Program Overview

The GBSN Leadership Lab is a one-week immersive global leadership program that integrates rigorous business learning, venture pitching competitions, and deep cultural engagement. Designed for MBA and executive-track students from GBSN member institutions, the National Taiwan University College of Management is currently the only participating member from Taiwan. The 2026 program will be offered in Bogotá, Boston, and Dubai, with potential expansions to New York and Abu Dhabi.

Website: gbsn.org/business-leadership-lab

Register your interest HERE

Logistics & Operations

• Selection: Competitive admission. Applicants submit a 1-minute video tailored to their chosen location. Early applicants have higher acceptance chances. Cohorts capped at 35–50 participants.
• Fees & Coverage: Housing (single units; Boston may use shared apartments), lectures, company visits, cultural immersion, most meals, and networking events. Participants cover flights, visas (GBSN provides visa letters), and personal/free evening expenses.
• Application Deadline: End of February to mid-March 2026.
• Cancellation Policy: To be clarified; withdrawal after acceptance may incur partial or no refund.
• Safety: Destination-specific risk management protocols and local partnerships. Organizer appears personally familiar with each location.

Financial & Institutional Considerations

• Scholarships, discounts, and institutional partnerships under discussion.
• Payment schedules and installment options may be available.
• Universities can negotiate group rates for multiple students.

Program Investment

• Bogotá (May 31 – June 7, 2026): $5,000
• Boston (June 21 – June 28, 2026): $7,500
• Dubai (October 11 – October 18, 2026): $7,500

Fees include housing, lectures, networking opportunities, welcome dinner, most meals, company visits, and cultural immersion activities. Travel and visa costs are not included.

Academic & Professional Outcomes

• Frameworks: Bogotá – stakeholder management in emerging markets; Boston – healthcare innovation ecosystems; Dubai – AI governance and ethics.
• Venture Pitching: Judged on market desirability, technical feasibility, business viability, and innovation by industry experts, VCs, and alumni facilitators.
• Assessment: Certificate and digital badge awarded; no formal grading.
• Follow-up: Alumni networks, mentorship, and potential internships.

Strategic & Institutional Fit

• Cohorts intentionally diverse across institutions and regions.
• Sending institutions may engage through faculty involvement, co-branding, and reporting.
• Faculty/administrator participation opportunities exist.
• Long-term impact measured via alumni engagement, institutional collaboration, and career outcomes.

Practical Experience & Local Engagement

• Boston: Visits to hospitals and health tech firms.
• Dubai: Engagement with regulatory free zones and AI/FinTech companies.
• Bogotá: Collaboration with selected local social enterprises.
• Cultural Immersion: Mandatory excursions (Cartagena, New York City, Abu Dhabi). Free evenings and one excursion day allow networking and exploration.

Institutions Expressing Interest

These schools have expressed interest in joining the 2026 programs:

Important Dates

• Early Interest Opens: October 22, 2025
• Link for Expressing Interest: https://wkf.ms/3IWGwMr
• Webinars: November 12, 2025 and December 10, 2025
• Registration Opens: Q4 2025 / Q1 2026
• Team Assignments: Approximately 4 weeks before program start

Contact: LeadershipLab@gbsn.org | ajamison@gbsn.org
Phone: +44 7919612248