WI-Project: Digital Entrepreneurship
Lectures: Ferdinand Mittermeier
Starting a new business is at the core of entrepreneurship and is seen as an important factor for most jobs in an economy. The creation of new businesses leads to breakthrough innovations and solutions to social and environmental problems (Shepherd et al. 2020). Digital Entrepreneurship focuses specifically on how digital technologies shape and are shaped by entrepreneurial processes (e.g. prototyping, scaling or financing), outcomes (e.g. new market offerings, business models or enterprises) and the business environment (e.g. ecosystems, networks or communities) (von Briel et al. 2020). This module deepens the application of methods such as design thinking, rapid prototyping and business planning based on real-world problems. In the course of the project, students develop digital solutions and suitable business models in teams and present them at the end of the semester as part of a pitch day. Digital solutions can be purely software-based (apps, application software, platforms) or hardware-based (Internet of Things, 3D printing, sensors). Appropriate tools (3D printers, Rapsberry Pi, Arduino and sensors) will be provided. The project takes place in cooperation with the Chair of Banking and Financial Controlling.
Key Learnings:
The aim of the course is to impart the following knowledge and skills:
- The ability to solve complex problems and develop new ideas (Design Thinking)
- The ability to transform ideas into concrete prototypes
- The ability to link digital solutions with economic and social problems/concepts/models and vice versa
- The ability to formulate a business idea, outline business opportunities with their risks and chances (Business Planning & How to pitch an idea)
Notes and prerequisites:
For this project, students of the WIAI faculty should have already successfully completed the following modules:
- IIS-EBAS-B
- DSG-EiAPS-B
- EESYS-IITP-B
The majority of the supervised phase of the course takes place as a block event (dates in the VC (course not visible until April), UnivIS and here on the website) at the beginning and as a final event at the end of the semester. In addition, there are individual events during the semester to present and discuss the current status of the project. The remaining time is used for work in the project groups. Binding registration is required for participation. The registration period begins on 12th February 2025 and ends on 21th April 2025 (EOD). Later registrations can no longer be considered. The course has a workload of 180 hours and is assessed with 6 ECTS points, which can be earned through a project report, short presentations on ideation and prototyping and a colloquium (Pitch Day).
Diverse business models for creative ideas
Whether purely digital (e.g. TikTok) or hybrid with physical artifacts (e.g. Tesla or Fitbit) - the choice is yours! The diverse landscape of digital business model types offers you very different opportunities to develop proposals for a successful company from your creative ideas and realize them through prototypes. We are excited to see which model types you decide on in your team and look forward to your ideas!
Organizational details and dates (subject to change)
- Kick-off and Introduction to (digital) entrepreneurship: Time: Friday, 25th April 2025, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (c.t.), Place: WE5/04.003
- Start Ideation: Design Thinking Workshop Part 1 (Ideation): Time: 9th May 2025, Place: Erba, Room details follow
- Finances and property rights: Tuesday, 20th May 2025, 2:00 - 6:00 pm, Place: Kärtenstraße, KÄ7/01.08
- Start Prototyping: Design Thinking Workshop Part 2 (prototyping): Friday, 6th June 2025: tba, Place: Erba, room details follow
- Final Pitches: Thursday, 10th July 2025, 6 pm – open end (incl. Social), Place: Lagarde1
Attendance is compulsory. As the events include interactive workshops with practice partners, online participation is not possible.
Academic partner
Chair of Banking and Financial Control
The Chair of Banking and Financial Controlling at the University of Bamberg emphasizes research on capital markets, asset management, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Current studies explore the integration of sustainability criteria into investment strategies, the impact of ESG risks on financial markets, and the role of banks in sustainable wealth management. These focal points position the chair as a key hub for innovative research in finance and sustainability. Explore our publications in international journals and other media.
Homepage: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/bwl-bfc/
Contact person: Prof. Dr. Matthias Muck
Practice partner
CHSN
CHSN is a strategic partner and driving force for SMEs. We drive digitalization, promote innovation and shape the future together with our partners. Thanks to our start-up mindset, we achieve the greatest progress in uncharted territory.
Contact person: David Zurek
LAGARDE1 - Center for Digitization and Start-ups
The digital start-up center LAGARDE1 in Bamberg supports you in making the most of your idea! We connect people interested in founding a company, start-ups, students and Bamberg companies.
Free advice and coaching as well as coworking and office spaces. Turn your idea into a business with LAGARDE1. Digital culture made in Bamberg.
Homepage: https://lagarde1.de/
Contact person: Max Dahmer (max(at)lagarde1.de)
Office for Innovation and Start-ups (BIG)
The Office for Innovation and Start-ups works in the areas of start-up sensitization, qualification and advice in order to turn ideas into successful start-ups at the University of Bamberg.
Homepage: www.uni-bamberg.de/big
Contact person: Sebastian Hillenbrand