The Innovation Lab is designed for the USSAVI incubator program winners to advance their venture ideas further.

It begins with five months of online knowledge and venture building with mentor support and a series of webinars. Following that is a face-to-face BootCamp event, culminating in a pitch to investors.

The USSAVI alumni who completed the main incubator in 2024 are also being invited to participate in all the activities. In so doing, they may continue learning and stay in touch with the winning team's activities. We are also anticipating that the two winning teams may look to boost their team structure at some stage, and we hope that they will consider the USSAVI alumni as possible new team members.

EDHE Moonshot Virtual Incubator

"Propelling Visions to Reality"

The EDHE Moonshot Virtual Incubator is your gateway to transforming visionary ideas into viable businesses. Designed for the dynamic university student founders who have won this reward from their efforts in the EDHE UniterVarsity competition.

We will help you build on your captivating idea and help you develop it into a real business.

Objectives and Planned Outcomes:

• Provide participants with the tools to clarify their problem statements and business models.
• Guide startups in the development and execution of effective go-to-market strategies.
• Prepare participants to meet potential investors and stakeholders with confidence.
• Enable the creation of both bootstrapped and funded business models, tailored to the individual needs of each startup.
• Foster an environment of collaboration and innovation among peers across B2B and B2C streams.

Expectations from Participants:
We anticipate participants to invest 4 to 6 hours per week to maximise their experience. This includes attending interactive webinars, where you'll engage with industry experts and fellow founders. 

Commitment and proactive participation are key to leveraging the full potential of this incubator.

"The moonshot becomes a reality when vision meets relentless determination." 

Adapted from John F. Kennedy

"At Neokul, you will be just as inspired by the person sitting next to you as the person speaking to you. You will be joining a tribe of extraordinary individuals. And the best part is it’s not just attending one program. It’s joining a community of brilliant people who meet regularly and support each other in their journey to make an impact on the world."

Centria University of Applied Technology is part of an EIT consortium: DEETECHTIVE. Within this project, they will incubate a number of student businesses to guide them from ideation through to a tested business model.

The program's objective is to support founders in advancing their venture development. It includes a comprehensive curriculum with lectures on essential entrepreneurial tasks, real-world case studies, entrepreneurial narratives, interactive quizzes, and assignments like creating a business model canvas. The program culminates in a live or virtual pitch to potential investors.

The hands-on training component involves targeted activities to train, demonstrate, and support entrepreneurs in specific steps of their venture development, guided by mentors. This training aims not to make entrepreneurs experts but to provide them with just-in-time information and tools for rapid venture progression. The program is grounded in a set of entrepreneurial competencies, ensuring the development of these skills in students. Performance is evaluated through various methods, including a before-and-after self-assessment.

The course outline is shown schematically below:

Artificial intelligence is not only facilitating our ability to create new ventures; it can also be a technology that underpins a new business. Mashauri has developed a program aimed at helping University students seize this opportunity and commence on an exciting journey to develop their own AI-based business venture while learning about the scientific approach to venture creation.

This is a 12-week virtual incubator program. Universities from all over the world will be offered the chance to participate and so their students will interact with peers from many other Universities. A high-level curriculum is shown below.

Link to webpage offering more detail and pricing

Are you a University and would like to learn more (including receiving a priced proposal)?
Click here

Are you a University student and would like to know more?
Click here

Key features of this program will be:

• An exceptionally low cost per student price to the Universities with the scaleability to reach hundreds of students
• A low resource requirement from the institution to launch and participate
• Students will receive extremely engaging and high-quality, entrepreneurial education.
• Students will initiate an AI-based venture while participating in the program
• Participating Universities will be able to use these student numbers and venture launches as part of their KPIs

The process will be as follows:

• Universities express an interest and we will supply you with further details and a proposal.
• On reaching an agreement, the University will receive a launch pack including customisable marketing material and the enrolment process.
• Universities market the program to selected students who then register directly on the program
• Universities will be kept informed of their own student registrations as they occur
• Universities will receive a weekly report updating them on student progress and leaderboard position vis vis other participants

Outline curriculum

Note: This draft curriculum will be refined as we co-create with other experts in the field and stay up to date with the latest available tools.

Module 1: The Scientific Approach to Launching a Business

• Lean methodology: Emphasizing efficiency and iteration in business development.
• Business model exploration: Understanding different frameworks to structure and validate your business idea.
• Problem and customer focus: Identifying target customers and their pain points to drive product development.

Module 2: The Basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Introduction to AI: A beginner-friendly overview of what AI is and its applications.
• AI concepts: Exploring key concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and algorithms.
• AI's impact: Discussing how AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities.

Module 3: No Code and Low Code AI Tools

• No code tools: Exploring platforms that allow building AI solutions without programming.
• Low code platforms: Understanding tools that streamline AI development with minimal coding.
• Practical applications: Examples of projects where no code/low code AI tools can be applied.

Module 4: Defining the Problem You Wish to Solve

• Crafting a problem statement: Formulating a clear and concise description of the issue you're addressing.
• Customer identification: Identifying your target audience and their needs.
• Problem intensity and early adopters: Evaluating the urgency of the problem and finding early supporters.

Module 5: Problem Validation and Customer Discovery

• Customer discovery process: Learning techniques to gather insights directly from potential customers.
• Market research: Understanding the competitive landscape and market demand.
• Iterative feedback: Incorporating customer feedback to refine your problem-solution fit.

