Bring your ideas to Oxford !
An international social innovation competition
to rethink our failing systems
A social or environmental issue catches your attention, affects you, or simply fascinates you, and you’d like to understand it in depth ?
Do you want to join an international community of committed students ?
Do you want to discover and apply tools designed at the University of Oxford—for free ?
Bring your ideas to Oxford
An international social innovation competition to rethink our failing systems
A social or environmental issue catches your attention, affects you, or simply fascinates you, and you’d like to understand it in depth ?
Do you want to join an international community of committed students ?
Do you want to discover and apply tools designed at the University of Oxford—for free ?
Map the System : what is it ?
Map the System is an international social innovation competition open to UNIL students (bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD). It aims to equip a new generation of decision-makers with the mindset needed to rethink our failing systems and address today’s societal challenges.
Led by the HUB Entrepreneurship and Innovation in collaboration with the University of Oxford, it will take place for the first time in Switzerland at UNIL between March and May 2025.
A unique experience for students
Develop new skills
Participating in Map the System will enable you to develop practical skills in systems thinking and problem-solving. You will learn to break out of silos and approach complex issues holistically.
Build your network
Through Map the System, you will meet students from other faculties, as well as experts and leaders in societal impact. It’s a great opportunity to expand your network, especially if you envision a career with a strong societal impact.
Win a free trip to the University of Oxford
The team selected as the winner by the jury will win a 3-day trip to Oxford in July 2025, where they will meet students from around the world ! Travel and accommodation expenses, as well as meals, will be covered.
What does Map the System consist of ?
UNIL competition by yourself or with a team
You will work alone or in teams to understand and analyze the social or environmental issue of your choice. You will then present your work to a panel of local experts, and receive a certificate of participation from Oxford University.
Online learning modules at your own pace
To support you, you will have access to 6 online modules that you can complete at your own pace. These modules will teach you how to use systems thinking to deeply understand a social or environmental issue.
Support from the HUB
The HUB team will welcome you to Villanova for a launch workshop in mid-March, and will then provide tutoring to guide and coach you.
Internationale final at Oxford
The best student teams from around the world will gather in Oxford in July 2025 to share and celebrate their work, participate in workshops and networking events, and compete for a prize. Monetary prizes totaling £12,500 will be awarded to the top three teams.
What does Map the System consist of ?
UNIL competition by yourself or with a team
You will work alone or in teams to understand and analyze the social or environmental issue of your choice. You will then present your work to a panel of local experts, and receive a certificate of participation from Oxford University.
Online learning modules at your own pace
To support you, you will have access to 6 online modules that you can complete at your own pace. These modules will teach you how to use systems thinking to deeply understand a social or environmental issue.
Support from the HUB
The HUB team will welcome you to Villanova for a launch workshop in mid-March, and will then provide tutoring to guide and coach you.
Internationale final at Oxford
The best student teams from around the world will gather in Oxford in July 2025 to share and celebrate their work, participate in workshops and networking events, and compete for a prize. Monetary prizes totaling £12,500 will be awarded to the top three teams.
Details of the competition
Map the System : the 2023 final at Oxford
Frequently asked questions
Who is Map the System for ?
For bachelor’s, master’s, and Phd students enrolled at UNIL in the spring of 2025.
Do I have to participate alone or as part of a team ?
Both options are possible : you can compete alone or in a team of up to five people.
Don’t have a team yet ? No problem ! During the launch workshop in mid-March, there will be a dedicated time for team formation.
Already have a team ? Great ! List your teammates in the registration form.
Is it possible to form a team with students from other faculties ?
Yes, and it’s even encouraged ! The diversity of academic backgrounds and perspectives will enrich your work.