STEM-Unity
Inspiring the next generation of Design x Technology innovators
This novel programme is aimed at:
- Inspiring our young to develop a greater proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), coupled with user-inspired Design and AI.
- Promoting inclusivity and social cohesion through active interaction.
- Broadening the horizons of our young – beyond the virtual world which they are very focused on.
Workshop modules
Students will undergo a series of modules that will equip you with the skills necessary to tackle your projects.
Design modules
You will learn about the 4D double-diamond or 4 phases of the Design Innovation process:
- Discover
- Identify stakeholders
- Empathise with users
- Analyse user needs
- Define
- Identify user insights and opportunities for innovations
- Clarify and rescope opportunities
- Develop
- Ideate creatively and boldly, with structure
- Visualise ideas
- Deliver
- Evaluate and filter concepts
- Demonstrate concepts tangibly
- Pitch ideas convincingly
STEM modules
Project Management
Management of team dynamics, roles, responsibilities, and project timeline
Prototyping
Hands-on fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting)
Coding
Basic procedural thinking
Artificial Intelligence
AI as a tool to aid the design process
Programme structure
Stage A: Learn & Ideate
Stage A programme outcomes:
- Experience the end-to-end design process with a dedicated facilitator.
- Learn the structured process of Design Innovation by using the iterative Double Diamond framework (Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver) where you learn and practice divergent and convergent thinking. Students will learn to explore an issue more widely and deeply; distill relevant information and pinpoint issues; creatively ideate and prototype; and streamline your solution.
- Research, choose and solve a community problem.
- Acquire/enhance valuable life skills and 21st-century competencies.
- Learn/enhance your technical STEM skills including 3D printing, laser-cutting, using generative AI, electronics, coding, industrial design and much more.
- Engagement with community mentors and industry leaders
- Pitch ideas to industry and community leaders.
Stage B: Build & Realise
Prerequisite:
Students must complete Stage A: Learn & Ideate to apply for Stage B: Build & Realise. The application process for Stage B will be communicated to students participating in Stage A.
Stage B programme outcomes:
- Further develop STEM and Design Innovation skills.
- Experience guidance from trained Design Innovators.
- Partner with community organisations to co-create solutions that can be implemented.
- Troubleshoot prototypes with a dedicated Technical Advisor.
- Testing the solutions with industry and community partners.
- Project showcase
Programme principles & values
Our principles
The programme design embraces three key principles based on industry and global best practices and from our in-house Design Innovation expertise.
🧭 Guided autonomy
Steer your own design opportunity, with guidance.
🔭 Multi-perspective learning
Inter-disciplinary, multi-level, experimentation-driven growth.
🏡 Empowered community
Take ownership of your community with empathy, via co-creation.
The ground rules
To make this an enjoyable and productive experience for all participants, we expect close adherence to these values:
- Accountability: Be responsible for your commitments, and communicate openly if you need help or have concerns. Show up for your teammates, facilitators and instructors.
- Integrity: Give due credit and consistently improve your work ethic.
- Sportsmanship: Treat each other and your items with respect.
- Embrace fun: Participate wholeheartedly in the activities and enjoy the learning process. Don’t be afraid to fail!
What's next
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
What is STEM-Unity?
STEM-Unity is a six-week experiential innovation programme by SUTD where students work in teams to solve real-world community challenges using SUTD’s Design·AI approach. Students learn human-centred design, design thinking, applied AI and prototyping, and turn their ideas into practical technology-enabled solutions.
How much are the programme fees?
The programme fee is S$1,000 per student before GST, or S$1,090 inclusive of 9% GST. Payment is made upon application.
How long is the programme?
The programme runs over six weeks, divided into two stages:
- Stage A – Learn & Ideate: Weeks 1–3
- Stage B – Build & Realise: Weeks 4–6
For a detailed breakdown of each stage, please refer to the “Programme run” page on our webpage.
How is the programme conducted? Is it in-person or online?
STEM-Unity uses a blended format combining online learning and in-person facilitation. Students will attend online consultation sessions during the programme with SUTD mentors. SUTD will facilitate the kick-off, pitching, and the Final Showcase in-person during the programme.
What will students learn?
Students will learn:
- Human-centred design and design thinking
- How to identify and solve real community problems
- Applied AI for ideation and prototype development
- Digital and physical prototyping
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Pitching and presentation
- Testing, feedback and iterative improvement
The programme is designed to develop creativity, empathy, critical thinking, communication, AI fluency and problem-solving skills.
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