'Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.' - Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO

Design Thinking gives participants an opportunity to take a look at problems from a completely different perspective. The process of design thinking allows them to look at an existing issue using creativity. IDEO started the concept of Design Thinking. The Design Thinking methodology was later promoted and practised at Stanford University. Currently top companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, P&G, Deutsche Bank, Coca Cola, etc. have implemented Design Thinking methodology as a tool for innovation.

Design Thinking aligns with Corporate Gurukul’s Learning Model i.e Know, Practise, Perform and Reflect. The entire process of Design Thinking takes a holistic and human centred approach to problem solving. It involves some serious brainstorming and the formulation of fresh ideas, which can expand the learner’s knowledge. By putting Design Thinking approach to use, participants are able to collaborate with one another to get feedback, which thereby helps in creating an invaluable experience for end users.

Global Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), is conducted by Corporate Gurukul, Singapore and delivered with Corporate Gurukul’s certified mentors, educators and research experts from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

There are 8 weeks Online + 8 days On-Campus training
training sessions of GRIP which are conducted at the school premises. The Design Thinking Expert travels to the premises to conduct these sessions generally over 1-2 months (based on the schedule decided). Students then travel to Singapore to ideate with NUS research experts on their findings of primary research, build prototypes and to present their projects to NUS educators and research experts and get their Letter of Evaluation (LoE) from NUS.

GRIP is a completely hands-on programme.Students work in groups and every student has assigned roles and responsibilities. NUS professors assess each student and give feedback based on their presentations in Singapore.The knowledge of research methods, Design Thinking and the life skills built during the programme (teamwork, presentation, communication, time management, to name a few) will help the students transform and have a new approach to their decision-making skills in life.

Every school assigns a dedicated coordinator (mostly student counsellor) to facilitate the process with Corporate Gurukul. This designated faculty also travels with the students to Singapore.

This is upto the school management. Some of the schools provide all the facilities, especially for boarders.

The programme dates can be customized based on the school calendar if there are 15 or more students from the same school. If students want to apply externally, they can join the summer or winter batch based on their convenience.

Each session is of 6-7 hours. Days and timing are decided along with the school authorities based on students availability.

It will be a 8 days experiential On campus programme which includes project work with university professors and sightseeing (Universal Studios and Sentosa

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

Issuance of LoE will be at Corporate Gurukul’s discretion subject to:

a.     The participant’s performance

b.     Completion of assignments and

c.     90% attendance during the academic programme

The project is experiential and not theoretical. Students gather insights by interviewing real life people and come back in every session to move forward (the 5 phases of Design Thinking). Approximately 7-8 hours per week should be sufficient to successfully complete the programme.

Yes, you will be assigned teams for project work and assignments. These teams typically consist of 4-5 members and are multidisciplinary.

In the introductory session, students are led through exploration of their passion and interest areas. Groups are determined based common interests.

Project domains are assigned purely based on students’ interest and passion areas.

Individual projects are not allowed. Group work is preferred. Most of the time common interest areas are aligned in any batch.

Corporate Gurukul mentors closely monitor the progress and guide the students through self-directed research work, wherever necessary.

You are encouraged to troubleshoot your own group challenges. You can always communicate with Corporate Gurukul mentors. Our experts are very approachable and help out students in every way to resolve any challenges.

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

If you are keen to apply, please sign up on our website and fill in the Application Form on the dashboard. Our team will get in touch with you for next steps.

Or you can share your interest to the Point of contact (POC) assigned in your school and our team will get in touch with them with the detailed registration process.

The payment deadlines will be mentioned in your ‘Offer Letter’. You are eligible for the ‘Offer Letter’ only if you are selected.

Yes, this can be worked out in certain cases. Although travel logistics in terms of safety need to be worked out with the parents and the school.

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. We have one faculty from every school coming with the students to Singapore. The Design Thinking Expert of the batches also travel to Singapore with the students. On the ground, we have our local programme management team throughout the stay in Singapore.

You will stay university hostel in Singapore. The exact hostel address and facilities will be informed to you during academic programme orientation. In case university hostels are not available, you will be staying in hostels outside campus. In such case, coach services will be provided for transfer from hostel to university and back.

The exact dates and timing will be issued to you formally upon successful admission for GRIP based on the training dates decided.

Corporate Gurukul will arrange for coach services for pick up from Airport and drop at hostel Drop to the airport from hostel for return will be managed too.

The immigration process takes typically 2-3 minutes per individual. Refer below links for the arrival and departure immigration process:

You will be required to show your passport, boarding pass and E-Visa to the immigration officer. They might ask for additional supporting documents as below. Please carry the following documents along with one set of photocopy (mandatory):

The hostel booking will be done by Corporate Gurukul (if you have opted for accommodation) as per the following schedule:

No, the hostels are booked only for the programme duration. Should you wish to extend your stay, you will need to arrange for accommodation on your own.

They will be confirmed one month prior to the programme commencement. Typical facilities include::

In Room -

Common Facilities -

There are food courts/restaurants near the hostel which serve a variety of food including Indian veg and non-vegetarian.

Shorts are allowed in the hostel for both boys and girls. Attire such as skimpy or revealing clothes or clothes printed with vulgar or offensive words or pictures should be avoided.

Your travel insurance policy should cover all charges incurred for medical expenses. Please read all scheme related documents carefully for inclusions and exclusions. Corporate Gurukul will not be responsible for any personal expenses made which are covered or not covered by your insurance policy. Also, make sure you travel with enough money for an emergency.

Corporate Gurukul Programme Manager(s) typically stay in the same hostel as you. You can approach them for any help. Their details will be shared with you during orientation.

Vegetarian, as well as non-vegetarian food is easily available inside and outside university campus. There is a wide range of choice amongst Indian, Chinese, European, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisines. Typically, 3 meals in a day should cost you between S$18- S$25. However, the estimate may vary as per your dining choices..