Module 6: Build, Brand, and Test an AI-Based Prototype

• Prototype development: Creating a working model of your AI solution.
• Branding and design: Enhancing the user experience and visual appeal of your prototype.
• Testing and iteration: Gathering user feedback and refining the prototype based on results.

Module 7: Business Model Development

• Business model overview: Introducing the concept of the Business Model Canvas.
• Key components: Exploring the nine building blocks of the Business Model Canvas.
• Value proposition: Understanding how your product or service addresses customer needs and stands out in the market.

Module 8: Pitching the Venture

• Pitch essentials: Learning how to effectively communicate your business idea to potential stakeholders.
• Presentation skills: Enhancing your ability to convey your vision confidently and persuasively.
• Investor perspective: Understanding what investors look for in a compelling business pitch.

Mashauri Virtual Incubator Modus Operandi

Mashauri has been running its virtual incubators for almost a decade and has refined the model to achieve high engagement and completion rates. Key features are:

• Education content is varied and engaging and includes interactivity such as quizzes
• Gamification is built in to further stimulate interest and excitement
• Student progress is tracked via traditional methods, and algorithms and supported by AI. Students at risk or contacted and encouraged individually.
• Student efforts are roughly split 60:40 in terms of venture-building activities : entrepreneurial education
• The program is interspersed with opportunities to network with fellow students through webinars and other peerr-to-peer activities
• Our incubators are underpinned by MECFrame, our proprietary entrepreneurial competency framework
• More than 2,000 students have passed through our programs in the last 5 years who proclaim the benefits, outcomes and enjoyment of our courses.
• Although students are able to work independently through the program, the "sweet spot" is where the institution stays involves in the program and the student progress.

Discover the future of entrepreneurship: a lean and scientific approach

The University of Venda is hosting the Ecoverse Incubator: "where ideas and ventures take flight" 

Background

Over the past decade, revolutionary and evidence-based methods for launching a business have emerged. Yet, many budding entrepreneurs, particularly among university students, remain in the dark about these low-risk pathways. They often set out on ventures that are riddled with pitfalls and potential failures. But here's the silver lining: it's never too late to pivot and embrace these cutting-edge strategies, significantly boosting your chances of success.

Introducing the University of Venda's Ecoverse Incubator program tailored for the ambitious student entrepreneur, whether you've already taken the plunge or are just kindling the flames of a fresh idea. Dive in, elevate your venture, and let's redefine the entrepreneurial journey together!

Syllabus

Students will dive into a hands-on learning experience, covering vital entrepreneurial insights and directly applying them to hone their business ideas:

• Problem-Centric Thinking: Pivot from solutions to understanding the core problem.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Grasp how entrepreneurial efforts can address societal challenges.
• Lean Startup Methodology: Streamline your venture's inception process.
• Embracing Failure: Comprehend failure's nature and how to harness it constructively.
• Crafting a Problem Vision Statement: Define and articulate your mission.
• Design Thinking: Employ a user-centric approach to ideation and solution crafting.
• Customer Profiling: Identify your target audience, understand their needs, and strategise solutions.
• The Comprehensive Framework: Seamlessly integrate problem, solution, customer, and transformation.
• Pitch Mastery: Articulate your idea persuasively and compellingly.

Embark on a transformative journey to refine, develop, and pitch your entrepreneurial vision!

Modus operandi

Dive Deep into Our Online Learning Experience on the Mashauri Platform

• Program Duration: Mark your calendars! The journey begins on 4th September and culminates on 13th October, 2023
• Flexibility at Its Best: Being fully online, you have the liberty to engage with the content at your convenience. However, following our recommended schedule optimizes your chances for a successful completion.
• Commitment Estimation: Allocate 4 to 5 hours weekly. This includes engaging with videos, articles, quizzes, and tackling assignments.
• Self-Evaluation and Mentorship: While we guide you to appraise your work independently, a seasoned mentor is just a click away, ready to offer support when needed.

Embark on a structured yet flexible learning experience designed for your success!

The University of Johannesburg Technology Transfer Office continues to support their top entrepreneurs with their latest program: UZIMA!

UZIMA: Swahili for "life"!

This program is designed to help a cohort of ventures move from early business model to being ready for funding and/or having paying customers.

It is very practically focussed and includes areas such as:

• Company and domain registration
• Power networking
• Funding and finance
• Social media and advertising
• Banking
• Negotiation
• Co-founders, equity sharing and cap tables

There will be a range of real entrepreneurs and subject matter experts giving 'fireside chats" and all entrepreneurs will be mentored by an individual mentor.

This program is by invitation only.

For further information, contact simon.gifford@mashauri.org with UZIMA in the subject matter.

University of Johannesburg Technology Transfer Office provide a virtual mini incubator that will help you develop and refine your “problem-to-solve”. This is one of the most critical steps in starting a business. Doing this well will greatly increase your chances of successfully starting a business.

The University of Johannesburg's Technology Transfer Office support innovators in the commercial implementation of novel technologies or business processes. One of their important initiatives is an Incubation and Acceleration program for both students and staff of the University who are engaged in innovation.

They support the incubatees in a number of ways - one of which is to offer them best practice tools and training in the key stages of venture development. This program: Fast-Forward is for the venture team who have demonstrated some evidence of a demand with perhaps some early traction. The founders are looking to confirm their value proposition, define a business model and test the key elements of such

This program provides education, tools, examples and development support for a number of critical steps in the venture development process.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) have launched a 3 stage entrepreneurial development program to support students and faculty in launching a new business venture.

