Global Innovation Race

Kigali, Rwanda

Program Overview Highlights Itinerary Certification Testimonials What’s Included Program Fees & Costs Apply

Global Innovation Race, Kigali, Rwanda

Program Information

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Ages: 13-17
Duration: 11-days
Dates: July 17-27, 2024
Accommodation: To be confirmed by November 2023
Hosted By: The Government of Rwanda, Ministry of ICT & Innovation

Apply Here

Innovate for Social Impact: Join the Race to Explore Innovation at the Intersection of Social Impact and Continental Transformation.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Kigali, where innovation converges with social impact and continental advancement. Discover the power of design thinking, trust, and inclusion as students from diverse corners of Africa and the globe come together to shape a brighter future.

Digital Media Academy and the Rwanda Ministry of ICT and Innovation unite to bring global youth to Rwanda, inviting them to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of innovation while fostering creativity, developing essential skills, and preparing for the future through cutting-edge technology and collaborative learning

Location Highlights

Experience Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and one of Africa’s largest hubs for technology & innovation

Connect with educators and industry leaders focused, visit local innovation hubs, and become a networked innovator

Brainstorm, prototype, and design inclusive solutions that address both continental and global challenges

Learn to innovate for social impact by visiting local companies making waves in their industries at the intersection of technology, social impact, and ethics

Pay respect to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and learn about Rwanda’s history

Choose to go on an optional Gorilla trek to experience Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity

Sample Itinerary

Day One

Welcome to Rwanda!

Airport pick-ups
Check-in
Orientation & Group Activities
Welcome Dinner

Day Two

Beginning Innovation

Breakfast
Walk to local tech hub
Session: Creative Beginnings
Lunch
Session: Becoming a Networked Innovator
Project Idea Brainstorming
Evening Dinner Kickoff

Day Three

Social Thinking

Breakfast
Visit the Genocide Memorial
Lunch
Team Bonding Activities
Session: Design for Trust Facilitation
Dinner

Day Four

Entrepreneurial Thinking

Breakfast
Session: Learning the Entrepreneurial Lenses
Lunch
Travel to FabLab
Session: Prototyping Basics
Dinner

Day Five

Design Thinking

Breakfast
Travel to Zipline
Session: Everyone and Everywhere Innovation
Lunch
Travel to GIZ
Session: Innovation Realities
Dinner

Day Six

Recreation Day

Breakfast
Your Choice
Eco-Park Walk
Lunch picnic
Team games
Dinner

Day Seven

Showcase Preparation

Breakfast
Project Sprint
Lunch
Project Iteration One
Dinner

Day Eight

Project Focus Time

Breakfast
Project Focus Time
Lunch
Innovation Showcase Featuring Volkswagen, Ampersand, Babyl, and Hence at Norrsken
Dinner

Day Nine

Project Focus Time

Breakfast
Project Focus Time
Lunch
Project Focus Time
Dinner

Day Ten

Closing Ceremony

Breakfast
Finale GIR Film Fest
Lunch
Community FutureTech Showcase
Closing banquet dinner

Day Eleven

Departure Day

Breakfast
Departures

*Note: This is only a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to change.

Global Innovator
Certificate

Upon completion, students will receive a digital Global Innovator Micro-credential as their certificate of completion.

Issued by Digital Media Academy, this blockchain-based micro-credential can be used to enhance student resumes and LinkedIn profiles, showcasing expertise to potential employers and educational institutions.

What alumni are saying…

I attended [2023] Global Innovation Race, met with people from around the globe, and learned a ton. The whole program was well organized, and it is something I can definitely recommend. It was my first time working with Digital Media Academy but I love it already!

Yvan Sugira
Student from Rwanda

I like that we got to meet a lot of different people from other countries because you see a lot of different things that are different in their culture and in yours. Some of the people I worked with were very logical thinking and some others let their creativity flow. I learned how to socialize with people and how to use AI effectively to solve some problems.

Amara
Student from Switzerland

It was absolutely wonderful academic program centered around humanity. The focus of the future is not on AI, but on humans. Specifically, how humans interact, care, and relate to each other and the world is what we ultimately focused on. It was not just about design, not just about technology, not just about efficiency, but about human ideals and virtues that connect us together. I like this program a lot.

Jason Tong
Student from Beijing

What's Included

We take care of everything from when you land in Kigali, Rwanda until your departure.

GIR Tuition Includes:

Pre-Program Materials: Prepare your group before you travel with your pre-program resources and activities designed to help your students get the most out of the GIR experience.
Accommodations: All adults will have their own room. Students will share a room with 1-2 other students in agreed groups.
Two Daily Meals: We provide breakfast and dinner, and will accommodate most dietary preferences/restrictions.
In-country Transportation: Airport pick up and drop off, as well as all ground transportation during the program.
Day-to-day Expenses: Including entertainment, excursions, equipment rental, tech tours, and trips to local attractions.

What’s not included: Flights, travel insurance, and passport/visa fees, optional Gorilla Tracking add-on

Registration Deadline: December 31, 2023

Student Tuition: $6,900 USD + airfare
Teacher Fees: FREE!*
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10 (min. 5 students)

Apply Now

* Program fees included + subsidized airfare. Limitations apply. Please see the FAQ Page for more details.

“I participated in the Global Innovation Race 2023. The race was well-organized, and the project team took care of every detail, diligently following up on the activities performed by our students. They displayed a remarkable level of innovation and uniqueness in the way they engaged students with cutting-edge technology. GIR was about winning and failing together, as it encouraged our students to collaborate as a team in finding solutions to societal challenges.”

Celestin NZEYIMANA
2023 Chaparone, Rwanda Coding Academy

“The experience was both enlightening and fun. The event provided insights into cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and innovative solutions being developed across different industries. I gained valuable knowledge and practical tips that I can apply to my own projects and work. What I’ll remember the most is the people I met. The connections and friendships forged during the Global Innovation Race were truly special, and I feel grateful for the new perspectives and ideas.”

Sonia Akimana
2023 Chaparone, Rwanda Coding Academy

Next Steps

Apply

Get started by applying for the GIR Location of your choice. Applying is FREE and nonbinding!

You’ll be paired with a GIR Experience Manager to guide you through your recruitment and enrollment.

Recruit

We will share a recruitment package to help you recruit students and chaperones for the experience (10:1 ratio).

Your Experience Manager will be there every step of the way to answer questions and support your school’s recruitment.

Confirm

Confirm your final numbers and pay your deposit no later than December 31, 2023. The earlier the better to ensure your space!

(Final payment is due March 31, 2024)

Travel

Access your group’s pre-program activities & materials to prepare for departure and the start of your students’ Global Innovation Race journey.