Urban Futures

Rethinking & transforming cities for the regenerative era

13-17 June 2022 in Copenhagen

The time is now to rethink and transform our societies to bring about a future in which both humans and nature can thrive. The urban space is in the heart of this transformation. Not only because today 55% and by 2050 70% of the global population find their homes in cities (areas that cover only 2% of the surface of our planet!). But also, because cities are responsible for 78% of global energy consumption, more than 60% of world’s carbon emissions and majority of resources used and waste created. Because there is no place like the city where planetary health intertwines with the health and wellbeing of humans.

Technology plays a vital role in this transition. From sensors and AI to connectivity, predictive planning and advanced tools for citizens’ engagement, technology can enable tomorrow’s urban spaces. At the same time, the pandemic offers a momentum for rethinking cities for new design principles laying ground for the regenerative era where both nature and humans thrive. For an era where cities are resilient and thriving places that enrich the world with new ideas, practices and solutions that help to regenerate our planet.

This is why, this year, Founders of Tomorrow turns to cities. The five-day camp will become a micro-city. In June, we will gather 60 changemakers from diverse backgrounds to explore, question and rethink cities and co-create ideas using disruptive technologies to transform urban spaces towards the regenerative era.

Guided by transformative thinkers and doers, we will dive into and rethink what makes a city and its impact on the ecosystems it is part of. Together, we will reimagine urban futures and how they relate to the interconnected futures of living, construction, human health and wellbeing, nature in cities, transportation, waste, governance, culture and creativity, inequality and inclusion and many more.

What is it?

Founders of Tomorrow is a five-day education and ideation program bringing together 60 changemakers, aspiring and established intra- and entrepreneurs from different backgrounds of business, tech, science, design, art and many more. It is a carefully crafted experience combining talks, workshops, co-creation, reflection and connecting. During the week, participants will work in teams to apply their learnings and create ideas for solutions contributing to transforming cities to regenerative forces of change.

For whom?

We are looking for a diverse group of individuals with curiosity towards impact, emerging technologies and new business models. You can be a techie or a non-techie, an aspiring or a more experienced entrepreneur, an employee “an intrapreneur”, or something else. What we are looking for is people with motivation, openness, commitment to making a difference, and a belief that best ideas are born in diverse teams. Selection will be made based on background, motivation and overall diversity of the group of 60 people.

How to apply?

Applications for this years Founders of Tomorrow is closed. If you have applied you will be informed of the selection results by 15 April 2022.

About participation

The program is held in English. In order to be eligible to join, you will need to be a resident or citizen of Denmark and above the age of 18.

Keep in mind that seats to the program are limited. This means that if you are selected and accept a seat, you are expected to participate in the program fully (please see program overview and times below).

Supported by the Danish Industry Foundation, participation in Founders of Tomorrow is free-of-charge, including learning materials and meals. Participants coming from outside of Copenhagen will need to organise travel and accommodation at their own expense.

Speakers

Program overview

Day 1: Why Urban Futures?

Monday 13 June (9:00-17:00)


Exploring questions, such as Why ‘Urban Futures’? What makes a city? What drivers are the drivers shaping the future of cities? What signals of change can we explore? Reflection and team work

Day 2: Rethinking cities

Tuesday 14 June (9:00-20:00, including dinner)


Are cities part of nature? An ecosystem view of the city. How does digital refine the city? Fireside chat: Art as a pathway to reimagining cities

Day 3: Transforming cities

Wednesday 15 June (9:00-17:00)


Learning from those challenging old paradigms in living, construction, human health and wellbeing, nature in cities, transportation, waste, governance, culture and creativity, inequality and inclusion and many more.

Day 4: Shaping urban futures

Thursday 16 June (9:00-18:30 followed by dinner ending at 20:00)


Teamwork going from reimagining to co-creating ideas for solutions contributing to transforming cities to regenerative forces of change. Intra- and entrepreneurship as pathways to transforming cities.

Day 5: Sharing urban futures

Friday 17 June (9:30-13:30, closing event and reception 13:30-19:00)


Prototyping and sharing team ideas. Reflecting on ‘what change do I want to bring about going forward shaping urban futures?’.