We particpate in Stanford ME310 Global Design Innovation and SUGAR Network. Find more on these two capstone project programmes on this page

SUGAR Global Engineering Innovation is a dynamic network uniting students, universities, and companies to advance innovation through hands-on learning. We emphasize human-centered design to help young minds create impactful solutions.

Since 2008, the BTH Product Development Research Lab has partnered with SUGAR.

Comprising 24 top universities globally, SUGAR forms multicultural, multidisciplinary teams to tackle design challenges from corporate partners. SUGAR has grown steadily since its 2008 launch, supported by this strong community.

SUGAR’s mission is to connect universities and industries worldwide, promoting student-led innovation and learning. Our platform empowers students to solve real-world problems with human-centered, responsible design.

What SUGAR is made of…

1. Real People

   •Human-Centered Design: Student teams develop solutions with real users in mind, keeping close contact to ensure their designs are practical and user-friendly.

   •Support System: Teaching teams, coaches, and corporate sponsors are there to support students every step of the way.

2.  Real Companies

   •Innovation Challenges: Companies bring their project briefs to the table and get fresh insights and ideas from students, tackling their innovation challenges head-on.

   •Corporate Engagement: Businesses benefit from the fresh perspectives and innovative solutions generated by student teams.

3.  Real Projects

   •Hands-On Experience: Student teams dive into real-world problems, giving them valuable, hands-on learning opportunities.

   •Purpose-Driven Innovation: Projects are all about making a real impact, encouraging students to innovate with purpose.

4.  Real Coaching

   •Guidance and Support: Both students and corporate sponsors get coached and guided throughout the project.

   •Workshops and Training: Companies join workshops to get on the same page as the teams and understand the full potential of Design Thinking.

ME310 is a capstone course that teaches a global network of student engineers how to challenge complex real-world problems with a design thinking approach.

The BTH Product Development Research Lab (students in Mechanical Engineering programs) partnered with Stanford University’s Design Division and d.school to run ME310 Global. Approximately 100 masters-level students participate each academic year in ME310, including 8-10 from top global engineering and design universities worldwide, hence the “Global" aspect of the project.

During our collaboration, the industrial sponsor (Volvo Construction Equipment) challenged students from BTH and Stanford to solve real-world problems each year. They developed innovative and feasible solutions based on a prompt, often tackling challenges within Volvo's transformation work. The students gained practical experience and valuable insights through research, prototypes, and tests that helped build their future careers. This collaboration focused on mechanical engineering and product development and occurred between universities worldwide and global players such as Volvo.

“Having collaborated with Stanford and the Design Division and d.school for several years, going back to the 90s, and since moving to BTH, we deepened the collaboration between BTH Mechanical Engineering and Stanford Mechanical Engineering to offer continuous project collaboration in global innovation projects together with industry,” reflects Professor Tobias Larsson of Mechanical Engineering / Product Development Research Lab.

He continues, ”The projects were tough and demanding but ultimately extremely rewarding.”

Over the 11 years of involvement, more than 100 students had the opportunity to participate in these projects, all with the support of Volvo Group companies.

Want to join? 

If you want to join our Global Engineering Innovation projects, contact Assistant Prof. Christian Johansson Askling (christian.johansson.askling@bth.se) or Prof. Tobias Larsson (tobias.larsson@bth.se), more info at the bottom of the page.