Social innovations and entrepreneurship are key drivers in bringing social impacts, filling service gaps, and addressing unmet needs. As our society faces social challenges with unprecedented complexity and magnitude (e.g. housing issues, ageing population, global warming, etc.), no single individual or entity is able to solve them singlehandedly. Therefore, it is critically important to unlock the potential and power of innovation and people (social entrepreneurs).

Using design thinking as an overarching frame, this course will introduce students to both skill sets and mindset that are vital to successful social innovations and entrepreneurship. This course takes an experiential learning approach where students will:

• Meet and discuss with social entrepreneurs from different fields;
• Visit communities and gain first-hand experience on their needs;
• Apply skills learned and practice through hands on exercises; and,
• Work towards a real proposal for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (SIEF).

This course requires a significant amount of teamwork as most activities and assessment are based on teams. Throughout the process, students will build their skills in leadership, teamwork and negotiation. All are essential to a successful social entrepreneur.