The GEDC Program
An immersive 10-day challenge that will transform how you think about environmental design, engineering, and teamwork.
Summer 2026, Columbia University, New York
Program Overview
Invest in Your Future
The GEDC is an immersive challenge blending science, environment, design, engineering, artificial intelligence and business, designed as a simulation of life in industry.
This program is a 10-day, 9-night immersive residential course based at Columbia University, New York for students aged 15-19 years old (younger students by permission).
You’ll work as a team, designing sustainable settlements while solving environmental issues, and experience the joys and challenges of working in a large industrial company.
Teams are given a list of requirements for solving environmental problems and tasked with producing a detailed design to present to a panel of judges from industry, academia, and business.
As a participant, you will be introduced to and mentored by industry experts and past competitors who have competed worldwide.
At the end of the program, participants will receive a valuable course certificate of achievement and other individual awards, including recommendation letters from professors.
Our Mission
Global Environmental Design Challenge is an intensive industry simulation competition for students from around the world, designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving skills while addressing
real-world environmental challenges.
Educational Philosophy
GEDC believes in learning by doing. Our program creates an environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, developing both technical skills and soft skills like leadership, communication,
and teamwork that are essential for future success.
Columbia University
Columbia University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution dedicated to achieving enduring excellence in the arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities all in service of advancing knowledge and benefiting society.
Located in the heart of New York City’s Morningside Heights, the campus is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as Riverside Church, Grant’s Tomb, and Central Park, offering students a vibrant setting where culture and scholarship meet.
The university emphasizes innovative, real-world applications of research and education, making it an ideal environment for the Global Environmental Design Challenge.
Participants will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and a dynamic community that fosters creativity, collaboration, and global impact.
Program Timeline
Arrival day and an opportunity to tour Columbia University and the surrounding area accompanied by members of our team. Dinner with GEDC Team.
An introduction to the GEDC. Talks from the GEDC team, including professors and lecturers from renowned universities and industry who will give an insight into the competition and show you how your engineering, computer, science and business skills can be used in the GEDC. An overview of the challenge with a technical briefing introducing the different departments within your company.
Students work in teams and are given a request for proposal (RFP) from a fictional client. They work on their detailed designs using several approaches and simulations after electing a President and Heads of Department to run their company. Each company will be mentored by Industry experts and Technical Advisors. Students will receive workshops and lectures on design development, simulations, green cities, and key engineering skills from lecturers and industry experts.
Each company presents their designs/simulations to a panel of judges from industry, academia and business. A winning team will be chosen by the Judges. Award dinner in the evening.
Tours of the city, landmarks, famous places and shopping – including Harrods and other iconic London locations.
Breakfast with GEDC TEAM and professors and departure day.
A Day in the Life at GEDC
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the campus dining hall
Technical workshops on design tools, simulation software, or environmental science
Work with your team on your environmental design project
Lunch break with packed lunches provided
Inspiring talks from industry experts and academics
Continued work on your project with mentor guidance
Evening meal at the campus dining hall
Social activities, team building, or optional work sessions
Challenge Examples
Real Solutions for Real-World Problems. Here are examples of the types of challenges you might face during the GEDC.
Coastal Community Design
Creating resilient communities in the face of rising sea levels
Extract from Request for Proposal:
Work as part of a team to create an eco-friendly, flood-resistant community for 10,000 residents in a fictional coastal region. Tackle challenges like rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and renewable energy demands while
minimising costs.
Key Challenges:
- Design buildings that can withstand flooding and extreme weather
- Implement renewable energy solutions for the entire community
- Preserve and enhance local biodiversity
- Create sustainable transportation infrastructure
Urban Water Management
Innovative solutions for water management in urban environments
Challenge Overview:
Design a flood control system combining green infrastructure and urban planning for a waterlogged metropolitan area. Students will need to balance ecological considerations with practical engineering solutions.
Key Challenges:
- Develop a comprehensive water management system
- Integrate green spaces that serve as water retention areas
- Design water recycling and purification systems
- Create educational components to engage the community
Simulation Tools
Cutting-Edge Technology for Environmental Design
In addition to research and presentation, students will also explore and be guided in the use of AI and industry standard simulation tools.
Revit
Create detailed 3D models of your settlement with this industry-standard Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
- Design buildings and infrastructure
- Create detailed architectural plans
- Visualize your designs in 3D
- Collaborate with team members in real-time
SimScale
Run environmental simulations to predict flood risks, energy efficiency, and other critical factors for your design.
- Simulate fluid dynamics for flood modeling
- Analyze thermal performance of buildings
- Test structural integrity under various conditions
- Optimize designs based on simulation results
MATLAB/Excel
Calculate costs, project environmental impacts, and analyze data to support your design decisions.
- Perform complex calculations and data analysis
- Create detailed cost projections
- Model environmental impact scenarios
- Generate visualizations and reports
Artificial Intelligence Integration
The GEDC program places special emphasis on the integration of AI tools in environmental design and problem-solving.
AI for Environmental Modeling
- Predictive modeling for climate change impacts
- Pattern recognition in environmental data
- Optimization of resource allocation
AI for Design Optimization
- Generative design for architectural solutions
- Energy efficiency optimization
- Material selection and sustainability analysis
What’s Included
Program Inclusions
Location & Travel
Not included:
- Flights or transportation to New York
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Benefits of Participation
Academic Growth
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
- Learn advanced simulation and modeling techniques
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge environmental science
Personal Development
- Build leadership and teamwork skills
- Enhance communication and presentation abilities
- Develop resilience and problem-solving mindset
- Experience cultural exchange with global peers
Future Opportunities
- Enhance university applications and CV
- Receive recommendation letters from professors
- Network with industry professionals and academics
- Join alumni network for future opportunities