This handbook page will guide you through the Elevation Phase, including how to select and enroll in your Elevation Challenge and navigate this team-based, real-world learning experience.
You’ve built a strong foundation of specialized competencies and refined your mission throughout the Calibration Phase. Now, it’s time to put everything into practice.
The Elevation Phase is where learning meets real-world impact.
Over six weeks, you will collaborate in teams to tackle Grand Challenges—complex industry problems requiring strategic, innovative, and practical solutions. Whether you're rethinking business models, designing sustainable tech, or launching an impact-driven venture, this phase pushes you to apply your knowledge in a high-stakes, hands-on environment.
What Is the Elevation Phase?
During the Elevation Phase, you will:
🤝 Work in small teams (3-5 learners) to analyze and solve real-world sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, or technology challenges.
🏭 Collaborate with industry partners or an organization of your choice to develop actionable solutions.
💡 Gain hands-on experience in critical evaluation, strategy development, and problem-solving.
💁 Develop solutions and present them to industry experts, faculty, or a broader audience.
Key Features of the Elevation Phase
💪🏼 No Lessons, Just Action
Unlike previous phases, Elevation Challenges do not include structured lessons. However, you may need to research new theories or concepts as you progress. Your challenge owner is available for guidance.
💜 Team-Based Learning & Networking
Elevation Challenges are a team effort and a unique opportunity to connect with peers across intakes and programs. Leverage each team member’s strengths to create the best possible outcome.
📅 Targeted Live Sessions
Elevation Challenges follow a structured six-week timeline with key live sessions:
Week 1: Kick-Off (60 min): Overview of the challenge and introduction to the partner (if applicable).
Week 2: Partner Q&A (60 min, only for partner-led challenges): partner briefing and project scope discussion, Q&A session to align expectations and clarify project goals.
Week 4: Challenge Discussion & Pitch Presentations (90 min): midpoint check-in with feedback and guidance from challenge owners or industry partners on your intermediary solution pitches (check respective Challenge Milestone for further guidance)
Week 6: Final Presentations (90 min): presentation of solutions to industry partners, faculty, or a broader audience.
Types of Elevation Challenges
Throughout this phase, you will tackle real-world challenges in collaboration with industry partners or your own chosen organization. Past Elevation Challenges have included:
🔹 Brand Strategy & Repositioning – Develop a strategic plan to enhance brand visibility, strengthen identity, and align with evolving consumer needs.
🔹 From Prototype to Market – Validate a user-centered product through market research, iterative design, and a go-to-market strategy.
🔹 Tech/Resource-Based Market Opportunities – Identify and implement novel technologies or resources to address consumer needs and drive sustainable solutions.
🔹 Emissions Reduction Strategies – Design a low-carbon transformation framework for large emitters, balancing financial growth and sustainability goals.
🔹 Reimagining Business Models – Transform an existing business model into a more responsible version with actionable recommendations.
🔹 Impact Measurement – Create an impact strategy using stakeholder analysis, SMART objectives, and a theory of change framework.
Challenges may change, so check the ToU Schedule and Learning App for updated offerings.
How to Choose and Sign Up for Your Elevation Challenge
Every MBA learner completes one Elevation Challenge as part of their curriculum. Follow these steps to enroll:
1️⃣ Check the Schedule
Look at the ToU Schedule for Elevation Challenges running during your study phase.
If a challenge interests you but falls outside your schedule, join Study Planning Office Hours for support in adjusting your plan:
Mon, 12-13h CET | Tue, 9-10h CET | Wed, 12-13h CET
Location: https://cosmos.video/v/i14v-vwdj-ednx/tomorrow-university/r/academic-office
2️⃣ Review Challenge Details in the App
Browse the challenge overview, required competencies, and capstone project to find the best fit for your mission and career goals.
3️⃣ Sign Up Before the Deadline
- Join at least one week before the challenge starts to secure your spot.
- Ensure you’re in the correct cohort, have joined the Slack channel, and received your live session invites.
Working with Industry Partners
Some Elevation Challenges are run in partnership with industry leaders and organizations. These opportunities provide real-world exposure and allow you to present your solutions to external stakeholders.
- Industry partners are typically announced one month before the challenge starts.
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Industry partners provide: real-world problem statements for you to solve, access to data and resources, subject matter experts for guidance and feedback.
- You’ll see partner-led challenges listed in the ToU Schedule as:
“Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers with Impact Makers” (where Impact Makers represents the industry partner). - If a challenge does not have a listed partner, you can select your own organization or business to work with.
😍 Do you know or are working for an organization that would be interested in running one of the Elevation Challenges mentioned above with us? Then send them this page and reach out to Sami Asad (sami@tomorrow.university).
Next Steps: Get Ready for Your Elevation Phase
✔ Check available Elevation Challenges in the ToU Schedule.
✔ Enroll in your chosen challenge before the deadline.
✔ Join your Slack channel and live session invites.
✔ Be ready to collaborate, innovate, and make an impact!
This is your moment to elevate your mission and turn your learning into real-world solutions. See you in the Elevation Phase! 🚀
FAQ: Common Questions About Elevation Phase
📌 How many Elevation Challenges do I need to complete?
All MBA learners must complete one Elevation Challenge.
📌 Can I choose any Elevation Challenge?
Yes, as long as it fits within your program schedule. If a challenge you’re interested in doesn’t align, you can join Study Planning Office Hours for scheduling support:
Mon, 12-13h CET | Tue, 9-10h CET | Wed, 12-13h CET
Location: https://cosmos.video/v/i14v-vwdj-ednx/tomorrow-university/r/academic-office
📌 How do I know if an industry partner is involved?
- Partner-led challenges will be labeled in the ToU Schedule (e.g., “with Company Name”).
- If no partner is listed, you’re free to choose your own organization.
📌 Do Elevation Challenges have lessons like previous phases?
No. This phase is entirely project-based, but you’ll have access to your challenge owner for support.
📌 Can I work on my own business or project?
Yes! If no industry partner is assigned, you can work on a challenge that aligns with your own organization, business, or initiative.
📌 What happens if my team doesn’t function well?
Teamwork is part of the challenge. We know that it can sometimes be difficult or even frustrating and we trust you to embrace this opportunity for growth to manage your team's conflicts and find innovative solutions that respect every team member. If you feel your team conflict is beyond the point where you can manage it on your own, please contact your Challenge Owner to find a joint solution.
📌 How do we present our results?
During your last live session, you will present your project live to a selected audience including your challenge owner, your peers, and – if a partner is on board – external professionals from the industry. Please find more information on your final capstone project and requirements for the presentation in the respective milestones of the individual Elevation challenges.