what is dream tank?
Dream Tank is a global youth innovation think tank that empowers young leaders to co-create solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. We channel the creative energy, bold ideas, and visionary thinking of youth to directly address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At Dream Tank, we believe that by equipping the next generation with the right tools, networks, and opportunities, they can lead transformative change on a global scale.
Solving big problems requires big imaginations.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire and activate young visionaries to innovate solutions for a better future. Through our unique programs, mentorship, and global partnerships, we connect youth with top decision-makers, allowing their voices to influence key global conversations. As a co-producing partner of the House of ALPHA WHISPERERS™ at Davos, we ensure that young changemakers are integral to high-level discussions on systemic change and sustainable development.
What We Do
At Dream Tank, we create opportunities for youth to lead through:
- Fellowships and Programs: We offer specialized fellowships that give young innovators the chance to engage in high-level global forums, like Davos, UNGA, and others, and contribute to systemic change.
- Global Partnerships: Partnering with organizations like the House of ALPHA WHISPERERS™, we ensure that young voices are heard by world leaders, businesses, and policymakers.
- Innovation Fund: Our Innovation Fund for Youth Social Entrepreneurs provides funding, mentorship, and resources for young leaders to turn their bold ideas into actionable, impactful projects.
Our Inspiration
Dream Tank was founded on the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today. Inspired by principles from the Jedi creed and Burning Man, we crafted the Dream Tank Creed, which embodies our values of creativity, collaboration, and social impact. Since our founding, the creed has been continually refined by the youth we work with, just like every program we develop. We are committed to fostering a space where young innovators can thrive, and where their ideas can become the foundation of a brighter future for all.
Our Impact
Since our inception, Dream Tank has been a launchpad for youth-driven innovations that have tackled real-world challenges in areas such as climate action, social justice, and technology. From our global think tanks to our leadership at major international events, Dream Tank is leading a movement where youth are the driving force behind systemic solutions that are shaping the future.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
Agreed upon by 194 countries, the UN’s SDGs represent the world’s largest and most inclusive democratic process in history. Together these goals lay out an unprecedented and compelling roadmap to achieve a sustainable future that engages 100% of humanity. For more information on the UN’s SDGs visit: UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.
OUR HISTORY
July 2016 – Dream Tank Pilot Phase
Launched our first pilot phase, testing our youth innovation model.
Spring 2017 – Fellowship Program Launched
Empowering youth to co-create solutions for global challenges.
Summer 2017 – Accelerators
Launched the accelerator program aimed at scaling youth-led social ventures.
Fall 2017 – DreamMakers Playshop
Creative and leadership programs designed to empower young entrepreneurs through hands-on learning.
March 2018 – Design World
Collaborative design event bringing together youth to ideate and prototype sustainable solutions.
Summer 2018 & Q1 2019 – Strategic Planning and Launch
Pilot results were assessed, leading to full launch planning and a 501(c)(3) application.
January 2019 – Davos / World Economic Forum
Dream Tank participated in the World Economic Forum, engaging global leaders in conversations about youth-led innovation.
Summer 2019 – Accelerators
Expanded accelerator programs with more youth-led projects and initiatives.
July 2019 – Received 501(c)(3) Status
Official recognition as a nonprofit organization.
November 2019 – Hacking for Heroes Hackathon
Youth-led hackathon focused on developing solutions for veterans with PTSD.
December 2019 – Youth-Led No Plastic Campaign
A youth-led environmental campaign to combat plastic pollution.
March 2020 – NextGEN Innovation Fellowship
Launched the NextGEN Innovation Fellowship to rapidly respond to global challenges.
April 2020 – #1BillionYouthMovement & ReversePandemic Hackathon
Global virtual summit launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2020 – Reverse Pandemic Inter-Gen Collective Impact Summit
Virtual summit focused on inter-generational collaboration for systemic change.
July-Sept 2020 – Planning for Online School Challenges
Dream Tank began planning innovative solutions for challenges faced in online schooling.
August 2020 – Dream Tank Portal for Burning Man Metaverse
Launched Dream Tank Portal, a virtual reality world focused on the SDGs.
October 2020 – Dream Tank Selects Youth Delegates for YOUNGA2020
Youth delegates joined to take over the United Nations virtually.
December 2020 – Launch of Dream Master Training Online Courses
Beta phase launch of Dream the Future 1.0 and Dream Master online courses.
April 2021 – Launch of Hayden's Kindness Challenge
Partnership with Robert Jones Black Foundation to promote kindness through youth action.
May 2021 – Virtual Headquarters Launch
Soft launch of Dream Tank’s virtual headquarters.
December 2021 – Pivot to Global SDG Web3 Game
Transitioned the accelerator to focus on a blockchain-based global game around the SDGs.
January 2022 – Brown University Student Sprint
2-week development sprint to create youth-led SDG projects.
April 2022 – Founders NFTs for Island17
Creation of the first Founders NFTs for Island17, with a focus on collaborative partnerships.
January 2023 – 2nd Annual Brown University Sprint
Continued development of youth-led innovations with Brown University students.
Q1 & Q2 2023 – Building Dreams for the Future
Podcast prototypes and collaborative initiatives, including Boulder to Baja Innovation Retreats.
January 2024 – Wintership with Brown University Students
2-week student sprint to create Project Spark, a wellness and innovation program in Baja.
Summer 2024 – Coral Sunscreen R&D Grant
Fiscally sponsored by Dream Tank, the R&D grant was raised for reef-beneficial sunscreen.
Fall 2024 – Dream Tank Partners with House of ALPHA WHISPERERS™
Co-producing the House of ALPHA WHISPERERS™ during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
DREAM TANK TERMINOLOGY
Dream Maker
Young people who turn turn dreams into reality and passion into projects.
Entrepreneur:
An individual who starts and runs a business with limited resources and planning, taking account of all the risks and rewards of his or her business venture. The business idea is usually a new innovation, product or service, rather than an existing business model.
Social Entrepreneur:
A person who pursues an innovative idea with the potential to solve a community problem. These individuals are willing to take on the risk and effort to create positive changes in society through their initiatives.
Impact Investing:
Refers to investments made into companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate a measurable, beneficial social or environmental impact alongside (or in lieu of) a financial return.
Collective Impact:
The commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem, using a structured form of collaboration.
Systems Change:
Leaping humanity and the planet forward as a result of collective impact, innovation, and cross-sector, cross-generational collaboration.