BLI is co-sponsoring the screening of a documentary featuring college students introducing innovative products in emerging markets by applying design thinking and social entrepreneurship principles. 

The screening of the documentary, “Extreme by Design,” will be followed by a panel discussion and reception. The event is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 1 in Room R0210 at the Ross School of Business. The event is open to UM undergrads. Space is limited; register HERE.

The documentary follows students from Stanford University’s Institute of Design as they create potential life-saving products for people in Bangladesh, Indonesia and other developing countries.

Those attending the screening will have an opportunity to learn about participating in a new virtual exchange program with fellow students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The MENA-Michigan Initiative for Global Action Through Entrepreneurship (M²GATE), managed by WDI, is open to any U-M undergraduate student.

During the eight-week M²GATE program, U-M students will be teamed with fellow students in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. Together, the teams will develop and launch social entrepreneurship projects with the help of instructors, mentors, and successful entrepreneurs from Michigan and the MENA region. In the process, students will learn how to work as a team, collaborate with mentors and build bridges between cultures.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to screen ‘Extreme by Design,’” said Amy Gillett, vice president of WDI’s Education Initiative. “The film highlights teams of university students working together and applying design thinking principles to solve big problems in emerging markets. It is fascinating to see the various issues that arise with team dynamics and how the team members are able to overcome these.”

In addition to BLI, the screening is sponsored by Innovate Blue, the William Davidson Institute, and Global Scholars.

Watch Extreme By Design Website Trailer Here!