We believe students can change the world.

The University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program empowers students and faculty to become leaders of change in higher education. Together, they are building a global movement that equips learners with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex world and create a better future.

From redesigning learning experiences to strengthening innovation ecosystems, Fellows create opportunities that empower their peers and drive meaningful change on campuses worldwide.

The University Innovation Fellows program is a global community of students and educators creating change in higher education through design thinking, futures perspectives, collaboration, and leadership.

Founded in 2012 by Humera Fasihuddin and Leticia Britos-Cavagnaro, UIF has grown from a small initiative into a worldwide movement of more than 3,300 Fellows across 450+ institutions. Originally launched through Epicenter and later expanded globally through Stanford University’s d.school, the program entered a new chapter in 2025.

Today, the University of Twente, through DesignLab, proudly serves as the global home of the University Innovation Fellows program, supported by the founding partners at Stanford d.school. Building on years of collaboration, UT now leads and further develops the program while continuing its mission of empowering students worldwide as agents of change.

At the University of Twente, we believe innovation happens when people work across disciplines and perspectives. Through UIF Twente, students, researchers, faculty and partners contribute to a growing ecosystem where ideas become action and where change is created across campus.

Students of all backgrounds — from first-year students to PhD candidates — are invited to help shape the future of education and society.

Find out more about UIF at the About UIF page!