Content:

This seminar offers a unique opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial tasks within real pre-seed start-up projects at KIT. The start-ups define specific challenges, and student teams develop solutions and recommendations in response.

At the kick-off event, students select a challenge and form teams to work on it. We will introduce a toolbox of methods and resources, after which you will work independently in your teams and collaborate directly with the respective start-up. The seminar also includes a dedicated AI session in which you will learn how to set up AI-supported workflows for start-ups that may be useful in addressing your challenge.

You will not be on your own: each team will be supported by a mentor, and we will hold regular seminar sessions to provide feedback and guidance. At the end of the seminar, each team will present its results in a final pitch. 

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, the course participants will be able to

• Understand and apply fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship, including business modelling, lean start-up methodologies, market analysis, and the effective use of AI and AI-supported workflows.
• Work effectively in teams, divide responsibilities into clearly defined tasks, and coordinate activities toward a common goal, thereby gaining practical experience in project management.
• Identify and understand the specific challenges faced by early-stage start-ups and gain hands-on experience working in a start-up environment.
• Collaborate with real start-up teams, industry experts, and potential users to develop solutions to a defined challenge.
• Present and communicate their solutions and results effectively to start-ups and industry experts.

In the seminar, you will work on a project in teams of up to five students. The teams will be formed during the kick-off session. In the first seminar sessions, you will be introduced to the key tools and methods required for your project and will begin working on your challenge right away.

Exam:

Team presentation at the final event, detailed presentation appendix with background information, and active participation in all sessions

Target group:

Bachelor students

The total workload for this course is structured as follows:

• Attendance at lectures/exercises (presence time) (3 SWS × 15 weeks): 45 h

• Preparation and follow-up of course content: 50 h

• Exam preparation and participation in the assessment: 40 h

Total workload: 135 h (corresponds to 4.5 ECTS credits)

Registration is via the Wiwi-Portal.

In the seminar, you will work on a project in teams of max five people. The groups are formed in the seminar.