Global Research and Innovation Programme (GRIP Hybrid)

Starts : December 2024

What is GRIP?

Learn by doing
 

The Global Research and Innovation Programme (GRIP) in association with National University of Singapore (NUS) brings in the rigorous, collaborative and action-learning experience as in-person internships. Over 7 weeks Online + 10 days On Campus, you will learn and work with a global team of innovators carefully selected by Corporate Gurukul to build and deliver value through innovation.

The Global Research and Innovation Programme (GRIP) enables you to identify and solve real-world problems using a unique methodology – Design Thinking.
 

You conduct empathy-led primary research, define the problem, and evolve innovative solution(s). Through GRIP, you will learn how to approach problems from different perspectives to create solutions. Your approach needs to be inter-disciplinary and aimed at creating prototypes that are user friendly and can be commercialized.
 

If your solution is unique, apply and get a patent while you are still in school!
 

GRIP is a key component in CG’s Global Strategy which focuses on shaping the future of education, learning and creating global empathetic leaders.

At a Glance
Duration : 3 - 6 months
Grades : 8 - 12
Academic Fee : SGD 3499
Programme Outcome : Letter of Evaluation from NUS and NTU
Application Deadline : 30th October, 2021
Duration : 7 weeks Online + 10 days On Campus
Grades : 8 - 12
Academic Fee : USD 2199
Programme Outcome : Letter of Evaluation from National University of Singapore (NUS)

Download Brochure

Download Brochure

Pillars of the CG GRIP Programme

What to expect at the internship?

The research work involves solving real-world challenges which are always interdisciplinary in nature. Hence, all teams are encouraged to choose team members with complementary skill sets.

To give you an idea, we have listed a few projects done by GRIP participants.

Session Plan Online

  FACILITATOR INTERVENTION SELF-DIRECTED WORK
Session 1
EMPATHY

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Introduction to Design Thinking
  • Introduction to ‘EMPATHY – LED RESEARCH’ to understand target audiences

DURATION: 32 hours

  • Design questionnaire for target audiences
  • Conduct empathy-led primary research
Session 2
DEFINE PROBLEM

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Assessment and feedback on Empathy Maps
  • ‘DEFINE’ the problem to be solved

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Post feedback, go back to the target audiences for deeper insights
Session 3
IDEATION

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Review Problem Definition
  • Ideate and evolve the ‘BIG IDEA’

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Re-define the Problem (if needed)
  • Sketch and detail the Big Idea

Session Plan at National University of Singapore (NUS)

  FACILITATOR INTERVENTION SELF-DIRECTED WORK
Session 4
BUILDING
PROTOTYPE

DURATION: 32 hours

  • Introduction to ‘PROTOTYPE’ process
  • Continuous guidance and feedback during prototype development

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Create PROTOTYPE
  • Test PROTOTYPE
Session 5
PRESENTATION

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Teams present their final prototype and pitch to DTE

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Teams work on their final presentations based on DTE feedback

Assessment Criteria

Students are assessed on the following parameters during the whole programme by the National University of Singapore (NUS) faculty and the Design Thinking Expert:

  • Research Methodology
  • Design Thinking Process
  • Ideation
  • Solution
  • Prototype
  • Presentation
 
Pedagogy
Research Domains

The research work involves solving real-world challenges which are always interdisciplinary in nature. Hence, all teams are encouraged to choose team members with complementary skill sets.

To give you an idea, we have listed a few projects done by GRIP participants.

Schedule

Session Plan Online

  FACILITATOR INTERVENTION SELF-DIRECTED WORK
Session 1
EMPATHY

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Introduction to Design Thinking
  • Introduction to ‘EMPATHY – LED RESEARCH’ to understand target audiences

DURATION: 32 hours

  • Design questionnaire for target audiences
  • Conduct empathy-led primary research
Session 2
DEFINE PROBLEM

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Assessment and feedback on Empathy Maps
  • ‘DEFINE’ the problem to be solved

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Post feedback, go back to the target audiences for deeper insights
Session 3
IDEATION

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Review Problem Definition
  • Ideate and evolve the ‘BIG IDEA’

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Re-define the Problem (if needed)
  • Sketch and detail the Big Idea

Session Plan at National University of Singapore (NUS)

