InovaJunior

• Empower young people on the principles, methodologies, and practices associated with the SDGs;

• Develop personal and social skills, such as teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving;

• Encourage the recognition and analysis of real social problems, promoting innovatice and sustainable solutions;

• Promote contact with the university context, reinforcing academic and personal motivation;

• Strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit and confidence of young people as active citizens.

InovaJunior will be developed over three immersive days at the University of Coimbra (March 30 and 31, April 1), organized into four complementary stages:

Stage 1 - Training

Practical and dynamic sessions on SDGs, social innovation, creativity, and design thinking methodologies.

Objective: to prepare young people to identify relevant social problems and formulate ideas.

Stage 2 - Assistance by mentors

Assignment of university mentors to accompany the young people throughout these days.

Objective: to support the development and structuring of ideas, ensuring technical and pedagogical guidance.

Stage 3 - Hands-on

Practical and collaborative work to develop project ideas.

Objective: to apply social innovation and design thinking methodologies, structure the proposal (problem, solution, and impact), and prepare the elements for the final pitch.

Stage 4 - Final Presentation and Feedback

Presentation of projects to a panel of judges, composed of representatives from UC, institutional partners, and the project.

Objective: to promote the dissemination of results, gather feedback, and value the efforts and learning of young people.