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Discovery Journey

A transformative journey towards an impactful life.

The Discovery Journey is an ideation program giving you the skills and confidence needed to build a better future for yourself and those around you. By developing an idea to solve a social or environmental problem you care about, you will discover what excites you, acquire entrepreneurial skills, and build the confidence needed to start your own project.

Unlock Your Future

You see a problem in your community. You want to act on it, but don’t know how.

School and University taught you how to make a living, but not how to turn your interests and talents into real world change. The Discovery Journey was built to help you sharpen your ideas and learn crucial skills to make a difference in the world.

Start Your Journey

Apply to the Discovery Journey.

Apply now

What Awaits You

The Discovery Journey teaches you all the fundamentals to creating solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues. Over 12-weeks, you will come up with an idea to solve a social or environmental problem you care about, and learn how to build it into something real.

In the process, you will learn skills across 4 areas:

  • Entrepreneurial

    You will learn how to turn ambitious ideas into action, spot opportunities, mobilize people, and plan effectively.

  • Personal

    You will discover what motivates you, what gives you energy, and the type of work that is most meaningful to you.

  • Societal

    You will reflect on the social, ecological and economic issues that matter most to you, and identify ways to solve these problems.

  • Collaborative

    You will connect with like-minded people from around the world and learn how to collaborate with others to reach your goals.

Modules

These skills are taught across 6 modules:

Learning Tools

The Discovery Journey is fully online, in English. Participants learn through a blend of different formats, including:

  • Peer Groups

    Facilitated sessions where groups work collaboratively and exchange ideas.

  • Live Webinars

    Weekly online sessions sharing best practices and real-world examples.

  • Learning Platform

    Exercises and learning materials accessible anytime, directly on our resource database.

Participants also get access to our:

  • Expert Coaching: Learn directly from our world-class experts on business, personal growth, social change through individual coaching sessions.
  • SIA Summit: Win a chance to attend our yearly gathering of young changemakers from around the world.
  • International Community: Become a part of our Alumni Community to connect with thousands of other young changemakers and access special opportunities.

Start Your Journey

Apply to the Discovery Journey.

Apply now

Testimonials

  • This journey wasn’t about competition, but about discovering answers within yourself. Exploring your values, your “why”, and how to create meaningful impact. I loved it!

    Discovery Journey Participant Kateryna Tsopa

  • An idea had been circulating in my head for a while, but it was very early stage. A friend told me about SIA and after seeing that the Discovery Journey was for people just starting out, I applied. The diversity of the community and the international nature of the program really helped broaden my perspectives. I became more confident to pursue my idea, prototype, fundraise, and attend other programs. I don’t know if I would have started, if it weren’t for the Discovery Journey.

    Discovery Journey Participant Kirsten Wünsche

How to Participate

Discovery Journey participants apply individually. Participants bring these qualities:

  • Clarity of Interest

    You care about certain topics and issues, and are able to explain why.

  • Critical Thinking

    You actively question yourself and the world around you.

  • Impact Commitment

    You want to take your first steps towards changing the world around you.

  • Personal Growth

    You want to develop personally and professionally to build a life you’re excited about.

  • Community Orientation

    You’re looking for like-minded people that share your values and motivations.

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

  • English Proficiency: Applicants must be comfortable speaking and understanding English. Wanting to be part of an international environment is a must.
  • Age Limit: Applicants must be between 14 and 30 years old at the time of applying.
  • Time Commitment: Applicants must be willing to commit to 3,5 hours per week on average for the Discovery Journey.
  • Residence: Applicants must have residency in one of the countries that is offering the Discovery Journey (2026: Ukraine, Germany, Austria).
  • Stable Internet & Device Access: Participants must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone that can run Zoom and other collaborative tools (Miro, Google Drive, Whatsapp) with internet capable of handling video calls.

We recognize these requirements may present barriers. If you face challenges with any of these but are committed to participating, please share this in your application so we can explore possible solutions together.

Start Your Journey

Apply to the Discovery Journey.

Apply now

Application Timeline

  1. Applications Open

    The journey begins here. You can officially submit your application to the Discovery Journey.

  2. Application Deadline

    Your last chance to apply. Our international selection committee made up of SIA Youth Council members, alumni, and hosts will immediately review your application.

  3. Selection Announcement

    Accepted applicants will be notified via email if their application was successful.

