Entrepreneurship for Engineers (edX)

This course helps you understand the process of entrepreneurship from a technology-oriented background.

The course is made up of modules that are presented by experts in the field of entrepreneurship and technology. Modules include:

- Team Building

- Opportunity Recognition

- Financing

- Customer Acquisition

You will work on your idea in a team environment and examples of founders and start-ups will be used during the course to initiate insightful discussions. The course closes with the creation of a two-page business plan and a video pitch. Selected students will be eligible to participate in a Masterclass at one of the participating universities:

- TU Delft

- TU Eindhoven

- University of Twente

- Wageningen University & Research

What you'll learn

- Learn what it takes to become a “technopreneur”

- Explore various methods for identifying opportunities

- Learn how to conduct market research and provide evidence for the viability of the business idea

- Develop a viable business proposition and learn to pitch your ideas for various audiences

- Understand the dynamics of new venture development and team building

- Develop the ability to translate a business idea into marketing and financial plans

Syllabus

Week 1 – Inspiration and Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship (2 lectures)

Technology-based Entrepreneurship: Mind-set and Founding Teams

This will be an introduction to what it takes to become a technology entrepreneur. You’ll be exposed to the opportunities for technology-focused entrepreneurs and hear examples of successful young entrepreneurs.

From Idea to Opportunity

Learn about the development of a new venture and what skills are needed throughout the process. You’ll be able to recognize your own skills and the importance of teams in new business development

Week 2 – Idea Identification (2 lectures)

Solution Development

Creativity exercises and brainstorming sessions to identify problems and solutions to the ideas identified. Develop innovative ideas and the potential for scaling. Learn the skills to develop ideas and to evaluate them.

Customer Involvement

Learn how to validate new business ideas, conduct market research, and hold productive interviews.

Week 3 – Decision on the Opportunity (1 lecture)

Business Modelling

Take the insights from the market research and translate them into actionable, feasible opportunities for a small startup. Decide on the Minimum Viable Product to continue.

Week 4 – Strategy and Financials (2 lectures)

Acquiring funding

Develop a plan to monetize the idea, present an income plan and identify the costs of prototyping, organization development, and market entry.

Leveraging the innovation in your ecosystem

Determine the position of the startup in the value chain and identify the main partners needed to collaborate with.

Week 5 – Develop the business plan (1 lecture)

Finalize the ideas in a Business Plan

Articulate the goals of the new venture, develop a plan on how to reach to your customer, how to sell and pitch your offering, and determine the development time and resources needed to establish the company.