Design Thinking Bootcamp Returns to Innovation Center
The Raiffeisen Innovation Center in Linz continues to thrive.
Earlier this year, the Raiffeisen Innovation Centre at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria, hosted its second Design Thinking Bootcamp, once again led by Stanford lecturers Anja Svetina Nabergoj and J. Scott Sanchez.
Alongside the deep-dive workshop, this year’s edition also welcomed back participants from previous edition – including our executive director, Stefan Camezind – for a hands-on refresher and a chance to reconnect with fellow innovators.
Just like the first edition, the bootcamp was held in the recently completed Raiffeisen Innovation Centre – a space we designed to encourage new ways of thinking, learning, and collaborating. It’s quickly become a regional hub for cross-sector exchange, idea-sharing, and creative experimentation – all taking place in a flexible, energising environment.
Connecting Students, Industry, and Academia
«The idea behind the Raiffeisen Innovation Centre is to bring practical knowledge together with innovation-driven methods, rounded out by academic expertise. We work with three key groups: students, companies, and institutes,» explains Wolfgang Spitzenberger, Head of HR at Raiffeisenlandesbank OÖ.
The 620-square-meter innovation centre features carefully zoned spaces: a dedicated design thinking workshop, event stage, breakout zones, areas for individual and group work, and a terrace for outdoor sessions.
The workshop area is designed and equipped for maximum flexibility and creativity: mobile furniture, generous whiteboard space, large screens, and a fully equipped prototyping corner stocked with tools and materials commonly used in design thinking sessions.
A Format That’s Here to Stay
After the success of last year’s event, the four-day bootcamp has now established itself as an annual highlight. It serves as a rare opportunity for Austria’s innovation community to connect directly with global design experts from Stanford.
«The Innovation Centre supports Austria’s innovation culture through a mix of curated formats, industry meetups, and focused trend scouting,» says Barbara Boucek, Head of Innovation Hub.
A Curated Experience
This project is a strong example of how space can shape behaviour, support innovation, and encourage collaboration. Since its opening in autumn 2023, the Innovation Centre has been buzzing with activity – hosting a growing range of events, workshops, and informal exchanges.
Its success is no accident. Behind the scenes is a team of dedicated innovation experts and certified design thinking coaches who curate a full calendar of workshops, meetups, and events throughout the year.
«Our occupancy rates are very high – both students and university are showing strong interest in the workshop space and our events – which is something we’re especially pleased about», says Barbara Boucek.
By delivering an inspiring, flexible, and user-cantered environment, we’ve helped create a platform that continues to empower innovation – across students, businesses, the education sector, and society at large.