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The accelerated API Innovation Lab program is an 8-week blended learning experience that brings you the best of both worlds- a dynamic virtual learning environment to generate world-changing ideas and the opportunity to study abroad in person in Dublin, Ireland, the entrepreneurship capital of the EU. Complete the academic components of the lab virtually while working with your team in-person in beautiful Dublin, Ireland, one of the EU's youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse capital cities.

In this lab, you'll work with a team of 4-6 peers to build essential skills of cross-cultural teamwork and collaboration, concept design, and to develop innovative business solutions to global challenges. The lab is designed to leverage the United Nations Global Goals as a blueprint for understanding global problems that need solving, like poverty, gender equality, and climate action - among many others - for a healthier and happier world. Your work will result in a pitch deck and investment proposal of a viable business model that you will present in a virtual boardroom.

  • COACHES will keep your solutions global, with cultural insight to guide development of your concept, enhance your impact, and maximize your global reach.
  • INDUSTRY MENTORS will support you through creative ideation, help you position a unique value proposition in the market, and provide real-world feedback on your pitch.

As a participant, you will:

— Engage Lean Launchpad methodology to prepare for success in concept development, valuation and design

— Participate in dynamic and immersive virtual learning and rich cultural experiences led by our Resident Directors abroad, including guided tours, cooking classes, networking opportunities and community building across borders

— Follow a guided pathway of activities to achieve global skills and the opportunity to earn a digital badge stack that demonstrates cultural knowledge and the skills employers value to display on LinkedIn, e-portfolios, or other online platforms

“The experience of creating a nearly full-blown business plan, the opportunity to learn from the keynote speakers, and the ability to work with a team from around the world are extremely unique when compared with anything that can be experienced in a typical university class.”
- Nicholas M., API Innovation Lab Participant

What's Included?

  • Advising
  • Community-building activities and cultural resources in a digital learning workspace
  • API Digital Badge Stack: Global Innovation, Global Problem Solving, and Global Teamwork
  • Access to API alumni network & API Ambassador Program
  • Career readiness materials and support, including how to reflect this experience on a resume and at job interviews
  • Live events featuring speakers, activities, networking and more
  • On-site excursions and group activities in Dublin
  • Post-program evaluation

Application Requirements

  • Open to rising college sophomores through graduating seniors
  • Current resume or CV
  • Personal statement outlining interest in innovating solutions for a current UN Global Challenge
  • Entry requirement: valid passport for on-site Dublin experience
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
No upcoming sessions found

Full Program Dates: June 13 - August 5, 2022

  • June 13 -June 30: virtual learning
  • July 1-July 30: Dublin (on-site)
  • July 31-August 5: virtual learning/final pitch presentations


API Lab participants pay a $150 application deposit with the initial application and the remaining balance is due upon acceptance. Participants who apply on the application deadline are responsible for submitting 50% of the program fee with the application.


What You’ll Study

API Innovation Lab participants will participate in dynamic team-based, experiential learning utilizing a flipped classroom model to move an innovative idea through design and development to create a pitch. Alongside the guided modules and supported learning opportunities with industry mentors and coaches, participants will level-up their learning along the way by earning digital badges.

Learners will earn a stack of digital badges that certifies meaningful engagement with the outcomes of the API Innovation Lab to enhance their LinkedIn profiles, e-portfolios, personal websites and digital resumes, and more. The stack includes Global Teamwork, Global Problem-Solving, and Global Innovation badges.

Global Teamwork:

This digital badge is part of the Innovation Lab digital badge stack. Earn this digital badge by working with a team to create innovative solutions to global problems. Diverse perspectives, cultural competence, and a drive to succeed are all key to collaborations that make an impact. Assess your collaborative skills, practice peer review, and refine your individual approach to leadership in team settings.

Global Problem-Solving:

This digital badge is part of the Innovation Lab digital badge stack. Address global problem solving by embracing diverse perspectives, leveraging curiosity, networking with experts, and piloting solutions. Design, implement, assess, and modify to test your hypotheses and grow skills of resilience and change management.

Global Innovation:

This digital badge is the capstone badge of the Innovation Lab digital badge stack. Collaborate with teammates to innovate solutions to global challenges. Learn from coaches and build connections with industry mentors. Connect your solutions to real-world applications. Drive innovation to make a meaningful impact.

  • Kelly Kennedy

    Kelly Kennedy

    Kelly Kennedy will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program!

    (she/her/hers)

  • Emilie Noble

    Emilie Noble

    Emilie Noble will be your Regional Director on-site and will assist you in achieving your educational and professional goals abroad.
    (she/her/hers)

Click Here to Find Classes

Team-based learning is a central component of the API Innovation Lab. Teams are interdisciplinary and selected through aligned interest in the UN Global Goals. Weekly modules guide your team through collaborative ideation, developing a value proposition, defining a concept, modeling a hypothesis, communicating value, market testing, and pitching. The lab follows the Lean Launchpad methodology that uses the scientific method to frame business discovery and experiential concept design through active testing of business hypotheses and ideas. Teams will be guided by industry mentors, coaches, and lab facilitators and can expect to dedicate 3-5 hours of work per week. The teams will be assessed on ideation, value proposition, business model hypothesis, innovation pitch and investment proposal, and a teamwork assessment.

For additional course information, click here!

Hear from a former API Innovation Lab participant: "I think the API Lab offered a wonderful chance to connect with students from all around the world and learn about business practices in an engaging and valuable way. Guest speakers provided incredible industry and experience insights and mentors were supportive and offered fantastic guidance. The content in the modules exceeded my expectations, especially in combination with the keynote speakers."

Student accommodations will be located in Dublin City Centre. Located on the north side of the River Liffey, it is just short walk from Phoenix Park (Europe's largest city park), Connolly Train Station and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. 4-, 6- and 8-bed apartments are available, each with single, ensuite bedrooms and a shared kitchen and living space. The accommodations also include a social space with a TV lounge, pool table, table tennis, vending machines, and a fully equipped gym. The study room and study booths are available for use 24/7 and there are many terraces and outdoor spaces, including an outdoor gym.

Due to its prime location in the center of Dublin, there is no shortage of options for places to eat, drink and socialize close by, including restaurants, bars, cafes music venues, theaters, museums, galleries and outdoor markets. The students' collaborative space is easily reached by a short, 20 minute journey on the LUAS (the light rail/tram system) and is located amid the hustle and bustle of Dublin's 'Silicon Docks' and financial services center.