  FACILITATOR INTERVENTION SELF-DIRECTED WORK
Session 4
BUILDING
PROTOTYPE

DURATION: 32 hours

  • Introduction to ‘PROTOTYPE’ process
  • Continuous guidance and feedback during prototype development

DURATION: 16 hours

  • Create PROTOTYPE
  • Test PROTOTYPE
Session 5
PRESENTATION

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Teams present their final prototype and pitch to DTE

DURATION: 8 hours

  • Teams work on their final presentations based on DTE feedback
Assessment

Assessment Criteria

Students are assessed on the following parameters during the whole programme by the National University of Singapore (NUS) faculty and the Design Thinking Expert:

  • Research Methodology
  • Design Thinking Process
  • Ideation
  • Solution
  • Prototype
  • Presentation
Programme Completion Documents
 

Admissions

Admissions to GRIP are highly selective. Our selection criteria have evolved over the last 14 years to reflect characteristics embodied by our most successful Interns or our global empathetic leaders. In addition to these criteria, we found successful Interns display and articulate the following qualities: compassion, the pursuit of excellence, are curious and dynamic, enjoy learning and strive to make an impact personally and professionally. Be prepared to talk about your accomplishments and how you have dealt with challenges when you apply.

Certificates

The following Certificates will be given at the end of the programme:

  • Best Research
  • Best Idea
  • Best Solution
  • Best Prototype
  • Best Presentation
  • Best Project

Mentors

National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) traces its roots back to the Nanyang University Department of Computer Science that was established in 1975 – the first of its kind in Singapore. Since then, it has developed into one of the leading computing schools in the world, with faculty members who are both internationally recognised researchers and inspiring teachers. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programmes across the full spectrum of the field of computing, including Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Business Analytics and Information Security, as well as specialisations in emerging areas of importance such as artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, analytics and security.

Faculty Profile

Dr. TAN Wee Kek

Dr. TAN Wee Kek

Associate Professor

Department of Information Systems & Analytics
School of Computing
National University of Singapore

Dr. TAN Wee Kek is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Systems & Analytics at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious NUS Teaching Academy. He graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems in July 2013 and a Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems (1st Class Honours) in July 2007, both from the National University of Singapore. Prior to this, he attended Singapore Polytechnic and graduated with a Diploma in Computer Information Systems with Merit in July 2001.

 

His current primary research interests focus on consumer-based information technology (e.g., online decision aids, social computing, virtual worlds and consumer cloud services). Most of his research is based on design science, a well-established problem-solving paradigm that has been widely adopted in information systems research. His current secondary research interests focus on information systems education.

 

His work has been published or is forthcoming in journals such as Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), Decision Support Systems (DSS), Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS), and Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE). His work has also been presented or is forthcoming in conferences such as ACM SIGMIS Computer Personnel Research Conference (SIGMIS-CPR), IFIP Working Group 8.2 Working Conference (IFIP WG8.2), European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), and International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (ICHCI).

Design Thinking Experts

Ms. Anbumathi

Ms. Anbumathi

Anbumathi is a versatile entrepreneur, imparting an array of skills and techniques in her initiatives. She excels in engagement with instructional designing and content development, training and delivery, and presentation and facilitation dynamics.

Being Director- Operations of Resources Lifecare, she is responsible for defining the Market for Herbal hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Develop an extended solution portfolio introducing an aggregator model for bringing third-party applications into the portfolio to drive new sales revenues.

An Engineering graduate she has 14 years of experience, successfully performing various roles. She is a successful full-time event management entrepreneur. Aspiring for excellence in a continuous learning cycle, she also heads a manufacturing division that produces health care products. Her efforts and excellence have been acknowledged and awarded as Best Entrepreneur by CIMSME.

Anbumathi specializes in Training Need Analysis, Instructional Goals, Training Methodologies, Activities, Guides for Trainers & Assessments.

Ms. Sowmya Lakshminarayanan

Ms. Sowmya Lakshminarayanan

Sowmya is an expert & Co-founder to Lead by Design foundation. Lead by Design foundation mission is to empower young people to take action and build local solutions for global challenges through design thinking.

She has trained around 200+ students (age group of 9 to 20 years) through design thinking workshops on various steps of design thinking including remote prototyping, and have conducted various training workshops for adults to conduct design thinking workshop for students.

