Becoming a Global Innovator: Future 17 SDGs Challenge

Future 17 is a new global initiative offered by the University of Exeter and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in the UK, with participation from leading international universities. It supports students in developing the skills needed to tackle 21st-century global challenges: participants work with industry and academic mentors and peers from around the world to create innovative solutions for real-world issues associated with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students form international, interdisciplinary, multicultural teams with peers from a consortium of universities to work on projects defined by SDGs Challenge Partners — businesses, charities, governments, NGOs, and more.

Program Highlights

• Practical engagement in SDG-related projects in different countries with SDGs Challenge Partners;

• International collaboration in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams;

• Diverse mentorship from international mentors across industries and academia;

• Skill enhancement: innovative thinking, cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Program Structure — Three Parts

1. Online Induction: introduces the SDGs and the skills for tackling sustainability challenges to all participants.

2. Online Group Collaboration: students form groups with peers from partner universities; each team designs ways to research sustainability problems and identify approaches for delivering appropriate solutions under supervision — refining design-thinking skills, SDG knowledge, and hands-on problem-solving experience.

3. Future 17 Solution Showcase: teams demonstrate their solutions through a pitch presentation (50% of the mark) and a written piece (50% of the mark).

Application Timeline

• Aug 21 — Application Start;

• Sep 2 — Application Due;

• Sep 14 — Interview Schedule Release;

• Sep 15–19 — Interviews with Selected Candidates;

• Sep 21 — Final Student Participants List Release.

Program Application

Submit your resume, a 200-word motivation letter, and a profile photo (scan the QR code in the images below to apply). Selected candidates will be invited to an interview from Sep 15–19.

Program Contact

• Program Academic Lead: Liqi REN — lr186@duke.edu;

• Program Coordinator: Maisie ZHANG — zz458@duke.edu (general inquiries).

Program handbook: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFY4SoJ3sA/HhYZoHFd78x3KTFg7qz9yw/view

About Us

The Duke Kunshan University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (DKU InE) is a comprehensive teaching-practice platform and resource center, adhering to a problem-oriented, project-based learning philosophy and helping students turn innovative ideas into meaningful, impactful action.