Brandt School Social Innovation Lab: a catalyst for transformative change

On February 4, 2025, at Weltbeziehungen C19.00.02, the latest edition of this transformative event unfolded, offering student entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their impactful ideas to an expert jury. Led by Prof. Dr. Heike Grimm, Aletta Haniel Chair for Public Policy and Entrepreneurship, as an extension of the Social Entrepreneurship course, the lab serves as an incubator for social ventures, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and exposure to funding opportunities. The event showcased the power of social innovation in addressing critical societal challenges and highlighted the potential of young innovators to drive meaningful change.

Empowering the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

More than just a pitching event, the Social Innovation Lab is a core part of the Brandt School’s mission to cultivate socially conscious leaders. By providing a structured yet creative environment, the lab equips students with essential tools to refine their ideas, receive constructive feedback, and engage with industry experts. Whether tackling challenges in education, sustainability, public health, or economic empowerment, these students are shaping the future of social innovation.

A distinguished panel of judges, bringing deep expertise in social entrepreneurship, innovation, and funding, provided valuable insights and guidance to participants:

• Markus Pins – Representative from the Engagement Preis Foundation, supporting impactful social initiatives.
• Christiane Kilian – Head of the Board at STIFT (Thuringia Foundation for Technology, Innovation, and Research), advancing innovation at the intersection of technology and social impact.
• Cristina Bendiek Laranjo – Program Manager at the Kinnings Foundation, focusing on community-led development.
• Katharina Göring – Consultant specializing in sustainable business development and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
• Leonhard Gebhardt – Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ICN Business School, offering a strategic perspective on scaling social ventures within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Nickhil Sharma – Representative of the Global Solvers Accelerator at the Melton Foundation, providing global insights into social impact acceleration.

Transformative Social Innovation Projects

The Social Innovation Lab continues to be a platform for groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges through innovative approaches. This year’s edition featured diverse initiatives, ranging from improving education access to fostering sustainable agriculture.

Among the standout projects were:

• Mvita Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Centre – Enhancing adult literacy and skills training in marginalized Kenyan communities (Frida Akumu Onyango).
• SAWUBONA (Holistic Enrichment Learning Programs H.E.L.P) – Offering holistic education programs for underserved youth (Emilly Geraldine Namuganga).
• Eco-Flow G & A – Ensuring sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions for girls (Audrey Yaa Ampoma Boadu & Tahmina Kakar).
• Hunar Haus – Supporting traditional artisans in sustaining their craft and generating income (Waseem Iqbal Chandio).
• Anatolian Treasure – A cultural preservation and economic empowerment initiative for Anatolian artisans (Ceren Toraman).
• Sexual Abuse Awareness Initiative – Addressing and preventing sexual abuse through education and advocacy (Yashaswini Nand).
• Shire Valley Salt Collective – Empowering salt farmers in Malawi’s Shire Valley (Jean Banda & Esther Olatunde).
• Seattle Abortion Fund – Advocating for reproductive rights and health services for vulnerable women in Seattle, USA (Jenna Fabris).
• Strand Skills Training – Providing wig-making skills to female cancer patients for self-confidence and employment opportunities (Luigia Hannah Blankson).
• Diplo Brief – A knowledge-sharing platform enhancing global diplomacy practices (Nour Alwan).
• Socioeconomic Uplift of Kinnow Farmers – Supporting citrus farmers in Pakistan to improve their livelihoods (Muhammad Ilyas).
• Child Labour Awareness Project – Raising awareness and advocating against child labor (Mehrnaz Mokhtari).
• Empowering Yemeni Prickly Pear Farmers – Supporting sustainable agricultural practices for Yemeni farmers (Malek & Emad).
• Samsara (Bridging Generations for a Better Tomorrow) – Building intergenerational connections for knowledge transfer (Jiri Hlad).

Three projects—Mvita Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Centre, Eco-Flow G & A, and Sexual Abuse Awareness Initiative—were nominated for the prestigious Commitment Award, recognizing their potential for significant social impact.

Each team had five minutes to pitch their idea, followed by an interactive Q&A session with the expert panel, providing critical insights for refinement, testing, and scaling.

Fostering an Ecosystem of Support and Collaboration

Beyond the pitch sessions, the Social Innovation Lab created valuable networking opportunities for participants. Attendees engaged with mentors, donors, and fellow innovators, fostering an ecosystem of support and collaboration. As social entrepreneurship continues to gain traction globally, initiatives like this are essential in bridging the gap between idea generation and real-world implementation.

One of the event’s highlights was the closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Heike Grimm, emphasizing the power of collective action in driving social change. “Innovation does not exist in isolation,” she noted. “It thrives in communities willing to challenge the status quo, support creative solutions, and invest in long-term impact.”

Following the formal program, a networking session provided participants with opportunities to discuss potential collaborations and funding avenues with industry professionals. Many students expressed enthusiasm about the feedback received and the future prospects for their projects.

An Open Call for Collaboration and Investment

The Social Innovation Lab's success reflects the Brandt School's dedication to nurturing the next generation of social entrepreneurs. However, sustaining and expanding such initiatives requires continued support from stakeholders in the field.

The lab invites donors, impact investors, foundations, and social innovation practitioners to collaborate in scaling the reach and impact of these projects. By investing in these young innovators, supporters can drive meaningful change while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that prioritizes social good.

For those interested in contributing to this growing social innovation ecosystem, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, or exploring funding partnerships, please reach out to:

• Prof. Dr. Heike Grimm (Aletta Haniel Professor for Public Policy and Entrepreneurship) at heike.grimm@uni-erfurt.de.
• Priscilla Boatemaa Appiah (Research Associate, Aletta Haniel Chair for Public Policy and Entrepreneurship)at priscilla.appiah@uni-erfurt.de

Looking Ahead

The momentum generated by the Social Innovation Lab underscores the importance of continued investment in social entrepreneurship education. By providing platforms for young innovators to develop and showcase their ideas, institutions like the Brandt School are shaping the future of social change. As the lab evolves, it remains committed to fostering impactful, sustainable solutions that address critical societal challenges.

Stay connected with us—together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and socially responsible world.