Her achievements include:

  • Jury member, NSIC project work of students, e-vidyaloka (2020)
  • Changelooms initiatives – Leadership journey Incubatee (2020)
  • UNLEASH innovation lab winner -Most impactful solution award amongst 1500 global audience (2019)
  • Shakti - The empathy project women entrepreneur incubatee (2019)

Her skillset – Research, Data collection and analysis, High volume data interpretation, Project planning and execution, Activity based curriculum design, Adobe and design tools and Photography

Mr. Anuj Kulkarni

Mr. Anuj Kulkarni

Anuj is a self-driven, passionate, empathetic, and highly experienced Project Management, Design Thinking (Innovation) & Organizational Change Management (OCM) Coach, Consulting Practitioner & Facilitator. He has consulted many small businesses, govt. undertakings as well as large MNCs over the past 20+ years in diverse industry areas such as information technology, oil & gas, healthcare & education.

Anuj is a passionate learner and loves to share his knowledge with a strong belief that everyone has the potential to make a better future for self & others through personal & professional transformation. Over the past 5 years, he ha also invested as an Angel in several early & scaling start-ups and mentored founders in defining & solving complex problems.

Currently, Anuj manages a large digital platform development project for a global healthcare client using Design Thinking methodology & also consults a medium size shipping & logistics company on Enterprise Project Management.

Recently, He has also built a community of Design Thinkers at Jio Platforms Ltd (newly formed software entity of Reliance Industries Ltd) to promote open innovation with a goal of democratizing the corporate innovation process (Intrapreneurship) across various businesses of RIL (Hydrocarbons, Life Sciences & Telecom).

National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) traces its roots back to the Nanyang University Department of Computer Science that was established in 1975 – the first of its kind in Singapore. Since then, it has developed into one of the leading computing schools in the world, with faculty members who are both internationally recognised researchers and inspiring teachers. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programmes across the full spectrum of the field of computing, including Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Business Analytics and Information Security, as well as specialisations in emerging areas of importance such as artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, analytics and security.

Faculty Profile

Dr. TAN Wee Kek

Dr. TAN Wee Kek

Associate Professor

Department of Information Systems & Analytics
School of Computing
National University of Singapore

Dr. TAN Wee Kek is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Systems & Analytics at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious NUS Teaching Academy. He graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems in July 2013 and a Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems (1st Class Honours) in July 2007, both from the National University of Singapore. Prior to this, he attended Singapore Polytechnic and graduated with a Diploma in Computer Information Systems with Merit in July 2001.

 

His current primary research interests focus on consumer-based information technology (e.g., online decision aids, social computing, virtual worlds and consumer cloud services). Most of his research is based on design science, a well-established problem-solving paradigm that has been widely adopted in information systems research. His current secondary research interests focus on information systems education.

 

His work has been published or is forthcoming in journals such as Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), Decision Support Systems (DSS), Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS), and Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE). His work has also been presented or is forthcoming in conferences such as ACM SIGMIS Computer Personnel Research Conference (SIGMIS-CPR), IFIP Working Group 8.2 Working Conference (IFIP WG8.2), European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), and International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (ICHCI).

Design Thinking Experts

Ms. Anbumathi

Ms. Anbumathi

Anbumathi is a versatile entrepreneur, imparting an array of skills and techniques in her initiatives. She excels in engagement with instructional designing and content development, training and delivery, and presentation and facilitation dynamics.

Being Director- Operations of Resources Lifecare, she is responsible for defining the Market for Herbal hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Develop an extended solution portfolio introducing an aggregator model for bringing third-party applications into the portfolio to drive new sales revenues.

An Engineering graduate she has 14 years of experience, successfully performing various roles. She is a successful full-time event management entrepreneur. Aspiring for excellence in a continuous learning cycle, she also heads a manufacturing division that produces health care products. Her efforts and excellence have been acknowledged and awarded as Best Entrepreneur by CIMSME.

Anbumathi specializes in Training Need Analysis, Instructional Goals, Training Methodologies, Activities, Guides for Trainers & Assessments.

Ms. Sowmya Lakshminarayanan

Ms. Sowmya Lakshminarayanan

Sowmya is an expert & Co-founder to Lead by Design foundation. Lead by Design foundation mission is to empower young people to take action and build local solutions for global challenges through design thinking.

She has trained around 200+ students (age group of 9 to 20 years) through design thinking workshops on various steps of design thinking including remote prototyping, and have conducted various training workshops for adults to conduct design thinking workshop for students.

