On this platform, you can discover what sustainable development challenges the Accelerator Labs have been working on, which partners got involved and what insights emerged from their on-the-ground experiments. Through these plans, the Labs can identify the way forward by seeing thematic patterns and can foster cross-Lab collaboration.

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Adaptive Urban Futures
Syria
In crisis-affected environments, the Accelerator Labs have focused on urban resilience by addressing the interconnected challenges of waste management, informal housing, and human mobility. These urban systems are often the first to collapse during crises—be it conflict, economic breakdown, or natural disasters—yet they are also critical lifelines for displaced populations and overstretched local communities. R&D efforts in these contexts prioritize low-cost, decentralized, and community-driven innovations that can function without formal infrastructure. Waste is reimagined not just as a challenge, but as an economic opportunity. Informal housing is approached through participatory design and spatial mapping, while mobility challenges are tackled using real-time data and local knowledge systems. These initiatives underscore the Labs’ commitment to helping cities adapt and function in the absence of formal governance and amid persistent shocks.

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