The new semester for SKEMA Brazil's BBA programme began with a special event: the II Innovation Week. The students met with eight companies from different sectors for an innovation challenge. The objective was to connect them with the market and its demands from the beginning of the classes, in addition to giving them the opportunity to learn from professionals involved in innovation on a daily-basis.
The companies – Vertwon, Lozaliza, BIOSFERA, Grupo SADA, Prova Fácil, Falconi, Seedz and Tarken – brought a marketing challenge based on real situations and gave the students three days to work on the proposals. Using the design sprint methodology and guided by teachers, students were divided into groups and encouraged to think outside the box to propose innovative and applicable solutions. On the fourth day, they met again with the companies to pitch the solutions. Each company analysed the pitches, evaluated some criteria and chose the best proposal, which was awarded.
In addition to connecting with the market, students were able to network with each other as they were divided into groups that brought together seniors, freshmen and international students. The different views on the market and experiences contributed to a multicultural learning environment.