Her achievements include:

  • Jury member, NSIC project work of students, e-vidyaloka (2020)
  • Changelooms initiatives – Leadership journey Incubatee (2020)
  • UNLEASH innovation lab winner -Most impactful solution award amongst 1500 global audience (2019)
  • Shakti - The empathy project women entrepreneur incubatee (2019)

Her skillset – Research, Data collection and analysis, High volume data interpretation, Project planning and execution, Activity based curriculum design, Adobe and design tools and Photography

Mr. Anuj Kulkarni

Mr. Anuj Kulkarni

Anuj is a self-driven, passionate, empathetic, and highly experienced Project Management, Design Thinking (Innovation) & Organizational Change Management (OCM) Coach, Consulting Practitioner & Facilitator. He has consulted many small businesses, govt. undertakings as well as large MNCs over the past 20+ years in diverse industry areas such as information technology, oil & gas, healthcare & education.

Anuj is a passionate learner and loves to share his knowledge with a strong belief that everyone has the potential to make a better future for self & others through personal & professional transformation. Over the past 5 years, he ha also invested as an Angel in several early & scaling start-ups and mentored founders in defining & solving complex problems.

Currently, Anuj manages a large digital platform development project for a global healthcare client using Design Thinking methodology & also consults a medium size shipping & logistics company on Enterprise Project Management.

Recently, He has also built a community of Design Thinkers at Jio Platforms Ltd (newly formed software entity of Reliance Industries Ltd) to promote open innovation with a goal of democratizing the corporate innovation process (Intrapreneurship) across various businesses of RIL (Hydrocarbons, Life Sciences & Telecom).

Testimonials

Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this programme benefit the student?

The student:

  • Conducts research in a fun and engaging way to come up with original and innovative solutions
  • Gets first-hand experience in entrepreneurship and management
  • Receive project guidance, feedback, evaluation and endorsement by the faculty from – National University of Singapore (NUS) 
  • Collaborate and compete with students from different schools and countries
  • Experiences university and hostel life in National University of Singapore (NUS) and cultural Innovation in Singapore

'Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.' - Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO

Design Thinking gives participants an opportunity to take a look at problems from a completely different perspective. The process of design thinking allows them to look at an existing issue using creativity. IDEO started the concept of Design Thinking. The Design Thinking methodology was later promoted and practised at Stanford University. Currently top companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, P&G, Deutsche Bank, Coca Cola, etc. have implemented Design Thinking methodology as a tool for innovation.

Design Thinking aligns with Corporate Gurukul’s Learning Model i.e Know, Practise, Perform and Reflect. The entire process of Design Thinking takes a holistic and human centred approach to problem solving. It involves some serious brainstorming and the formulation of fresh ideas, which can expand the learner’s knowledge. By putting Design Thinking approach to use, participants are able to collaborate with one another to get feedback, which thereby helps in creating an invaluable experience for end users.

Global Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), is conducted by Corporate Gurukul, Singapore and delivered with Corporate Gurukul’s certified mentors, educators and research experts from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

There are 7 weeks Online + 10 days On-Campus training
training sessions of GRIP which are conducted at the school premises. The Design Thinking Expert travels to the premises to conduct these sessions generally over 1-2 months (based on the schedule decided). Students then travel to Singapore to ideate with National University of Singapore (NUS) research experts on their findings of primary research, build prototypes and to present their projects to National University of Singapore (NUS) educators and research experts and get their Letter of Evaluation (LoE) from National University of Singapore (NUS).

GRIP is a completely hands-on programme.Students work in groups and every student has assigned roles and responsibilities. National University of Singapore (NUS) professors assess each student and give feedback based on their presentations in Singapore.The knowledge of research methods, Design Thinking and the life skills built during the programme (teamwork, presentation, communication, time management, to name a few) will help the students transform and have a new approach to their decision-making skills in life.

Every school assigns a dedicated coordinator (mostly student counsellor) to facilitate the process with Corporate Gurukul. This designated faculty also travels with the students to Singapore.

This is upto the school management. Some of the schools provide all the facilities, especially for boarders.

What are the dates for the programme?

The programme dates can be customized based on the school calendar if there are 15 or more students from the same school. If students want to apply externally, they can join the summer or winter batch based on their convenience.