Stage 1: entrepreneur basics and idea pitching.

A 3 week "mini-incubator" competition where students receive some foundational entrepreneurial education and with the use of tools, are guided through developing their competition entry that culminates in a pitching competition. 

All applicants receive some exposure to entrepreneurship and the top 30 (based on idea, engagement and pitch) are selected to enter stage 2.

Stage 2: entrepreneurial immersion bootcamp

This activity-based process takes students through a concentrated entrepreneurial immersion experience designed to instil an entrepreneurial mindset - and to develop the ability to convert lab-ideas into business ideas.  The core of the program is a highly interactive, group-based venture development process supported by exposure to entrepreneurs and culminating in a pitch event.

The top 20 are selected to enter the virtual incubator.

Stage 3: 8 week virtual incubator

This is a virtual incubator that supports cohorts of students (individuals or groups) in designing and building new business ventures. Learning content and competency development are synchronised with project management and mentor support. Online  independent activity is boosted by network events such as webinars, peer-to-peer group and mentor support.

Applications closed. Program underway.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) have launched a 3 stage entrepreneurial development program to support students and faculty in launching a new business venture.

Stage 1: entrepreneur basics and idea pitching.

A 3 week "mini-incubator" competition where students receive some foundational entrepreneurial education and with the use of tools, are guided through developing their competition entry that culminates in a pitching competition. 

All applicants receive some exposure to entrepreneurship and the top 30 (based on idea, engagement and pitch) are selected to enter stage 2.

Stage 2: entrepreneurial immersion bootcamp

This activity-based process takes students through a concentrated entrepreneurial immersion experience designed to instil an entrepreneurial mindset - and to develop the ability to convert lab-ideas into business ideas.  The core of the program is a highly interactive, group-based venture development process supported by exposure to entrepreneurs and culminating in a pitch event.

The top 20 are selected to enter the virtual incubator.

Stage 3: 8 week virtual incubator

This is a virtual incubator that supports cohorts of students (individuals or groups) in designing and building new business ventures. Learning content and competency development are synchronised with project management and mentor support. Online  independent activity is boosted by network events such as webinars, peer-to-peer group and mentor support.

Applications closed. Program underway.

The UWC Startup Sprint is a virtual incubator aimed at helping student entrepreneurs take an already-developed idea and bring it to life.

The entrepreneurs will work through a proven scientific startup process and supported with tools, webinars, mentors, templates and dashboards as they accelerate their idea towards paying customers.

Applications are now closed and selection is underway.

Is this course for you?

Many people think about starting their own business and even have an idea they have been considering - but just never get around to starting it. 

Are you one of those people? Or would you like to join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs who create value by bringing their idea to life?

If you would like to be in the latter group and you wish to bring your idea to life, then this course is for you.

Objectives of programme

• To expose you to entrepreneurship 
• To assist in refining your business idea to increase your probability of success
• To help you clearly define the problem you are solving
• To guide you in clarity around your target market
• To help you construct a clear value proposition

Curriculum

• Understanding what is entrepreneurship
• The benefits and risks of entrepreneurship
• Characteristics of successful entrepreneurs
• A questionnaire-based assessment of your entrepreneurial competencies
• Introduction to The Golden Circle

• Idea clarification
• The problem you are solving
• Development of the problem vision statement
• Target market and personas
• Initial competitor analysis
• Value proposition development
• Value proposition testing
• Value proposition pitch development

Modus operandi

Each exercise will be preceded by an introduction to the concept in the form of an online lesson. The practical exercises will be posed by way of an assignment to complete. All assignments will be supported  by templates to allow you to efficiently conduct the exercise.

A question and answer forum will be provided that will allow you to ask questions of your colleagues and/or the professor running the course.

Timing and duration

The programme will run from 22nd January to 29th January and will be hosted on online (on Mashauri: an international entrepreneurial education platform). It is anticipated that you will require 20 hours to complete the course: 5 of which will be in the form of instruction and the balance in practical exercises in developing and refining your idea.

As this is an online programme, you will be able to complete it at your own pace although you must finish all the work by the deadline. There will be a suggested schedule and you will be reminded if you fall behind that schedule.

Support and evaluation

You will be evaluated on the basis of correct submission of all the assignments as well as a final quiz (which will be repeatable if you do not at first receive a passing grade.

Prerequisites

The student needs no prior knowledge of entrepreneurship but must have a business idea that they wish to investigate. They will need to have a basic understanding of Google tools (sheets, docs and slides) and a Google account (which is free and quick to set up).

Access to the internet and a laptop or desktop computer will be necessary to complete the assignments.

Course instructor

The instructor will be Professor Simon Gifford who is CEO of Mashauri. He is an entrepreneur who has founded a number of companies (including Mashauri) and acts as an advisor to a number of startups and scale-ups. , He currently also lectures at IE Business School in Madrid and has a rich background of giving strategy support to large companies all around the globe..

Mashauri

Mashauri is a UK based organisation that provides an entrepreneurial education platform to universities and other institutions in Europe, Africa and India. The platform uses best practice from modern entrepreneurial thinking (such as lean startup) as well as advanced digital teaching methodologies including gamification and flipped-classroom techniques.