  4. Confirmation Deadline

    Accepted applicants must confirm their participation via email before the deadline. Failure to do so will result in the application being revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this program different from Incubation?
The Incubation is for people with an existing idea or concept for a social or environmental solution. The Discovery Journey is for people without an idea that want to learn how to make a difference in society. If you have an existing idea, the Incubation is for you. If not, the Discovery Journey is for you.
Does this program cost anything?
Participating in the Discovery Journey is completely free of cost. You’ll need only internet access and a device – no additional purchases, books, or materials required.
What if I miss a session due to internet issues or other barriers?
All Live Sessions are recorded and available within 24 hours. For peer groups, reach out to your facilitator – they can catch you up and ensure you don’t fall behind.
I don’t have reliable internet at home. Can I still participate?
Consider whether you have regular access to internet elsewhere (library, community center, school, café, a friend’s place). You’ll need this access twice weekly for 1-2 hour sessions. If this feels uncertain, you ca join a future cohort when your situation changes.
English isn’t my first language. Will I be able to keep up?
Many participants are non-native English speakers. We encourage the use of translation tools, and facilitators speak clearly to allow time for processing. Live captions also help during Live Sessions. If you can understand this application, you’ll likely be able to participate – and your peer group will support you.
What if the scheduled session times don’t work for my time zone?
Live Sessions happen every Thursday 4-6pm CET and peer groups meet according to their agreed schedules. If this timing is genuinely impossible, let us know in your application. We may be able to arrange alternative peer group times if enough participants need it.
Can I participate using only my phone?
Yes, though a larger screen makes some activities easier.
What is “self-paced learning” and is it required?
Beyond the 2 hours of live sessions and peer group meetups each week of 1-2 hours, we provide optional self-paced materials. These include reflective prompts to apply concepts to your own context. This self-paced component is valuable but flexible. The core required commitment is the 3 hours of live sessions and peer groups.
Is my personal information safe? What happens to what I share in sessions?
Your privacy and safety matter to us. What’s shared in peer groups stays in peer groups – we ask all participants to respect this confidentiality. The only exception is if someone indicates they’re in danger or at risk of harm, in which case facilitators may need to connect them with appropriate support.
How do session recordings work? Will I be on camera in recordings?
Live Sessions are recorded (with participant consent requested at the start of each session) and made available only to program participants within 24 hours. These recordings help people catch up if they miss a session or want to review content. Recordings are never shared publicly or outside the participant community, and are typically deleted after the program ends.
I sometimes struggle with group discussions or speaking up in front of others. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. We use multiple participation modes – speaking aloud, chat messages, breakout discussions, written reflections, and collaborative documents – so you’re not required to verbally participate in large groups if that’s uncomfortable for you. Peer groups (4-6 people) are intentionally smaller than live sessions to make it easier to contribute.
Can I apply as a team or have someone represent my organization/project?
No, the Discovery Journey is designed for individual participation. We’re committed to working with the individuals who apply and get selected. If you’re working on a project with others and multiple people want to join, each person must apply individually and go through the selection process. If you’re selected but later realize you can’t participate, you cannot send someone else in your place.
I have [hearing/visual/mobility/cognitive/other] accessibility needs. Can you accommodate this?
We’re committed to trying. Please share your specific needs in the application or contact us directly. We can’t guarantee we can meet every need, but we’ll be transparent about what’s possible and work with you to find solutions.
I use specific assistive technology. Will it work with your choice of platforms?
We use a mix of Zoom, Miro and Google Drive, as well as our dedicated platform called GROW. Zoom is generally good – it has keyboard shortcuts, works with screen readers and live captions are available. Miro can be a bit more challenging for screen readers. Google Docs are also screen reader compatible and have overall good accessibility levels. If you use specific assistive technology, please mention it in your application and we’ll verify compatibility before the program begins.
I have ADHD/autism/dyslexia/other neurodivergent needs. Will the sessions work for me?
Our sessions include varied formats – some discussion-based, some reflective, some hands-on – to support different ways of processing information. We provide agendas in advance so you know what to expect, and if you need breaks during longer sessions, that’s completely fine. You can step away briefly and return, or turn off your camera for a moment to recharge. If you have specific needs (like needing materials in advance, preferring written over verbal communication, or requiring extra processing time), please share this in your application or with your facilitator.
Can I participate if I’m managing mental health challenges?
Yes, and we want to support you in doing so sustainably. This program involves engaging with social issues and challenges in your community, which can sometimes bring up difficult emotions. We encourage you to practice self-care and set boundaries that protect your wellbeing.
What if I get overwhelmed during sessions or need to step back?
Your wellbeing comes first. If you need to step away from a session for any reason – to take a break, process information, or manage your energy – you’re welcome to do so. You can turn off your camera, take a brief break, or simply listen rather than actively participate when needed.