Each session is of 6-7 hours. Days and timing are decided along with the school authorities based on students availability.

It will be a 10 days experiential On campus programme which includes project work with university professors and sightseeing (Universal Studios and Sentosa )

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

What are the requirements to earn all the programme completion documents?

Issuance of LoE will be at Corporate Gurukul’s discretion subject to:

a.     The participant’s performance

b.     Completion of assignments and

c.     90% attendance during the academic programme

 

  • The LOE(s) will be posted to your respective institutes 60 days post the programme’s completion.

What is the duration of project work in school? Is it sufficient for students to finish the project?

The project is experiential and not theoretical. Students gather insights by interviewing real life people and come back in every session to move forward (the 5 phases of Design Thinking). Approximately 7-8 hours per week should be sufficient to successfully complete the programme.

Yes, you will be assigned teams for project work and assignments. These teams typically consist of 4-5 members and are multidisciplinary.

In the introductory session, students are led through exploration of their passion and interest areas. Groups are determined based common interests.

Project domains are assigned purely based on students’ interest and passion areas.

Individual projects are not allowed. Group work is preferred. Most of the time common interest areas are aligned in any batch.

Corporate Gurukul mentors closely monitor the progress and guide the students through self-directed research work, wherever necessary.

You are encouraged to troubleshoot your own group challenges. You can always communicate with Corporate Gurukul mentors. Our experts are very approachable and help out students in every way to resolve any challenges.

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

How do we register?

If you are keen to apply, please sign up on our website and fill in the Application Form on the dashboard. Our team will get in touch with you for next steps.

Or you can share your interest to the Point of contact (POC) assigned in your school and our team will get in touch with them with the detailed registration process.

The payment deadlines will be mentioned in your ‘Offer Letter’. You are eligible for the ‘Offer Letter’ only if you are selected.

  1. Local Transport in India
  2. International SIM Card
  3. Local Transport in Singapore for personal visits/sightseeing
  4. Medical expenses in Singapore
  5. Gym, laundry or any other hostel facility charges
  6. Stay in Singapore before or after the programme

Yes, this can be worked out in certain cases. Although travel logistics in terms of safety need to be worked out with the parents and the school.

How do you take care of safety of students while travelling to Singapore?

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. We have one faculty from every school coming with the students to Singapore. The Design Thinking Expert of the batches also travel to Singapore with the students. On the ground, we have our local programme management team throughout the stay in Singapore.

You will stay university hostel in Singapore. The exact hostel address and facilities will be informed to you during academic programme orientation. In case university hostels are not available, you will be staying in hostels outside campus. In such case, coach services will be provided for transfer from hostel to university and back.

The exact dates and timing will be issued to you formally upon successful admission for GRIP based on the training dates decided.

Corporate Gurukul will arrange for coach services for pick up from Airport and drop at hostel Drop to the airport from hostel for return will be managed too.

The immigration process takes typically 2-3 minutes per individual. Refer below links for the arrival and departure immigration process:

  1. On Arrival Immigration Process - https://youtu.be/yvL8nPEuQIE
  2. Departure Immigration Process - https://youtu.be/xgTHVn5y4Cs

You will be required to show your passport, boarding pass and E-Visa to the immigration officer. They might ask for additional supporting documents as below. Please carry the following documents along with one set of photocopy (mandatory):

  1. Passport
  2. Offer Letter
  3. Admission Letter
  4. Visa Invite Letter
  5. E-Visa
  6. Personal Travel Insurance (if applied)
  7. 2 passport size photograph
  1. Laptop (and charger) with mentioned specs:
  2. SIN $1000 Card/International Credit Card for personal expenses
  3. SIN $30-SIN $50 for SIM Card and international Calling
  4. Travel adapter for Singapore. Buy here.
  5. Mobile phone with charger
  6. Bathing Towel with preferred soap and shampoo
  7. Bedsheet (2 Nos.)
  8. Digital Camera
  9. Foldable Umbrella (it rains anytime/ any day in Singapore)
  10. Hair-cut and personal grooming (it costs 5 times that of India)
  11. Water Bottle
  12. Medical Kit (if applicable) A prescription is required for drugs administered for specific illnesses. You do not require a prescription for Over the Counter (OTC) drugs.
  13. Indian/ Western formals for trainings sessions and meetings
  14. One pair of black formal shoes
  15. Jacket/ Blazer/Suit for formal occasion/ photo-shoot
  16. Swim wear/ shorts/ slippers for the beach (though you can buy in Singapore, its costly)
  17. Carry a pair of sun-glasses for outdoors and beach (remember Singapore is on the equator)
  18. School uniform
  19. Flight check-in baggage with locking facility (as per your luggage allowance)
  20. Refer carefully the list of objects that CANNOT be carried in hand-carry baggage for flight