The organisation has a vision that all university graduates should be offered the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. More details of this is given n the "what we do" and "why we do it"  sections at the top of this page.

Price

The course is free to all users.

The Food Science Venture Accelerator has been designed to support students who graduated from the EIT Food GFVP Summer School in June 2019 and wished to continue developing a business idea. The programme design is based on what the students said they wanted in a survey following the event. Only those students who completed the survey will be enrolled on this programme.

It is aimed at supporting both those who wished to continue with the idea they started in the School and those who wished to pursue a new idea. It is anticipated that this programme will act as a bridge between the ending of the School and a number of other activities that EIT Food are launching including a mentoring programme and the Lausanne workshop. Furthermore, this will be useful to those students who are not selected by EIT Food to partake in these events but still wish to pursue an entrepreneurial idea.

This virtual incubator has been designed for the winners of the Mashauri COVID-19 Idea Competition to develop their ideas further and to begin to further test and build out their ventures.

The University of Johannesburg's Technology Transfer Office support innovators in the commercial implementation of novel technologies or business processes. One of their important initiatives is an Incubation and Acceleration program for both students and staff of the University who are engaged in innovation.

They support the incubatees in a number of ways - one of which is to offer them best practice tools and training in the key stages of venture development. This program: Switch-On is the venture team that is still refining their ideas, getting to grips with the problems they are solving and getting to an understanding of their potential customer base.

This program provides education, tools, examples and development support for a number of critical steps in the venture development process. The program will continually be refined and updated, but the initial modules are detailed in the table below:

The program is open to all registered in the incubator program and other student startups approved by the UJ Technology Transfer Office.

For more information on access to the program contact:

Simon Gifford (Mashauri) at simon.gifford@mashauri.org; or

Vuyisile Phehane (UJ TTO), at vphehane@uj.ac.za

The University of Johannesburg's Technology Transfer Office support innovators in the commercial implementation of novel technologies or business processes. One of their important initiatives is an Incubation and Acceleration program for both students and staff of the University who are engaged in innovation.

They support the incubatees in a number of ways - one of which is to offer them best practice tools and training in the key stages of venture development. This program: Fast-Forward is for the venture team who have demonstrated some evidence of a demand with perhaps some early traction. The founders are looking to confirm their value proposition, define a business model and test the key elements of such

This program provides education, tools, examples and development support for a number of critical steps in the venture development process. The program will continually be refined and updated, but the initial modules are detailed in the table below:

For more information on access to the program contact:

Simon Gifford (Mashauri) at simon.gifford@mashauri.org; or

Vuyisile Phehane (UJ TTO) at vphehane@uj.ac.za

1. Course Overview

This highly experiential online course guides early-stage founders through the process of validating and refining their ventures until they achieve product-market fit. Designed as a follow-on to a foundational “Entreprenur Playbook 101” course, it dives deeper into the three critical dimensions of startup risk—market, financial, and technical (product)—and offers a structured, scientific approach to building a business. Participants will gain hands-on experience in hypothesis creation, rapid experimentation, data-driven iteration, and, when necessary, strategic pivoting.

2. Target Audience

• Founders who have already completed a basic introductory course (Entreprenur Playbook 101) and are working on a venture idea or have started developing an early MVP.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs who want a more advanced, guided approach to refine their business model based on real-world feedback.
• Corporate innovation teams looking to validate new products or services through lean, evidence-based methods.

3. Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and articulate the three key startup risks—market, financial, and technical—and assess them systematically.
2. Formulate and test clear business model hypotheses using lean and customer development techniques.
3. Gather and interpret market data (both qualitative and quantitative) to refine product-market fit.
4. Develop robust financial assumptions around pricing, cost structure, and revenue projections.
5. Build and test MVPs and prototypes iteratively to reduce product/technical risk.
6. Make informed decisions about when to pivot, persevere, or proceed to scale.

4. Course Format & Delivery

1. Online Platform & Learning Experience

   • The course is delivered through an interactive online learning platform that combines video lessons, live group coaching sessions, and team-based projects.
   • Participants receive weekly online assignments and are encouraged to share their progress, lessons learned, and key insights with peer founders for feedback.

2. Experiential & Project-Based Approach

   • Each participant (or founding team) applies lessons directly to their own startup.
   • Regular checkpoints ensure teams are actively iterating on real-world feedback from customers, advisors, and peers.
   • Practical tools and frameworks (e.g., Business Model Canvas, Lean Canvas, Experiment Boards) are integrated into each module.

3. Peer & Mentor Feedback

   • Peer-review sessions to exchange feedback and brainstorming ideas.
   • Expert mentorship from course facilitators or guest entrepreneurs who provide deeper insights and challenge assumptions.

4. Assessments & Deliverables

   • Customer discovery reports and validated learning summaries.
   • MVP prototypes (can be low-fidelity mockups, landing pages, or digital prototypes).
   • Business model pivot reports where teams justify strategic changes based on evidence.

5. Module-by-Module Outline

Module 1: Introduction & Defining Your Hypotheses

• Content:
  • Review of lean startup principles and the scientific method.
  • Overview of three types of startup risk (market, financial, technical).
  • Creating initial hypothesis statements around the business model (e.g., problem, solution, target customer, revenue model).
• Experiential Activities:
  • Teams design a risk map capturing their primary assumptions.
  • A short assignment to refine their core value proposition from the 101 course and articulate how it addresses each risk dimension.

