Innovation to Impact: Empowering Startups to Solve Real-World Problems
Innovation to Impact: Empowering Startups to Solve Real-World Problems
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, University of Stavanger, and University of Twente.
The Team
Teamchers
These are the teamchers you'll work with on the challenge.
Learners
- Study period
- 13 January – 24 February 2026
- Study format
- Online
- Application period
- 24 October – 15 December 2025
- Credits
- 6 ECTS
- Hosting university
- Hamburg University of Technology
- Topics
Information
Value and progress
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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Hosting university
Hamburg University of Technology
