SDG Open Hack ! | SDG Solution Space
SDG Open Hack!
SDG Open Hack!
is an initiative born in 2019 from a unique partnership of
Universities of Geneva
and
Tsinghua
and
UNITAR
. This global initiative aims at educating 100’000 students and professionals by 2025, through their active participation to a) pocket online lectures, b) innovation bootcamps and c) hackathons focused on the
hands-on
development of practical technical, social and institutional innovations for the
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
.  Depending on circumstances, bootcamps and hackathons may proceed either online or at physical locations.
SDG Open Hack!
started as the first Chinese open innovation festival for the achievement of the SDGs. It was inspired by its sister event
Open Geneva
held in Geneva, Switzerland, in March every year, which is a spin-off of the
Geneva Tsinghua Initiative
and
Citizen Cyberlab
SDG Open Hack!
hosted 500 participants, including students, engineers, professionals, academics, policymakers, impact investors & business angels, who tackled x key SDGs challenges over a hackathon weekend at the Tsinghua University campus in Beijing.
In combination with
SDG Open Hack!
, the first one-week long
Tsinghua SDG Innovation Bootcamp
was held from 25 November to 1 December 2019. The 2020 edition of the SDG Open Hack ! took place on the 28th – 29th November hosting 19 hacks!
The 2021 edition is coming up on 27-28 November! Click for more info.
A word from the organizers
For students who are shouldering the mission to change the world for the better, it’s not enough for them to understand the concept of SDGs. They need to take real actions, applying science and technology across disciplines, innovating by exploring sustainable development models, and identifying real world problems they can tackle. We believe that “SDG Open Hack!” at Tsinghua University will be a catalyst for developing the kind of socially-engaged mindsets, innovation capabilities, and entrepreneurial skills to achieve the SDGs.
Pearl Mao, Tsinghua x-lab Director, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University
SDG Open Hack will encourage students to think out of the box. They will explore user-centered and goal-oriented innovation solutions. It creates an opportunity for students with different expertise and cultural backgrounds to leverage resources beyond their disciplines and to iterate practical solutions through design sprints and fast-prototyping. With the ongoing support from institutions such as x-lab and iCenter, “SDG Open Hack!” can empower hundreds of students at Tsinghua to become social and environmental entrepreneurs. They can provide practical solutions to the SDGs, according to Tsinghua’s motto that actions speak louder than words.
Woody De-Yu WANG,
Director, Design and Prototyping Lab, iCenter, Tsinghua University
Our Sessions
Session 1: International Students in Yunnan
📅 May 2024
📍 Yunnan, China
Key Highlights
International participation from 5 countries (China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia)
7 teams competing in a 24-hour intensive hackathon
4 professional corporate mentors guiding the teams
Focus on sustainable development goals with international perspective
Participating Teams
我"药"成功
We Want Medicine Success
说一不二队
Say One Not Two Team
蓝色星球
Blue Planet
深藏Green
Deep Hidden Green
同行造梦
Peer Dream Making
翠意永续队
Green Sustainability Team
八仙过海
Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea
Organizer:
Yunnan China Vocational Education Association
Session 2: Pu'er University - Session 1
📅 January 2025
📍 Pu'er University, Yunnan
Key Highlights
Partnership with Pu'er University for regional development focus
7 teams with 3 dedicated mentors
Structured hackathon format with distinct phases
24-hour intensive innovation challenge
Event Activities
TeamWork
BrainStorm
Pitches
Hackathon Time
Participating Teams
兴新向农
New Agriculture Innovation
I！巨开森
I! Super Happy
澜湄同兴
Lancang-Mekong Co-prosperity
茶缘悦色
Tea Connection Joy
光轮6126
Light Wheel 6126
阳光咖星人
Sunshine Coffee Star People
Little Monster
Little Monster
Organizers:
Yunnan China Vocational Education Association, Pu'er University
Session 3: Pu'er University - Session 2
📅 January 2025
📍 Pu'er University, Yunnan
Key Highlights
Continued partnership with Pu'er University
6 teams competing with 3 mentors
Emphasis on youth innovation and creativity
Sustained focus on sustainable development goals
Organizers:
Yunnan China Vocational Education Association, Pu'er University
Session 4: Wuhua Urban Innovation Season
📅 August 2025
📍 Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan
Key Highlights
First urban innovation season in Wuhua District
8 teams with expanded activity format
Integration of PBL (Problem-Based Learning) and lectures
Focus on urban sustainable development and city innovation
Event Activities
Team Work
Inspiring
PBL
Mentors
Lectures
Hackathon Time
Participating Teams
B.E.G战队
B.E.G Battle Team
电亮未来团
Electric Bright Future Team
Action For Tomorrow
Action For Tomorrow
溃疡杀手
Ulcer Killer
量子城域探索组
Quantum Urban Exploration Group
鸿运当头666
Good Fortune Ahead 666
绿色星球
Green Planet
不要划水了
Don't Slack Off
Organizer:
Wuhua District Government
Overall Impact & Outcomes
Countries
China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia
28+
Teams
Innovative teams across all sessions
13
Mentors
Professional mentors guiding teams
24hr
Format
Intensive hackathon challenges
Evolution & Growth
May 2024
First international SDG Open Hack with participation from 5 countries, establishing cross-border collaboration model
January 2025
Partnership with Pu'er University launched, conducting two successful sessions focused on regional development
August 2025
Launch of Wuhua Urban Innovation Season, expanding scope to urban sustainable development initiatives
The SDG Open Hack series has evolved from international student collaboration to comprehensive regional innovation programs, consistently fostering youth creativity and sustainable development solutions across Yunnan province.
Previous Bootcamps and Events:
2021 Ageing and Disabilities Innovation Bootcamp
2021 SDGs Innovation Bootcamp
2021 Sustainable Finance Innovation Bootcamp
2021 Digital Health Innovation Bootcamp
2020 Disabilities Innovation Bootcamp
2020 Sustainable Finance Innovation Bootcamp
Ageing and Disabilities Innovation Bootcamp
Impact Hackathons Asia-Pacific