Photo illustration; Pexel
Social entrepreneurs and health innovators across the world now have an opportunity to strengthen their changemaking skills through a free, six-week online course, Social Intrapreneurship for Innovation in Health.
The program, developed by Ashoka, one of the world’s largest networks of social entrepreneurs, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading global health company, will run from October 20 to November 28, 2025. Applications close on October 13, 2025.
Designed as an interactive and facilitated online experience, the course blends theory with real-life application.
Participants are expected to commit at least two hours per week and, upon completion, will receive a digital Certificate of Completion signed by Ashoka.
Why Social Intrapreneurship Matters
At a time when health systems are under pressure from global crises, rapid technological change, and rising inequalities, institutions are being called upon to innovate from within.
That is where social intrapreneurship comes in: the practice of employees and social entrepreneurs sparking, cultivating, and scaling innovation inside organizations.
Unlike conventional entrepreneurship, social intrapreneurship focuses on creating both business and social value.
It equips changemakers to use startup-style strategies such as agility, co-creation, and prototyping within established organizations, ensuring that innovation directly addresses community and public health needs.
The course organizers emphasize that ignoring these skills can leave institutions vulnerable to inefficiency, redundancy, and loss of competitiveness.
By investing in social intrapreneurs, organizations unlock not just internal innovation but also broader social impact.
What Participants Will Learn
Participants will gain strategies to:
- Take leading roles in advancing social and business impact within their institutions.
- Secure both internal and external support for innovative health projects.
- Navigate bureaucratic or hierarchical structures to push new ideas forward.
- Use co-creation and prototyping methods to test and refine solutions.
- Connect with a global network of social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, including Ashoka Fellows.
Importantly, learners will engage with peers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, joining a vibrant global community under the “Making More Health” initiative.
This initiative is dedicated to exploring new ways to expand access to healthcare for people, animals, and communities worldwide.
Inside the Learning Journey
The six-week program is structured into modules that encourage both reflection and practical application:
Module 1: The Business Case for Social Intrapreneurship – Understanding the concept and its relevance to the health sector.
Module 2: Intrapreneurial Challenges & Opportunities – Identifying common barriers and finding openings for change.
Module 3: Strategies for Advancing Social Innovation Within Your Institution – Tools for Navigating Organizational Complexity.
Module 4: Co-Creation Part I – Leveraging Shared Value – Building collaborations that unlock innovation.
Module 5: Co-Creation Part II – Idea Development and Pitching – Turning concepts into prototypes and communicating them effectively.
Module 6: Final Review and Wrap-Up – Consolidating lessons and preparing for future application.
The curriculum blends case studies, peer exchange, and expert input from Ashoka’s network of social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs working across the globe.
Who Should Apply
The course is open to social entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals worldwide.
It is especially suited for individuals working in health and wellness, whether in private companies, nonprofit organizations, or government institutions.
Because places are limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Those who apply early have a stronger chance of securing a seat.
How to Apply
- Course dates: October 20 – November 28, 2025
- Â Application deadline: October 13, 2025
- Â Time commitment: At least 2 hours per week
- Â Format: Online, interactive, and facilitated
- Â Certificate: Issued by Ashoka upon completion
Interested applicants can find more details and register through the Social Intrapreneurship for Innovation in Health Course website.
By joining, participants will not only gain critical skills but also become part of a global community of social entrepreneurs committed to reshaping health systems through innovation from within.
About Ashoka
Founded in 1980, Ashoka is one of the world’s largest networks of social entrepreneurs.
The organization identifies and supports leading social entrepreneurs called Ashoka Fellows who are pioneering systemic solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
With a presence in more than 90 countries, Ashoka works to create a world where everyone can be a changemaker, fostering cultures of innovation, empathy, and collaborative leadership across sectors.