Module 2: Market Risk – Customer Discovery & Validation

• Content:
  • Techniques for customer interviews, survey design, and observational research.
  • Market segmentation and early adopter identification.
  • Strategies for analyzing and integrating interview feedback into product refinement.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Conducting real customer interviews or user testing sessions.
  • Recording interview highlights and gleaning insights to confirm/negate assumptions.
  • Group feedback sessions on user findings to share best practices.

Module 3: Technical (Product) Risk – Building & Testing Your MVP

• Content:
  • Designing minimal viable products (MVPs) and prototypes.
  • Technology feasibility assessments and “walk-through” experiments.
  • Rapid iteration loops based on user testing and technical constraints.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Create an MVP prototype or wireframe.
  • Collect user feedback through demos or usability tests.
  • Document key learnings about the product’s viability and next steps.

Module 4: Financial Risk – Pricing, Cost Structure & Revenue Models

• Content:
  • Crafting and testing pricing hypotheses.
  • Understanding cost structures and breakeven points.
  • Developing basic financial models that incorporate revenue streams, customer acquisition costs, and lifetime value.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Teams create a budget projection and a rough financial model for their business.
  • Use real-world feedback (e.g., willingness to pay data) to refine the pricing strategy.
  • Share and critique peers’ financial assumptions in breakout sessions.

Module 5: Growth Channels & Business Model Refinement

• Content:
  • Identifying and testing user acquisition channels (social media, direct sales, partnerships, etc.).
  • Marketing experiments to evaluate channel effectiveness and cost per acquisition.
  • Integrating market, financial, and technical learnings into a cohesive, updated business model.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Design and run small-scale growth experiments (e.g., landing page campaigns).
  • Collect key metrics (click-through rates, conversion rates, sign-up rates, etc.).
  • Present updated Business Model Canvas in a peer-review round.

Module 6: Pivot or Persevere – Decision-Making & Course Correction

• Content:
  • Frameworks for evaluating evidence gathered from experiments.
  • Identifying pivot triggers: when data shows unviable assumptions.
  • Creating a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Teams prepare a Pivot/Persevere presentation:
    • Summarize the current status of their product-market fit.
    • Outline next steps based on validated learning.
  • Live pitch session where each team presents their progress to mentors or peers, highlighting the rationale for pivot or perseverance.

Module 7: Final Pitch & Next Steps

• Content:
  • Overview of scale-up strategies for teams that have found strong product-market fit.
  • Funding options and investor expectations.
  • Plans for post-course mentorship and network building.
• Experiential Activities:
  • Final pitch to a panel (could include real investors or seasoned entrepreneurs).
  • Mentors provide actionable feedback on the business model, technology roadmap, and go-to-market approach.
• Deliverables:
  • Refined business plan or 1-page lean canvas capturing validated data.
  • Roadmap for continued growth or next-stage funding.

6. Tools & Resources

• Business Model Canvas or Lean Canvas for structuring hypotheses and capturing learnings.
• Customer Discovery Framework (scripts, question prompts, user persona templates).
• Financial Modeling Spreadsheets (revenue projections, pricing calculators, cost of goods/sales).
• MVP & Prototyping Tools (basic design and no-code platforms for rapid experimentation).
• Project Management & Collaboration Platforms (Trello, Notion, or Miro boards for ongoing feedback loops).

7. Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion:

1. Participants will possess a validated business model or know which pivot path to take if assumptions didn’t hold.
2. They will have hands-on experience applying lean experimentation methods to minimize market, financial, and product risk.
3. They will have tangible deliverables (MVP prototypes, interview findings, financial models, updated pitch decks) to pursue further development or fundraising.
4. Teams will gain the skills and confidence to continue testing and iterating on their business model well after the course ends.

Conclusion

Entreprenur Playbook 102: Venture Vaidation is a hands-on, step-by-step journey that empowers founders to build real ventures as they learn. By centering on the scientific startup method and focusing on market, financial, and technical risks, participants emerge with both the practical know-how and the tangible progress needed to make informed decisions about their venture’s future.

The #1 Mistake New Entrepreneurs Make – And How to Avoid It

The biggest mistake aspiring entrepreneurs make when starting out? Building something nobody actually wants. Sounds ridiculous, right? But it happens all the time.

Why? Because they skip the critical first step: deeply understanding the problem they’re solving and who they’re solving it for. If you get this wrong, everything else—your product, marketing, and sales—becomes a struggle.

Here’s what happens when you don’t nail this upfront:

• You overload your product with features, but it still doesn’t hit the mark.
• You can’t clearly explain why your solution matters—making marketing a nightmare.
• You don’t know who your real competitors are or how to stand out.
• You waste time and money on tactics that don’t attract the right customers.

But don’t worry—this course is here to change that.

You'll learn how to:

• Identify and validate a real, profitable problem before investing time and money.
• Understand your ideal customer so well that selling to them feels effortless.
• Position your product or service uniquely in the market.
• Create a roadmap for launching your business with confidence.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear, tested idea and a strategy to launch a successful, sustainable venture—not just another “good idea” that goes nowhere.

"The secret to getting ahead is getting started." – Mark Twain

Design thinking and product management

A complete guide to design thinking.

Introducing you to the world of design thinking, from conceptualising an idea using  design thinking to develop the first version of your product,

What you will learn

• What is design thinking and how it is used
• What are the benefits and challenges in using design thinking
• What are the key steps in the process and how do you undertake them
• How to use design-thinking in product management through every stage of the product life-cycle

All successful students will also receive a certificate.

