University of East London · Level 7 · 30 credits
Innovation
for Impact
Real-world problem solving through open innovation. Learn by developing a credible response to a live organisational challenge, with academic leadership from UEL and open-innovation practice informed by Wazoku.
12 WEEKS · VIRTUAL DELIVERY · LIVE CHALLENGE · PROFESSIONAL PITCH · UEL POSTGRADUATE CREDIT
A different kind of innovation course
Do not simply study innovation. Practise it.
Innovation for Impact places participants inside an active innovation process. You will investigate a real problem, work with incomplete evidence, apply systems and design thinking, develop a viable proposal and communicate its value to academic and professional audiences.
The course combines UEL’s Level 7 academic rigour with the challenge-driven methods used by Wazoku, a global leader in innovation management and open innovation.
Live briefs · 2026
Choose the challenge
that will test your thinking.
Challenge 01 · Sustainable systems
Designing a Collaborative Platform for Low-Carbon, Human-Centred Food Systems
Develop a collaborative platform capable of connecting people, evidence and decisions across a complex food system—reducing carbon while protecting human needs and lived experience.
Challenge 02 · Creative innovation
Create a Distinctive Sonic Identity for the University of East London
Translate the character, diversity and future-facing confidence of UEL into an original sonic identity that can work consistently across physical and digital experiences.
Closing 1 November 2026 · Award £1,000
Open either brief to review the challenge context, opportunity and route to submission.
From challenge to
defensible proposal.
01
Understand
Frame the problem, stakeholders and system before proposing an answer.
02
Investigate
Build an evidence base through research, market study and systems thinking.
03
Design
Create, compare and refine solutions against the challenge criteria.
04
Demonstrate
Present a viable proposal with measurable value, impact and a route forward.
Academic rigour.
Professional relevance.
Course at a glance
- Level 7 postgraduate study
- 30 UEL academic credits
- 12-week virtual delivery
- 36 guided contact hours
- Live organisational challenge
- 30-minute professional presentation
- 4,000-word individual challenge application
Academic leadership from UEL.
Open-innovation practice with Wazoku.
UEL leads the curriculum, teaching, assessment and academic award. Wazoku brings the perspective of a global innovation ecosystem, helping participants understand how organisations define challenges, engage diverse expertise and turn ideas into measurable outcomes.
Postgraduate study built around real innovation challenges.
Innovation for Impact is a 12-week postgraduate short course for professionals and postgraduate students. UEL delivers the course in partnership with Wazoku, combining academic study with work on live challenges from industry and public-sector organisations.
Who can apply
- Academic qualification: a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- English language: IELTS 6.5, with at least 6.0 in every component, or an accepted equivalent.
- Relevant interest: evidence of interest in innovation, entrepreneurship or organisational problem-solving.
- Applicant route: UEL or partner postgraduate students and stand-alone CPD applicants are welcome.
- UEL welcomes equivalent professional experience from mature learners.
Applied Level 7 learning
Weekly online teaching combines academic seminars, practical workshops, Wazoku platform activity, industry mentoring, peer collaboration and flexible Moodle resources. Successful students receive an official UEL transcript recording the module, level and grade.
Meet the course team.
Academic leadership from UEL meets global open-innovation practice from Wazoku. The team brings experience across research, industry engagement, innovation ecosystems and community impact.
Download the team biographies ↓
Dr Juan Martin
Physician, PhD in Internal Medicine, specialist in Biochemical Pathology and Intensive Care, with an MBA and LLD. He joined UEL as Director of the Innovation course in 2025 and has worked as an Intensive Care Consultant at Newham University Hospital since 2013. Wazoku recognised him as the world’s most awarded healthcare innovator in 2021.
Tahmid Rudman Tarafder
A UEL Business Management graduate, Tahmid joined the University in 2025. He supports project delivery, coordination and stakeholder engagement, with a particular interest in structured delivery and continuous improvement.
Professor Matt Bellgard
Matt leads UEL’s strategy for research impact, innovation and industry engagement. His background spans AI, bioinformatics and applied digital innovation. He is a co-inventor on multiple patents and led the design and commissioning of a world top-100 supercomputer and development of the APEC Rare Disease Action Plan endorsed by 21 governments.
Simon Hill
Simon founded Wazoku in 2011 to help organisations scale innovation through crowdsourcing. He has more than a decade of experience leading global open-innovation and idea-management platforms used by governments and major enterprises. The Guardian named him SME Leader of the Year in 2016.
Schønning Eysturoy
Schønning leads strategic innovation initiatives across global ecosystems. His work helps organisations share, scale and fund promising ideas through partnerships, international collaboration and practical support for innovators.
Dr Darren Sharpe
Darren is Deputy Director of UEL’s Institute for Connected Communities. He brings more than 25 years of applied research experience in social justice, wellbeing and participation. In 2021, he received UEL awards for global engagement and impact and innovation.
