airport and military space into a place of gathering and community building. We’ll experience how these public spaces are both the means and mediums of fresh ideas, and begin thinking about how to solve similar problems in our own communities
