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micro-module

Innovation to Impact: Empowering Startups to Solve Real-World Problems

Innovation to Impact: Empowering Startups to Solve Real-World Problems

Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship with a Focus on Technological Innovation
Open for application

Description

Develop an innovative startup concept that solves a real-world problem! You will work in small teams to design entrepreneurial solutions integrating technological feasibility, sustainable business models, and active stakeholder engagement. This open-ended micro-module gives you the opportunity to explore pressing issues such as climate resilience, the circular economy, health technology, mobility, and digital inclusion, and to translate your ideas (for example from former ECIU Challenges) into actionable business concepts. The micro-module is a collaboration between Hamburg University of Technology, Linköping University, Lodz University of Technology, University of Stavanger, and University of Twente.

The Team

CS
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Christian Salzmann
Teacher
TJ
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Tim Jongman
Teacher
MS
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Masoumeh Shahverdi
Teacher
FL
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Franziska Lissel
Teacher
GF
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Gio Fornell
Teacher
0 learners
Study format
Online
Application period
24 October – 7 December 2025
Study period
7 January – 17 February 2026
Credits
6 ECTS
Hosting university
Hamburg University of Technology
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Learning outcomes

Identify and define a real-world problem and develop an innovative startup concept in response

Students will be able to recognize and clearly articulate a real-world problem by analyzing its context and impact. They will then apply creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills to develop an innovative startup concept that offers viable solutions, demonstrating an understanding of market needs, potential users, and business opportunities.

ESCO SKILLS

Critically assess stakeholder needs, market potential, scalability, and implementation risks

Students will be able to critically evaluate the needs and expectations of various stakeholders involved in a project or business initiative. They will analyze the market potential to determine the viability and growth prospects of a product or service. Furthermore, they will assess the scalability of the concept and identify potential risks related to implementation, enabling them to make informed strategic decisions.

ESCO SKILLS

Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, self-organization and distrbuted leadership

Students will be able to work efficiently and cooperatively within interdisciplinary teams, leveraging diverse expertise to achieve common goals. They will apply principles of self-organization and distributed leadership to share responsibilities, make collective decisions, and foster a collaborative environment that enhances team performance and innovation.

ESCO SKILLS

Communicate and pitch entrepreneurial ideas with confidence and clarity

Students will be able to clearly and confidently communicate and pitch entrepreneurial ideas to diverse audiences, including instructors, peers, and external startup coaches. They will tailor their message to engage different stakeholders effectively, using persuasive techniques and appropriate communication styles to convey the value and potential of their startup concepts.

ESCO SKILLS

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Information

Develop an innovative startup concept that solves a real-world problem. You will work in small teams to design entrepreneurial solutions integrating technological feasibility, sustainable business models, and active stakeholder engagement. This open-ended challenge gives you the opportunity to explore pressing issues such as climate resilience, the circular economy, health technology, mobility, and digital inclusion, and to translate your ideas into actionable business concepts.

Expected impact:

The concepts developed during the micro-mocule may serve as the foundation for real ventures in the future, either within or beyond the university ecosystem.

Additionally, the module empowers students to:

  • Apply entrepreneurial methods in a real-world context

  • Gain critical insights into the startup lifecycle, from ideation to go-to-market

  • Build collaboration, leadership, and innovation capabilities

  • Understand the challenges of technology transfer and commercialization

Participants will walk away with a toolkit of entrepreneurial skills and mindsets applicable across sectors and disciplines, giving them the confidence to take initiative in complex, uncertain environments.

Hosting university

Hamburg University of Technology

Hamburg University of Technology

Associated Partners

Novel-T
Startup Port @TUHH
Tutech Innovation