The UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, the World Eco-Design Conference (UN Consulative NGO) and the International School of Design at Zhejiang University (ZJU-ISD) in Ningbo, China jointly signed the agreement on cooperation and promotion of the implementation of International Design Education (IDE) program. Industrial design offers great potential for least developed countries (LDCs) as a driver of innovation, problem-solving and economic growth.

The International Design Education Program (IDE) is developed for the world’s least developed countries. The program will be facilitated by the International School of Design, Zhejiang University, Ningbo (ZJU-ISD), China that will provide master education and research on industrial design. The IDE is also an incubator for bridging innovation and entrepreneurship by transforming exceptional projects and research into start-ups and supporting them to innovate and grow by providing business support resources and services, resulting in closer access to manufacturing and business.

The IDE program is completed in two and a half academic years, offered in English and located in Zhejiang University, Ningbo. Graduates fulfilling all the degree requirements will be awarded the master’s degree of Industrial Design Engineering, Zhejiang University.