ICI '27 – International Convention on Digital Transformation & Sustainability
// Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme · PIONEER Alliance
International Convention on Digital Transformation & Sustainability
ICI'27 brings together international Bachelor students working in interdisciplinary teams to develop concepts, formats, and prototypes. The programme culminates in a hands-on sprint in Cologne — with a final presentation at a major student innovation exhibition.
Program Architecture
International Convention Iteration – ICI'27 Blueprint
Session 1: Organize (Kick-Off)
Focus: Framework, expectation management, and tools. Introduction of the ICI’27 program and clarification of assessment requirements. Team Action: Onboarding onto digital platforms (Miro, Slack/Discord). Goal: Everyone understands the target vision and technical collaboration.
Session 2: Team Building
Focus: Intercultural and interdisciplinary networking. Team members share urban problems (SDG 11) from their home countries (Moodboard). Team Action: Defining team roles and creating a 'Team Canvas'. Goal: Establishing psychological safety.
Session 3: Brainstorming (Ideation)
Focus: Broad exploration and problem analysis. Use of methods like 'Crazy 8s' or 'Mash-Up Innovation'. Team Action: Generating a wide variety of ideas without immediate evaluation. Goal: A pool of raw ideas for potential SDG 11 artifacts.
Session 4: Concept Development
Focus: Agreement, feasibility check, and focusing on the most innovative and buildable ideas. Team Action: Creating a 'Problem Statement Canvas' and a 'How-Might-We' question. Goal: Shifting from divergence to convergence – the team has a core idea.
Session 5: Detailed Concept (Business & UX)
Focus: Who uses it and how is it sustained? Team Action: Design builds first wireframes/user journeys, Business formulates an NABC pitch and a sustainable business model. Goal: Clear use cases and value for the target audience.
Session 6: Detailed Concept (Architecture & Tech)
Focus: The technical blueprint for prototyping. Team Action: Definition of interfaces, architecture (e.g., Spring Boot), and hardware requirements (ESP32, pinouts, 3D printing). Goal: The detailed construction manual (blueprint) for the on-site week is ready.
Session 7: Pre-Sprint Check-In
Focus: Dry run and final polishing. Team Action: Each team pitches its blueprint to the coaches. Identification of gaps (e.g., missing physical components). Goal: Everyone is ready for Monday in Cologne.
Session 8: Physical Implementation
Focus: Prototyping, testing, and showcase. 5-6 days of hands-on work at the TH Köln Maker Space. Team Action: Merging frontend, backend, hardware, and pitch deck. Goal: A finished, interdisciplinary artifact for the innovation exhibition.
[PARTNERS // NETWORK]
Stakeholder Hub
An interconnected network of partner universities collaborating across borders.
// On-Site Boarding Pass (Closed)
ICI'27
Location: Cologne
Admission Tiers
- [01] EARLY_BIRDEnd: 01.09.26CAP: 12 PAX
- [02] REGULAREnd: 15.09.26CAP: 10 PAX
- [03] LATE_CHECK_INEnd: 30.09.26CAP: 8 PAX
// Asset Hub
Resources for Faculty & Coordinators
Spread the word at your local institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
[FAQ.INDEX]// Contact
Interested? Reach out to your International Office.
Registration for ICI'27 runs through the International Office of your home institution. For direct questions, contact the programme coordinator below.