Facilitated by the d-school’s experienced team, the session focuses on equipping participants with mindsets and tools they can apply to their own entrepreneurial journeys. The session offers a guided experience of creative problem solving - giving participants space to explore how design thinking can support areas such as sustainability, inclusion, and long-term relevance.

Entrepreneurs will leave with:

• A working understanding of design thinking and its relevance to creative entrepreneurship,
• Practical tools for tackling uncertainty and generating new ideas,
• Fresh perspectives on collaboration, experimentation, and user-centred value creation.

This is a unique opportunity to experience how design-led thinking can spark innovation and confidence in building meaningful, resilient creative enterprises.

About Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika:

The Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika, based at the University of Cape Town, is Africa’s premier institute for design-led thinking. Established in 2016 with the support of the Hasso Plattner Foundation, the d-school Afrika empowers individuals and organisations across the continent to tackle complex challenges through a human-centred, interdisciplinary approach. By equipping changemakers with practical, creative problem-solving tools, the school nurtures a culture of innovation, empathy, and collaboration.

The d-school offers a range of short courses and programmes tailored for students, professionals, educators, and public and private sector leaders. These experiences are designed to cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to navigate ambiguity — all essential skills for thriving in a rapidly evolving world. The purpose-built facility on UCT’s middle campus features flexible, cutting-edge learning spaces designed to inspire experimentation and collaboration.

With a strong focus on African contexts and opportunities, the d-school Afrika is not just teaching design thinking — it’s reimagining it for a diverse and dynamic continent. The school continues to expand its impact by building a growing network of alumni, partners, and thought leaders who are redefining how we learn, work, and lead in the 21st century. It is a hub for innovation, transformation, and inclusive change across Africa.

Want to find out more about the UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab?

Implemented by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), this pioneering accelerator programme is designed to help high-potential creative businesses thrive in 2025.

Our Creatives Lab is a unique acceleration programme that blends financial and non-financial support, tailored to the specific needs of each participating creative entrepreneur. 

See more info at:
https://www.thecdi.org.za/page/timbuktoo