The hostel booking will be done by Corporate Gurukul (if you have opted for accommodation) as per the following schedule:

  1. Hostel Check-in Time: 2:00 PM SGT onwards
  2. Early check-in (same day) may be available if there is a vacancy.
  3. Hostel Check-out Time: Before 12:00 PM SGT
 

Late check-out (same day) will be chargeable on actuals. It must be paid by the participant at the time of check-out.

No, the hostels are booked only for the programme duration. Should you wish to extend your stay, you will need to arrange for accommodation on your own.

They will be confirmed one month prior to the programme commencement. Typical facilities include::

In Room -

  1. Non-Air-conditioned Room
  2. Single Bed
  3. One set of linen (Bedspread. Pillow cover, Thin Blanket)
  4. Study table and chair
  5. Wardrobe (with locking facility)
  6. Mobile pedestal
  7. Ceiling Fan
  8. Window curtains
  9. Wi-Fi

Common Facilities -

  1. Shower and Toilet Facilities
  2. Food court/restaurant near hostel (Veg and Non-veg)
 

Please note Sports and Gym facilities may not be accessible.

There are food courts/restaurants near the hostel which serve a variety of food including Indian veg and non-vegetarian.

  1. Please carry at least two sets of formals for introductory session and formal photo shoot and Valedictory ceremony. Please also carry your school uniforms and t shirts.
  2. You can wear casuals during sessions unless specifically asked to wear formals. Casuals include jeans, t-shirts, shirts, trousers, kurtis (for girls). Please do not wear shorts and slippers to class.

Shorts are allowed in the hostel for both boys and girls. Attire such as skimpy or revealing clothes or clothes printed with vulgar or offensive words or pictures should be avoided.

Your travel insurance policy should cover all charges incurred for medical expenses. Please read all scheme related documents carefully for inclusions and exclusions. Corporate Gurukul will not be responsible for any personal expenses made which are covered or not covered by your insurance policy. Also, make sure you travel with enough money for an emergency.

Corporate Gurukul Programme Manager(s) typically stay in the same hostel as you. You can approach them for any help. Their details will be shared with you during orientation.

Vegetarian, as well as non-vegetarian food is easily available inside and outside university campus. There is a wide range of choice amongst Indian, Chinese, European, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisines. Typically, 3 meals in a day should cost you between S$18- S$25. However, the estimate may vary as per your dining choices..

GRIP Deep Dive

How does this programme benefit the student?

The student:

  • Conducts research in a fun and engaging way to come up with original and innovative solutions
  • Gets first-hand experience in entrepreneurship and management
  • Receive project guidance, feedback, evaluation and endorsement by the faculty from – National University of Singapore (NUS) 
  • Collaborate and compete with students from different schools and countries
  • Experiences university and hostel life in National University of Singapore (NUS) and cultural Innovation in Singapore

'Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.' - Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO

Design Thinking gives participants an opportunity to take a look at problems from a completely different perspective. The process of design thinking allows them to look at an existing issue using creativity. IDEO started the concept of Design Thinking. The Design Thinking methodology was later promoted and practised at Stanford University. Currently top companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, P&G, Deutsche Bank, Coca Cola, etc. have implemented Design Thinking methodology as a tool for innovation.

Design Thinking aligns with Corporate Gurukul’s Learning Model i.e Know, Practise, Perform and Reflect. The entire process of Design Thinking takes a holistic and human centred approach to problem solving. It involves some serious brainstorming and the formulation of fresh ideas, which can expand the learner’s knowledge. By putting Design Thinking approach to use, participants are able to collaborate with one another to get feedback, which thereby helps in creating an invaluable experience for end users.

