Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with EIT Digital’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Course.
In today’s dynamic landscape, success is intricately tied to innovation, with entrepreneurship blazing novel trails. EIT Digital recognizes the significance of this interconnection, offering an intermediate-level course titled Innovation & Entrepreneurship – From Design Thinking to Funding. This course provides individuals with the means to comprehend and pinpoint essential factors crucial for the development and growth of their business ideas. By delving into this course, participants gain access to valuable tools and frameworks that can effectively guide them on their entrepreneurial journey.
Module 1
Innovative Design Thinking
In the first module, students will get a condensed, two-minute introduction to the idea of design thinking. The module explores a number of different application frameworks and draws attention to the widespread applicability of design thinking. This lesson also digs into the inner workings of the brain, revealing insights that are essential for developing a proficient design thinking skill set.
Module duration: 1 hour
Videos: 7
Readings: None
Quizzes: None
Module 2
The Innovative Cycle: Part 1
The second module provides an introduction to the innovation cycle, exploring the process through which innovative ideas are developed and brought to life. The module also delves into different learning styles, acknowledging the importance of understanding individual learning preferences to enhance the design thinking process. It further explores how innovative design thinking methodologies can be applied to tackle real-world challenges effectively.
Module duration: 40 minutes
Videos: 2
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 3
The Innovative Cycle: Part 2
The second part of the innovation cycle starts with an observation phase and emphasises the importance of excellent observation abilities. Special emphasis is given to observing ‘in the field’ highlighting its practicality. Next, the insight phase emphasises the value of observations followed by the ideation phase which discusses innovative brainstorming methods. The final phase is called experimentation, discussing the iterative process of testing and improving ideas.
Module duration: 2 hours
Videos: 7
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 4
Business Models: Definitions and Approaches
This module emphasises business model innovation and its effects on modern business. Students learn how to reinvent company models to develop new value propositions, income sources, and consumer experiences. Case studies of highly successful entrepreneurs are presented and students gain valuable insights on how their entrepreneurial venture disrupted company paradigms to gain durable competitive advantages.
Module duration: 1 hour
Videos: 6
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 5
Business Models: Frameworks and Tools
The fifth module covers tools and frameworks for business model innovation. Participants learn how to construct, analyse, and iterate business models using the Business Model Canvas, a key component of this subject. The Business Model Navigator, a powerful framework, is also presented and learners also gain hands-on experience with Freehand Illustrator to visualise and prototype business concepts.
Module duration: 1 hour
Videos: 3
Readings: None
Quizzes: None
This course provides individuals with the means to comprehend and pinpoint essential factors crucial for the development and growth of their business ideas.
Module 6
Business Models: Customer Discovery
This module covers customer-centric innovation and discusses the importance of customer knowledge. The module explains how to find and validate client pain areas, preferences, and aspirations using the customer discovery process. A detailed case study is presented to show how the customer discovery approach is used in real-world situations. Students will construct more relevant and sustainable business models that connect with their target audience and produce long-term value by adopting a customer-focused viewpoint.
Module duration: 1 hour
Videos: 3
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 7
Sources of Funding
This module serves as an overview to the rest of the course material. Potential investors who would be receptive to finding creative ideas are categorised according to types or groups of people. Students are able to learn which person to approach depending on their overall business plan which can range from family members to angel investors. This module also presents a variety of sources of funds that could be available to any entrepreneur.
Module duration: 27 minutes
Videos: 4
Readings: None
Quizzes: None
Module 8
Funding your Startup: Part 1
Module 8 begins with a context-setting introduction to business model innovation, emphasising the importance of defining the company’s mission and recognising its challenges. Participants learn to communicate their market-relevant solutions. This module helps students create a compelling business model that resonates with their mission, tackles real-world difficulties, and provides viable solutions in the present market.
Module duration: 47 minutes
Videos: 2
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 9
Funding your Startup: Part 2
The final module covers business model innovation essentials. Students will study market size and competition to understand the market they want to join. The module analyses their product and business strategy to ensure customer and market fit. Participants also learn to evaluate their team and finances, realising the need for both to advance sustainably. Students additionally learn how to successfully engage with prospective investors to secure funding.
Module duration: 1 hour
Videos: 5
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Module 10
Course Completion
This module presents the final examination of the course, taken in two parts. In the first part, learners will encounter a timed quiz designed to assess their understanding of the course material in under 30 minutes. The second part, also lasting 30 minutes, serves as the culminating assessment of participants’ knowledge and comprehension of the entire course.
Module duration: 31 minutes
Videos: 1
Readings: None
Quizzes: 1
Course Rating and Review
Based on 115 ratings, the course is rated 4.7/5. This course provides a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and dives into the world of design thinking while providing insights into funding.