Who is this for

The program will be incredibly useful for anyone who wants to understand what is design thinking and how to put it into practise. 

In particular, it will serve:

1. Those interested in a career in product management
2. Entrepreneurs (early stage or late stage)
3. Intrapreneurs wishing to make an impact on their organisation through innovation
4. University students looking for a life-skill to help them in problem-solving and decision making (and to give their resume a boost)
5. Anyone seeking to unlock their own creativity in a structured manner

The outline syllabus

1. Design thinking - an introduction and overview
2. The design-thinking process - deep dive into the 5 steps including a free set of insanely useful tools, processes and techniques.
3. Design thinking - product development and cases
4. Design thinking - final assignment

Application modes

Application is open to two categories of student

---

1. Open to individuals
2. Open to Belong students

Application open to all individuals (by payment):

The fee is US $49.99 to undertake the course, including the certification.

Step 1: you need to register at Mashauri (see menu in top right hand corner)

Step 2: after registration, return to this program and click the "Pay now via PayPal or Credit or Debit Card" button.

Step 3: if you have a PayPal account you can pay via PayPal. If not, click on the "Pay with a Bank Account or Credit Card" button. Then you will be taken to a payment page where you can pay by card and/or direct debit. You will be offered the chance to open a PayPal account, but it is not obligatory or necessary.

Step 4: once you have paid, you will receive confirmation of payment and be given immediate access to the program.

Finance is about more than just money and numbers.

If you are starting your own business and feel your team lacks the necessary financial skills than this is a perfect course for you to get to grips with financial issues, budgeting and forecasting. In about 12 hours, you will become familiar with things like income statements, balance sheets, cash flows and key performance indicators. At a later stage you will still require financial assistance from a qualified accountant, but this course will help you through the early phases before such input becomes necessary.

The tools we're going to talk about are going to help you manage the business that you're running from day‑to‑day. And most importantly, they'll help you get into the future and build an even more successful company. The five key elements of startup finance form a pyramid on which you can build your company. At the base of the pyramid is the foundation of your business, that's reflected in your balance sheet, in your capitalisation table. Above that are the processes of your business. Those are reflected in your income statement and your cash flow statement. Above that is your business model and your business model formula. That's the engine of your business. We're going to talk about converting that into financial numbers. Then we'll talk about your operating budget and your long‑term financial forecast. And on top, we're going to talk about monitoring your performance. We'll talk about your monthly financial statements and about building a management dashboard.

These tools help you understand what has happened in your company, what is currently happening in your company, and what you can expect will happen in your company going forward. And if you take full advantage of these tools, they can even give you an early warning system to make sure you see what's going to happen in your company before it happens. The world of entrepreneurship is really filled with uncertainty. Things are changing rapidly. So you need every tool that you can get to manage that uncertainty.

As this is a US version of accounting, you may find the terminology is slightly different to what you come across in your country - but the contents remain valid anywhere in the world..

Because nothing happens until something gets sold, entrepreneurs must develop the knowledge, skill and discipline necessary to succeed in sales or that early momentum may never materialise.

This short course is designed to support student entrepreneurs who are entering the EDHE Intervarsity 2021 competition. It is designed to help you develop and make an award-winning pitch.

Even if you have THE very best idea, unless you are able to communicate the critical facts in a compelling way, you will not be among the prize winners. There will be some really stiff competition (just look at  some of the finalists from last year), so if you want to give you and your team the best shot of winning, you had better invest time in developing and practising a world-class pitch.

This short program will help you do just that!

Good luck!

The Mashauri Team

NOTES: 

1. This program was designed for students from UWC, SMU and UJ; although any student entering the competition is welcome to use it.
2. This program is not endorsed by EDHE and has been designed by Mashauri based on global best practices in pitching
3. Course opens on Tuesday 11th May.
4. You must be registered at Mashauri before you can be enrolled on the course. If. You are not yet registered, do so by going to the top  right hand corner of the mashauri-courses.org home page (press the red Mashauri block at the top left of this page to get there) and click on sign up and follow the instructions to create a new account.
5. You must be logged in to Mashauri to enrol on the course. Once logged in, return to this program and click on the big re button "Self-enrolment" below

Readiness for funding

Many founders would like to seek funding for their new businesses, but are not sure when is the best time.

Other founders simply dive right in, assuming they will get funding and then, to their surprise, do not! 

If you are in the first group or do not want to be in the second group - then this programme has been designed for you.

Background

Startup chatter is often about massive funding rounds, unicorns (startups with a valuation of more than $1bn) and mega exits. Founders are encouraged to enter pitching competitions, sign up at funding sites (like angel.co) and knock down the doors of venture capitalists.

The truth is, very few new businesses receive external funding (other than from friends, family and the occasional government grant). Sure, there are places like Silicon Valley and perhaps Shoreditch in London, where funding seems to be easier to obtain - but even there, there is stiff competition.

The result is that a massive amount of time and effort is put into chasing investment funding - resources that might be better used in winning that most important of finance: customer revenue. That is not to say that you should not seek funding, but it helps to be realistic in your expectations and make sure that you are well-prepared for the journey.

This programme is designed to help you assess:

• whether your business would be likely to receive funding based on your vision of its' nature and future; and
  
• whether your venture is ready for funding at the current stage of it's life. 
  

