Celebrating a Decade of Innovation
Ten years ago, a rather out-of-the-ordinary and ambitious experiment began at CERN. This time it was not about particles, accelerators, or detectors – it was about people from diverse disciplines and cultures fostering the flourishing of their ideas. The question at the heart of it was simple yet profound: What could we do with the enormous amount of knowledge accumulated by the people who built the LHC and how could we channel it beyond physics, beyond CERN, and into the wider world?
This question gave birth to IdeaSquare, a multipurpose creativity space that has evolved into a living laboratory for innovation. Today, it serves as a playground for creative minds – scientists, engineers, technicians, non-technicians, entrepreneurs, and students -who use the space as a pre-R&D environment for early-stage experimentation.
One of the most striking aspects of IdeaSquare is its ability to bring unexpected connections to life. For instance, the Challenge-Based Innovation (CBI) programme annually unites students from diverse disciplines – engineering, business, design – to collaborate with CERN scientists in imagining solutions for the future. Some of these ideas evolve into real-world applications, ranging from medical devices to sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond projects and prototypes, IdeaSquare has cultivated something even more valuable: a culture of fearless experimentation. In a world where the path from research to real-world impact is often slow and uncertain, IdeaSquare has demonstrated that meaningful projects come to life when bright minds are given the opportunity to dream and the tools to realise those dreams.
On 8 November 2024, IdeaSquare celebrated its 10th anniversary with the CERN community and a series of engaging discussions exploring the journey of IdeaSquare over the past decade while giving a glimpse into the exciting future ahead.
As this innovation space at CERN is looking ahead, it also launches new initiatives like IdeaSquare Planet, which challenges students to envision entire societies from scratch using cutting-edge science. This endeavour serves as a reminder that knowledge transfer is not just about applying CERN’s know-how and technologies—it is about inspiring a new generation to think beyond boundaries, beyond disciplines, and even beyond our planet.
As it continues to evolve, shaped by the contributions of its diverse community, IdeaSquare remains a testament to the power of exploration, discovery, and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving meaningful change.
“Every time I think, ‘Now I’ve got it!’ it changes again. That’s the spirit of IdeaSquare–relentless transformation.”
Sijbrand de Jong, Chair of the IdeaSquare Advisory Board