Global Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), is conducted by Corporate Gurukul, Singapore and delivered with Corporate Gurukul’s certified mentors, educators and research experts from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

There are 7 weeks Online + 10 days On-Campus training
training sessions of GRIP which are conducted at the school premises. The Design Thinking Expert travels to the premises to conduct these sessions generally over 1-2 months (based on the schedule decided). Students then travel to Singapore to ideate with National University of Singapore (NUS) research experts on their findings of primary research, build prototypes and to present their projects to National University of Singapore (NUS) educators and research experts and get their Letter of Evaluation (LoE) from National University of Singapore (NUS).

GRIP is a completely hands-on programme.Students work in groups and every student has assigned roles and responsibilities. National University of Singapore (NUS) professors assess each student and give feedback based on their presentations in Singapore.The knowledge of research methods, Design Thinking and the life skills built during the programme (teamwork, presentation, communication, time management, to name a few) will help the students transform and have a new approach to their decision-making skills in life.

Every school assigns a dedicated coordinator (mostly student counsellor) to facilitate the process with Corporate Gurukul. This designated faculty also travels with the students to Singapore.

This is upto the school management. Some of the schools provide all the facilities, especially for boarders.

Applying for GRIP

What are the dates for the programme?

The programme dates can be customized based on the school calendar if there are 15 or more students from the same school. If students want to apply externally, they can join the summer or winter batch based on their convenience.

Each session is of 6-7 hours. Days and timing are decided along with the school authorities based on students availability.

It will be a 10 days experiential On campus programme which includes project work with university professors and sightseeing (Universal Studios and Sentosa )

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

Programme Completion Documents

What are the requirements to earn all the programme completion documents?

Issuance of LoE will be at Corporate Gurukul’s discretion subject to:

a.     The participant’s performance

b.     Completion of assignments and

c.     90% attendance during the academic programme

 

  • The LOE(s) will be posted to your respective institutes 60 days post the programme’s completion.

Managing Project Work

What is the duration of project work in school? Is it sufficient for students to finish the project?

The project is experiential and not theoretical. Students gather insights by interviewing real life people and come back in every session to move forward (the 5 phases of Design Thinking). Approximately 7-8 hours per week should be sufficient to successfully complete the programme.

Yes, you will be assigned teams for project work and assignments. These teams typically consist of 4-5 members and are multidisciplinary.

In the introductory session, students are led through exploration of their passion and interest areas. Groups are determined based common interests.

Project domains are assigned purely based on students’ interest and passion areas.

Individual projects are not allowed. Group work is preferred. Most of the time common interest areas are aligned in any batch.

Corporate Gurukul mentors closely monitor the progress and guide the students through self-directed research work, wherever necessary.

You are encouraged to troubleshoot your own group challenges. You can always communicate with Corporate Gurukul mentors. Our experts are very approachable and help out students in every way to resolve any challenges.

Yes. The programme timelines are designed in a way that it does not hamper the student’s academic performance.

You need to inform the school and Corporate Gurukul team in advance. If possible, the trainer will schedule a slot with you to help you catch-up. You also have to coordinate with your group mates to get updates about current progress and next steps as it is a team effort.

Payment

How do we register?

If you are keen to apply, please sign up on our website and fill in the Application Form on the dashboard. Our team will get in touch with you for next steps.

Or you can share your interest to the Point of contact (POC) assigned in your school and our team will get in touch with them with the detailed registration process.

The payment deadlines will be mentioned in your ‘Offer Letter’. You are eligible for the ‘Offer Letter’ only if you are selected.

  1. Local Transport in India
  2. International SIM Card
  3. Local Transport in Singapore for personal visits/sightseeing
  4. Medical expenses in Singapore
  5. Gym, laundry or any other hostel facility charges
  6. Stay in Singapore before or after the programme

Yes, this can be worked out in certain cases. Although travel logistics in terms of safety need to be worked out with the parents and the school.

Travel and Accommodation

How do you take care of safety of students while travelling to Singapore?

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. We have one faculty from every school coming with the students to Singapore. The Design Thinking Expert of the batches also travel to Singapore with the students. On the ground, we have our local programme management team throughout the stay in Singapore.

You will stay university hostel in Singapore. The exact hostel address and facilities will be informed to you during academic programme orientation. In case university hostels are not available, you will be staying in hostels outside campus. In such case, coach services will be provided for transfer from hostel to university and back.

The exact dates and timing will be issued to you formally upon successful admission for GRIP based on the training dates decided.

Corporate Gurukul will arrange for coach services for pick up from Airport and drop at hostel Drop to the airport from hostel for return will be managed too.

