Join the KU Innovators programme
Become a global health innovator
The School of Global Health serve as a hub where global health and innovation intersect, transforming ideas into solutions for global health challenges. We want to bridge classroom learning with real-world application by fostering creativity and collaboration among students, researchers, and practitioners.
Check out our global health innovation activities below, or get in contact with us if you have a good idea you would like to test out.
Join the annual SDG Innovation Challenge
Each year, the School of Global Health and UCPH Lighthouse host an annual global health case challenge - the SDG Innovation Challenge. Students participate in teams to come up with the best solution to a real-world SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) challenge provided by an external partner. University students from all disciplines are invited to apply and take part in the case challenge.
The 2026 challenge will take place in UCPH Lighthouse on 20-24 August. More info soon.
What is a case challenge?
In a case challenge (also often called a case competition) the participating teams strive to develop the best solution to a real-world issue presented by a business or organisation most often within a short time-span. Each team pitch their solution to a jury on the final day of the case challenge. Throughout the challenge, the students will learn about team work, innovation, and pitching.
Read more about the 2025 challenge here.
Participation
The SDG Innovation Challenge is open to university students from all disciplines. You normally participate in a team of four to five students. Students are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. These will not be reimbursed.
Want to become a case challenge partner?
Are you a business/organisation with a global presence and a challenge related global health? Then do not hesitate to contact us about next years' potential case challenge and the collaborative development of this. Write us on sgh@sund.ku.dk
Best Practice Guidelines for Case Challenges
Previous case challenges
- 2025: Caught in the crossfire: Managing chronic disease in war zones
- 2024: Climate distress among young people
- 2023: Infodemics - fighting a global challenge together
- 2022: Improving maternity care education at resource-constrained educational institutions
- 2021: Improving care at birth in the wake of COVID-19
- 2020: Community resilience in times of COVID-19 (4EU+ Urban Health Case Challenge)
- 2019: Bending the Curve of Obesity
- 2018: Synergies in Urban Development
- 2017: Migrating Women's Health
- 2016: Antibiotic Resistance
- 2016: Refugees in Europe
See impressions from a challenge
Become a global health entrepreneur
UCPH Lighthouse presents numerous innovation opportunities and resources for students. You can engage with peers who are transforming their ideas into reality, collaborate to address societal challenges or seek support and networking to establish your own enterprise. Check out some of their offers below:
Explore the innovation toolbox
There are many interesting ways to start you global health innovation journey. We encourage you to explore the below toolbox and resources to get a sense of the many methods and models. Also, check out the videos to be inspired on how to approach your idea or challenge.