This challenge is part of a learning pathway co-offered by Lodz University of Technology and INSA Toulouse.

This challenge invites students to explore how innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability intersect in the modern automotive industry. Working with real insights from Krotoski, a leading mobility company, participants will investigate how start‑up solutions can better support businesses facing growing ESG expectations. Students will examine the pressures shaping today’s automotive sector, analyse sustainability‑related needs, and explore opportunities where new technologies, digital tools, and business models can create meaningful impact.

Throughout the challenge, international teams will research ESG requirements, study market gaps, and evaluate how early‑stage venture ideas address environmental and regulatory demands. By combining business modelling, value creation frameworks, customer analysis, and sustainable innovation approaches, participants will gain a deep understanding of what makes a start‑up concept both feasible and valuable.

Based on their findings, students will design or refine a start‑up idea that responds directly to a real challenge identified in the company context. They will prototype their solution, test key assumptions, and adjust their concept using evidence gathered from stakeholders and industry perspectives.

The challenge concludes with a final venture pitch delivered to company representatives, showcasing each team’s solution and its potential contribution to ESG performance in the automotive sector.

Students completing this challenge gain practical skills in innovation design, teamwork, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship while addressing a real sustainability problem with real industry partners.

Motivation letter is a personal statement and it might include a brief introduction of yourself, explanation why are you interested in the learning opportunity you are applying to, any relevant experience or skills that you have, your goals and how this opportunity will help you achieve them, This document should not be more than 400 words.

Motivation Letter

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that summarizes your educational and professional history. It must provide a detailed overview of your academic and work experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications.

Lodz University of Technology

Pitch it or Fix It: The Start-up Innovation Challenge SS25_26

From Concept to Venture - Be or not to Be in ESG Reports.

Entrepreneurship, technology and innovation

Inter-personal skills

Grupa Krotoski is one of Poland’s leading automotive dealer groups, holding over 30 official sales authorizations for brands such as Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. With its scale, market position, and multi‑brand expertise, the company operates as a high‑impact challenge provider—an organization that pushes partners, suppliers, and teams to achieve excellence through demanding standards, dynamic growth, and a competitive business environment.

Associate partner

Krotoski Group

Associate partner

Krotoski Group

Learning opportunities of Krotoski Group