The immigration process takes typically 2-3 minutes per individual. Refer below links for the arrival and departure immigration process:

  1. On Arrival Immigration Process - https://youtu.be/yvL8nPEuQIE
  2. Departure Immigration Process - https://youtu.be/xgTHVn5y4Cs

You will be required to show your passport, boarding pass and E-Visa to the immigration officer. They might ask for additional supporting documents as below. Please carry the following documents along with one set of photocopy (mandatory):

  1. Passport
  2. Offer Letter
  3. Admission Letter
  4. Visa Invite Letter
  5. E-Visa
  6. Personal Travel Insurance (if applied)
  7. 2 passport size photograph
  1. Laptop (and charger) with mentioned specs:
  2. SIN $1000 Card/International Credit Card for personal expenses
  3. SIN $30-SIN $50 for SIM Card and international Calling
  4. Travel adapter for Singapore. Buy here.
  5. Mobile phone with charger
  6. Bathing Towel with preferred soap and shampoo
  7. Bedsheet (2 Nos.)
  8. Digital Camera
  9. Foldable Umbrella (it rains anytime/ any day in Singapore)
  10. Hair-cut and personal grooming (it costs 5 times that of India)
  11. Water Bottle
  12. Medical Kit (if applicable) A prescription is required for drugs administered for specific illnesses. You do not require a prescription for Over the Counter (OTC) drugs.
  13. Indian/ Western formals for trainings sessions and meetings
  14. One pair of black formal shoes
  15. Jacket/ Blazer/Suit for formal occasion/ photo-shoot
  16. Swim wear/ shorts/ slippers for the beach (though you can buy in Singapore, its costly)
  17. Carry a pair of sun-glasses for outdoors and beach (remember Singapore is on the equator)
  18. School uniform
  19. Flight check-in baggage with locking facility (as per your luggage allowance)
  20. Refer carefully the list of objects that CANNOT be carried in hand-carry baggage for flight

The hostel booking will be done by Corporate Gurukul (if you have opted for accommodation) as per the following schedule:

  1. Hostel Check-in Time: 2:00 PM SGT onwards
  2. Early check-in (same day) may be available if there is a vacancy.
  3. Hostel Check-out Time: Before 12:00 PM SGT
 

Late check-out (same day) will be chargeable on actuals. It must be paid by the participant at the time of check-out.

No, the hostels are booked only for the programme duration. Should you wish to extend your stay, you will need to arrange for accommodation on your own.

They will be confirmed one month prior to the programme commencement. Typical facilities include::

In Room -

  1. Non-Air-conditioned Room
  2. Single Bed
  3. One set of linen (Bedspread. Pillow cover, Thin Blanket)
  4. Study table and chair
  5. Wardrobe (with locking facility)
  6. Mobile pedestal
  7. Ceiling Fan
  8. Window curtains
  9. Wi-Fi

Common Facilities -

  1. Shower and Toilet Facilities
  2. Food court/restaurant near hostel (Veg and Non-veg)
 

Please note Sports and Gym facilities may not be accessible.

There are food courts/restaurants near the hostel which serve a variety of food including Indian veg and non-vegetarian.

  1. Please carry at least two sets of formals for introductory session and formal photo shoot and Valedictory ceremony. Please also carry your school uniforms and t shirts.
  2. You can wear casuals during sessions unless specifically asked to wear formals. Casuals include jeans, t-shirts, shirts, trousers, kurtis (for girls). Please do not wear shorts and slippers to class.

Shorts are allowed in the hostel for both boys and girls. Attire such as skimpy or revealing clothes or clothes printed with vulgar or offensive words or pictures should be avoided.

Your travel insurance policy should cover all charges incurred for medical expenses. Please read all scheme related documents carefully for inclusions and exclusions. Corporate Gurukul will not be responsible for any personal expenses made which are covered or not covered by your insurance policy. Also, make sure you travel with enough money for an emergency.

Corporate Gurukul Programme Manager(s) typically stay in the same hostel as you. You can approach them for any help. Their details will be shared with you during orientation.

Vegetarian, as well as non-vegetarian food is easily available inside and outside university campus. There is a wide range of choice amongst Indian, Chinese, European, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisines. Typically, 3 meals in a day should cost you between S$18- S$25. However, the estimate may vary as per your dining choices..