Building off the result's of these assessments, then this programme will help you figure what you should be doing to get investment-ready; or at least advise you to not waste time on seeking investment and to focus on growing your business organically.

Curriculum

• Your pathway is customised based on your responses and your specific requirements.
• You will be able to interact with your fellow founders to optimise peer-to-peer learning and support
• There will be real mentors supporting you through the process
• If desired, investment-ready ventures may be introduced to appropriate investors.

Outcomes

• You will enter all investor meetings on a slightly more equal footing with the investor, with greater confidence in your venture's value and fundability
  
• Your investment-seeking process will be far more efficient and therefore less resource-intensive
  
• You will reduce the risk of being rejected by an investor due to being under-prepared; especially as there is seldom a second chance at pitching the same investor
  
• You will not waste effort on attempting a funding round when there is no or limited opportunities for success
  

Start date and applications

For further information or early subscription, please email us at info@mashauri.org with "Readiness for Funding" in the title of your mail.

There are few programs that have a high chance of massively changing your life - but this is one of them. By developing and enhancing your "e-factors" you will start thinking and acting like an entrepreneur ..- seeing opportunities on every corner, unleashing your creative potential, deciding where you want to be and then taking concrete steps to get there!

Anyone and everyone can benefit from this course - including university students who are about to open the door to their career. With well-developed e-factors, you will have the capability to launch your own entrepreneurial venture, start to manage your own destiny and follow your true passion. But if you prefer a more traditional career, these elements are going to put you head and shoulders above the rest of the market. Employers are desperate for graduates who demonstrate the e-characteristics. 

Universities who imbue their students with these skills are going to unleash a student power unknown to them before. Entrepreneur clubs are going to grow exponentially, your centers for entrepreneurship will need to expand and you will find students actively taking control of their studies and careers and starting to push and challenge their lecturers and tutors. Your reputation among potential employers could see your graduates getting hired in no time!

This course is based on the famous work of Professor David Gibson (awarded an OBE for his work in entrepreneurial education) who has identified the key factors that go to make up en entrepreneurial mindset. Not only did he identify them, he also codified a way of assessing your existing level and then undertaking exercises, processes and habits to improve them.

These lessons have been digitised into an experiential program designed to give and/or enhance your e-factor skills and so help you make a real impact on your own career be it starting a new venture, improving your current venture or being more effective in your existing job.

Furthermore, Mashauri have further enriched the book experience by adding in additional high value-add elements such as  video lectures from famous people, useful tools to support your application of the e-factors, quizzes to test your understanding and surveys to assist you in assessing your own entrepreneurial readiness and e-factor capabilities.

Each of the e-factors will be discussed and a check-list of best-practices and tips to improve will be offered. Furthermore, you will be given tasks to complete (sometimes over a period of days) to help you learn-by-doing. Repetition of these exercises could create habits that could change your life! Real mentors (if you are lucky maybe David Gibson himself) will be available to motivate and guide you too!

The E-factors are:

• Innovation and creativity
• Personal mastery
• Assertion and negotiation
• Personal marketing
• Finance
• Influence
• Leadership and team building
• Planning your outcome

For those who successfully complete the course, the University of Cumbria will issue an e-factor certificate signed by Professor Gibson himself (not included in discounted products)

THE BETA VERSION IS NOW CLOSED

This program has been designed to support those who wish to act as a mentor to a startup founder or team.

Purpose

To instruct participants to act as mentors to startup founders or teams.

Who is it for?

Professors, entrepreneurial hub managers, graduate students, students with entrepreneurial experience, coaches with limited startup experience.

Modus Operandi

An online program running over 3 weeks. There will be 3 online group sessions; beyond these events, participants conduct work in their own time.

Anticipated Time Requirement

3 to 5 hours per week for 3 weeks.

Desired Outcome

Participants ready to mentor startup teams.

Startup Level

Aimed at early-stage ventures, although much will also apply to later-stage ventures.

What are the benefits?

• Learn and practice the principles of how to support founders and teams in developing new business ventures.
• Be mentor-ready immediately on completing the course.
• Network with fellow mentors and learn from each other.
• Learn about some of the key startup tools, as well as the mentoring process.
• Obtain a set of useful templates to fast-track you and your mentees in developing a robust and structured relationship.
• Receive a Mashauri Startup Mentor Competency certificate on successful completion of the program.

The next course starts on 25 March 2025, so sign up now.

Module 1: Exposure to Lean Startup Process and Tools

E.g., business model canvas, customer discovery, and minimum viable products. (Optional if the participant already has this knowledge).

Module 2: Mentoring Process Including

• Building trust & rapport
• The first meeting
• Setting boundaries and objectives
• Key elements of mentoring (e.g., listening, challenging, questioning, motivating)
• Managing the relationship
• Optimizing the process

Module 3: Supporting Mentor and Mentee With

• Tools and templates
• Agendas and report-back standard documentation
• Mentor simulation exercise

What is an "IPathon"?
©2022

An IPathon is an initiative designed by Mashauri Limited to support Universities and other owners of intellectual property (IP) in freeing up unused IP by harnessing the talent and enthusiasm of entrepreneurial students.

There are three main steps:

• Pre-IPathion where IP is prepared and students undergoes some fundamental entrepreneurial training
• The IPathon itself (generally a 2,5 day process)
• The post IPathon incubator where the successful teams are supported in bringing the venture to life and perhaps even resulting in a spin-off or at least licensing opportunity.

