Memphis Innovation Bootcamp, September, 25-26, 2025
Learn by doing to transform your innovation mindsets and skills.
Memphis Innovation Bootcamp Returns for Its 14th Year—Igniting Change Through Design Thinking
MEMPHIS, TN — September 25–26, 2025 — The Mid-South’s premier innovation training experience, the Memphis Innovation Bootcamp, is back for its 14th year, bringing together changemakers from the region’s corporate, nonprofit, government, and healthcare sectors to tackle real-world challenges through the power of Design Thinking.
Hosted at the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Memphis, this two-day, hands-on experience offers more than a crash course in innovation. It cultivates a lasting community of forward-thinking leaders, grounded in one of the world’s most respected innovation frameworks.
The bootcamp challenges participants to step outside their silos, collaborate across sectors, and apply human-centered design to solve complex problems that matter in methodology modeled after Stanford’s renowned d.school but rooted in Memphis grit.
Why it matters:
- For companies: A chance to invest in your team’s creative problem-solving capacity, equipping them with tools that fuel growth and adaptability.
- For nonprofits: An opportunity to drive greater impact by reframing old challenges with fresh perspective.
- For the city: A breeding ground for the next generation of civic and business innovators.
The event is led by veteran facilitators from Epic Pivot, Edit Media, and the Mayor’s Office, who guide teams through an immersive, fast-paced design challenge. By the end of the two days, attendees walk away not just with skills—but a new mindset and network to spark transformation in their work and communities.
Details:
- Dates: September 25–26, 2025
- Location: The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Memphis
- Rates:
- Corporate: $1,500
- Nonprofit: $899
- Scholarships available for up to 10 students from Imagine U and university partners
For more information, reach out to us at [email protected].
FAQ
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. It enables teams to solve complex problems through empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
Who should attend the Design Thinking Bootcamp?
This bootcamp is ideal for professionals, leaders, and innovators from any industry or background who desires to be immersed in creative problem identifying and solving techniques to drive organizational innovation.
What will I learn at the bootcamp?
Attendees will learn how to use design thinking tools to drive innovation, deeply understand customer motivations and needs, reframe innovation opportunities, prototype solutions quickly and inexpensively, practice radical collaboration, and engage others within their organization to adopt design thinking methodologies.
Do I need any prior experience with Design Thinking?
No prior experience is necessary. The bootcamp is designed to introduce the fundamentals of Design Thinking as well as provide advanced insights for those who may already be familiar with the process.
How can I apply what I learn to my organization?
The skills and insights gained from the bootcamp can be directly applied to various aspects of your work, from developing new-to-world products, improving processes, or fostering a culture of innovation within your team. You’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to implement Design Thinking projects.
How much does the bootcamp cost, and what does the fee cover?
A proven record of success
We have led more than 250 successful engagements in transformation, innovation, insights, and strategies. We’ve worked with Fortune 100 corporations to small businesses, nonprofits of all sizes, military service branches, municipalities, and private equity groups. We’ve touched many sectors in 15+ years of running. Check out highlights from our portfolio and industries served here.