We will introduce you to the innovation process using the Design Thinking method which will enable you to view your research with different eyes afterwards. Be prepared to step outside the box and explore how to create real-world impact with your research!
Foundation level: This course is the perfect starting point for everyone curious about innovation.
Learning outcomes: At the end of the session, you will know how to identify and pre-test ideas with innovation project potential from research data. Plus, you will learn ideation techniques that promote creative thinking in all areas of your life.
Apply to secure your spot in the course?
Note that registration is binding. Registration deadline 26.01.2026.
If this date doesn't fit you schedule, you may apply to attend the course in the afternoon 24 March.
Free for UiO employees including graduate students, PhD candidates, postdocs, researchers & staff.
Please contact training@growthhouse.uio.no, if you are interested in the course but outside the UiO system.
Potential next steps from here: Start working with an innovation adviser from The UiO Growth House on your idea and consider taking our Step-up level: Idea to Innovation (I2I) course?to continue building your innovation toolbox. You may sign up to be notified the next time we run the course in 2026.
Schedule
May be adapted as needed.
- 09:15–09:30: Registration with Coffee & Tea
- 09:30–09:45: Welcoming Warm-Up
- 09:45–11:45: Design Thinking
- 11:45–12:00: Demo
- 12:00–12:15: Reflective Exercise
- 12:15–12:30: Feedback & Goodbyes
- 12:30–13:00: Lunch will be served
- 13:00–13:15: Tour of Oslo Science Park
Facilitators from The UiO Growth House
- Dr. Joseph M. Makokha, entrepreneurship educator
- Dr. Katja D. Mj?s, senior innovation adviser & teaching captain, The UiO Growth House
Joseph Makokha, PhD is a postdoctoral research fellow at University of Oslo Institute for Informatics (IFI) in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
- He specializes in collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) systems that augment humans on thinking tasks such as designing, hence works at the intersection of innovative teams, design and artificial intelligence.
- In addition to teaching, he develops and runs experiments/studies involving a variety of AI systems to explore their impact on creativity, perception, decision making, collaboration, team dynamics, among others.
- To bridge knowledge and practice, he engages industry leaders in fostering innovation within their organizations through strategies such as Design Thinking.
- He has a bachelor's degree in EE/CS (Nairobi, Kenya), masters degrees in Education (Holy Names and Stanford in the US), and a PhD in Mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
"All training courses by The UiO Growth House focus on the individual human being and aim to provide an inclusive and safe space for everybody to create, innovate, and test even the craziest ideas without fear."
Katja D. Mj?s