The Mind Challenge Program Inauguration

2025-01-21

The Mind Challenge Program Inauguration

On 16 January 2024 representatives of four universities from Poznań along with PSNC signed a letter of intent to implement an interdisciplinary cooperation program called Mind Challenge. The project will involve the Adam Mickiewicz University, the Medical University, the Poznań University of Technology, the Poznań University of Economics and Business, PSNC and some business partners.

As a part of this innovative program, which will be launched in the second half of the current academic year, selected interdisciplinary teams will have the opportunity to develop innovative projects, acquire necessary skills, and develop a proof of concept.

The aim of Mind Challenge is to give its participants knowledge and skills that will let them realize ambitious ideas and support the development of future leaders in the field of innovation. The entire initiative is going to last three months and will be based on the ”living lab” methodology.

The program is aimed at senior undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic results and extracurricular involvement, such as organizing events or participation in scientific clubs. Candidates will need to demonstrate commitment, ambition and willingness to take on challenging tasks.

To apply, one has to fill an online application form, to which a cover letter and/or a video CV must be attached. Candidates will undergo a two-stage evaluation: first there will be an assessment based on the selection of applications, then – a decision by the program council. The program will involve interdisciplinary teams of students from various Poznań universities, with a common goal of addressing the challenges proposed by the program’s sponsors. Mind Challenge includes a mentoring path and design sprint workshops, solution testing, pitch preparation, intellectual property protection and investment.

Each team of students is going to be provided with comprehensive support from their mentors, who will help them to develop ideas and complete all stages of the projects. Mind Challenge workshops will take place mostly at PSNC Future Labs every other Friday.

Program participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills by working on real-world projects in an interdisciplinary environment. The program will culminate in a demo/pitch day event, during which teams will present their solutions.