The Blended Intensive Programme engages students in designing technology-supported solutions to enhance community well-being, with a specific focus on supporting marginalized community members in the society through social innovation. The course centers on developing socio-technological responses to real-world sustainability challenges, such as those related to vocational education and local entrepreneurship. Students explore how technology can be used not only to meet basic needs (e.g., in shelter, WASH, healthcare, or energy), but also to strengthen social inclusion and economic empowerment within marginalized communities.

Using a human-centered design approach, students work directly with community representatives to understand the social, cultural, and economic context—as well as the power dynamics—before proposing interventions. Emphasis is placed on aligning solutions with the community’s values and aspirations, and on empowering individuals by enhancing their capabilities. Moreover, the sustainability of the developed solution will be explored from an economic, social, and environmental perspective, i.e. by creating a sustainable business model canvas.

The programme is built around challenge-based learning, centered on a real-world case in collaboration with Tumaini Innovation Centre in Kenya. Tumaini supports at-risk youth through vocational education and social reintegration. While their students design and sell products and services to the local community, the organization faces challenges in achieving sustained impact and economic viability. Student teams are tasked with addressing this community-based challenge by designing socio-technological solutions that help increase the reach, relevance, and impact of Tumaini’s work with at-risk youth and make their effort more meaningful.