UNIHUBS Design Thinking Bootcamp Fosters Innovation in Higher Education

Hapa Space in Kumasi recently hosted the UNIHUBS Design Thinking Bootcamp from 18–19 March 2025, gathering 60 stakeholders from higher education institutions (HEIs), digital innovation hubs (DIHs), industry, civil society, and project partners across Africa and Europe. Organised under the EU-funded UNIHUBS project, the bootcamp focused on bridging the gap between academic training and the digital labour market.

Using participatory design thinking tools, participants co-created five key prototypes, including a policy-backed collaboration platform, a flexible curriculum model, and a digital matchmaking tool connecting HEIs with innovation hubs. The bootcamp also introduced the NTENTAN model—a spiderweb framework to enhance collaboration among academia, industry, and regulators.

The outcomes will shape the forthcoming UNIHUBS Collaboration Framework and mark a significant step toward responsive, inclusive, and future-ready higher education systems across Africa.