We help early-stage entrepreneurs change the world
UNLEASH Plus is a 6-month incubation program for early-stage social entrepreneurs who have a great idea and a phenomenal team. The program supports teams who are uniquely qualified to solve their particular problem, but need access to the skills, tools, mindset, networks, and resources that will push their solution from minimum viability to product market fit.
Applications for the 2023 edition are closed.
The Innovation Process
UNLEASH Plus builds upon the core UNLEASH Innovation Methodology by focusing on the testing and implementing stages (below). Teams participating in UNLEASH Plus have already defined a clear problem, ideated ways to solve it, developed prototypes that have been tested with users, and validated there is demand for their solution as well as potential for their intended impact. The program supports Teams to strengthen their solution design and to become sustainable and scalable and achieve their impact potential.
Defining a problem based on user needs and clear insights
Rainstorming and selecting ideas to solve the problem
Creating simple versions of the idea to understand how it will work in real life
Testing the solution with users, learning, and adapting
Planning and launching impactful solutions
Program Phases
The Roadmap
June | Where the journey begins
The first phase is an inspiring and hands-on two-day event that kicks off the UNLEASH Plus program. Participants meet their peers, pitch to their cohort, engage with Mentors and Experts, and develop a clear roadmap for the program.
The Future
At Innovation Lab | In-person bootcamp for the top 25 teams
The program ends with an intensive eight-day bootcamp that is in-person during the Global Innovation Lab. During the bootcamp, Teams receive tailored support from world-class Experts to refine their strategies and pitch their solutions to funders and potential partners that will give cash and in-kind support. By the end of the program, Teams are ready to grow the impact of their solution and expand their contribution toward achieving the SDGs.
The Journey
Jun – Nov | Online learning with monthly checkpoints
The second phase is a 21-week interactive online program where teams learn lean startup principles, run design sprints to strengthen product-market fit, develop high performing behaviors, develop feasible and viable organizational models, and measure their impact. The program is delivered through online learning modules and virtual monthly check-ins with the entire cohort where Teams receive direct feedback from Mentors, Experts, and peers.
The Roadmap
June | Where the journey begins
The first phase is an inspiring and hands-on two-day event that kicks off the UNLEASH Plus program. Participants meet their peers, pitch to their cohort, engage with Mentors and Experts, and develop a clear roadmap for the program.
The Journey
Jun – Nov | Online learning with monthly checkpoints
The second phase is a 21-week interactive online program where teams learn lean startup principles, run design sprints to strengthen product-market fit, develop high performing behaviors, develop feasible and viable organizational models, and measure their impact. The program is delivered through online learning modules and virtual monthly check-ins with the entire cohort where Teams receive direct feedback from Mentors, Experts, and peers.
The Future
At Innovation Lab | In-person bootcamp for the top 25 teams
The program ends with an intensive eight-day bootcamp that is in-person during the Global Innovation Lab. During the bootcamp, Teams receive tailored support from world-class Experts to refine their strategies and pitch their solutions to funders and potential partners that will give cash and in-kind support.awards. By the end of the program, teams are empowered to grow the impact of their solution and expand their contribution toward achieving the SDGs.
Program modules
During the program, teams will benefit from e-learning modules, interactive workshops, mentorship and world-class experts to support them in the following topics:
Lean Management
Focuses on setting goals and priorities, developing an adaptive mindset, and testing the solution in an iterative way
Impact Measurement
Improves the team’s ability to measure, analyze and communicate the initiative’s impact in a clear and compelling way
Financials
Includes tools for defining the venture’s business model, planning core revenue and costs streams, and determining future growth potential
Fundraising
Supports in clarifying financial needs and developing successful fundraising strategies
High-Performing Team
Includes a leadership program, and focuses on team development, diversity and inclusion, HR, and recruitment
Go-to-market & storytelling
Centers on developing knowledge of the target market and how to acquire and keep customers, clients, or users
Designing for Scale
Provides insights into pathways and models for scaling the solution, for example by using “network effects” or platform thinking.
Lean Management
Focuses on setting goals and priorities, developing an adaptive mindset, and testing the solution in an iterative way
High-Performing Team
Includes a world-class leadership program, and focuses on team development, diversity and inclusion, HR, and recruitment
Impact Measurement
Improves the team’s ability to measure, analyze and communicate the initiative’s impact in a clear and compelling way
Go-to-market & storytelling
Centers on developing knowledge of the target market and how to acquire and keep customers, clients, or users
Financials
Includes tools for defining the venture’s business model, planning core revenue and costs streams, and determining future growth potential
Designing for Scale
Provides insights into pathways and models for scaling the solution, for example by using “network effects” or platform thinking.