The IPathon overall process is shown schematically below:

This is the IPathon pre-program.

It is designed to prepare the participants for the IPathon itself by giving information around some key entrepreneurial concepts that will be used in the event itself.

What is an "IPathon"
©2023?

An IPathon is an initiative designed by Mashauri Limited to support Universities and other owners of intellectual property (IP) in freeing up unused IP by harnessing the talent and enthusiasm of entrepreneurial students.

There are three main steps:

• Pre-IPathion where IP is prepared and students undergoes some fundamental entrepreneurial training
• The IPathon itself (generally a 2,5 day process)
• The post IPathon incubator where the successful teams are supported in bringing the venture to life and perhaps even resulting in a spin-off or at least licensing opportunity.

The IPathon overall process is shown schematically below:

This program is the IPathon pre-program an is designed to prepare the participants for the IPathon itself by giving training in some key entrepreneurial concepts that will be used in the event itself.

Accredited entrepreneurship program at Guilford College in North Carolina, United States.

Instructor: Ashley Raper

This course introduces the process of launching new ventures. 

It will offer insight into the characteristics of entrepreneurs, the approaches they use to create, identify and evaluate opportunities for new ventures, and the skills that are needed to start and manage new enterprises and develop a business model. 

Students will develop a preliminary plan to launch a new community-based initiative or business within this course.

Mashauri is part of the Headlines consortium who are developing excellent entrepreneurial education for students, faculty and staff at the contributing institutions who are:

• Universidad de Burgos
• IMDEA Food
• Universidad Autonoma de Madrid
• Centria University of Applied Sciences
• Munster Technological University.

The program operates under the European Innovation and Technology Food organisation and is co-sponsored by the European Union.

This section of Mashauri is dedicated to these programs.

• Phase 1 took us up to the end of the year (2022) when we paused for a festive season break.
• Phase 2 commenced on 16 January 2023
• Phase 3 (this program) will commence on 23 May 2023

What is it: 

• A virtual incubator program that will help you (or your team) develop and refine a health or food business idea. 

Modus operandi:

• The program will run online over 4 weeks on the Mashauri platform.
• You will work individually or  inside a team which will be compile of participants who have a passion for working on a specific business idea
• You will be required to dedicate about 4 to 6 hours per week; most of which will be at the time that you wish to work.
• You will receive weekly content (videos, interactive exercises, text-based documents) and tasks to complete that advance the venture idea. These tasks will be supported by tools and templates linked to the content that you will have learned.
• Team progress is tracked and the course is supported with gamification techniques that make it easy to stay engaged and keep up to date.
• You will meet with an experienced mentor twice per month to receive further guidance and input
• The program ends in a pitching competition in front of judges and real investors.

• The program will start you on the journey of developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This not only gives you the capability to start your own business; but also greatly increases your employability if you are seeking a job.
• You will learn the fundamental aspects of entrepreneurship together with human-centred design as you build out your business idea
• You will learn what is, and how to apply, a scientific approach to new venture development
• You will take the first important steps in developing your own business
• It is an interactive, fun and exciting program
• You will get to network with your peers and find like-minded students
• All successful participants will earn a certificate
• Top teams get to pitch ideas to investors
• You will have the possibility of making a positive impact in the world

What business idea will I work on and what are the parameters?

• Ideas need to be broadly within the food or health sectors.
• You will get the opportunity to team up with others if you prefer to not work alone.

This program has been designed to support those who wish to act as a mentor to a startup founder or team. 

We will be running 3 programs this year: late May, July and September.

If you would like to apply for any of the programs, please complete this application: Headlines Startup Mentor Programs 2022 FAQ

Applications are open to: any student, staff or faculty who is registered at any of the institutions participating in the EU HE Innovate Headlines program. These are: Centria University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Munster Technological University; Universidad de Burgos; IMDEA Food.

If you are not part of any of these institutions but would like to be considered as a participant, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org 

Frequently Asked Questions

This Virtual Incubator is hosted by Centria University of Applied Sciences on behalf of the HEADLINES European Innovation and Technology consortium.

Phase 1 will take you up to the end of the year where we pause for a festive season break.

Phase 2 will commence in January 2023

What is it: 

• A virtual incubator program that will help you (or your team) develop and refine a health or food business idea. 

Modus operandi:

• The program will run online over 12 weeks on the Mashauri platform.

• You will work individually or  inside a team which will be compile of participants who have a passion for working on a specific business idea

• You will be required to dedicate about 4 to 6 hours per week; most of which will be at the time that you wish to work.

• You will receive weekly content (videos, interactive exercises, text-based documents) and tasks to complete that advance the venture idea. These tasks will be supported by tools and templates linked to the content that you will have learned.

• Team progress is tracked and the course is supported with gamification techniques that make it easy to stay engaged and keep up to date.

• You will meet with an experienced mentor twice per month to receive further guidance and input

• The program ends in a pitching competition in front of judges and real investors.

Why should I enrol?

• The program will start you on the journey of developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This not only gives you the capability to start your own business; but also greatly increases your employability if you are seeking a job.

• You will learn the fundamental aspects of entrepreneurship together with human-centred design as you build out your business idea

• You will learn what is, and how to apply, a scientific approach to new venture development

• You will take the first important steps in developing your own business

• It is an interactive, fun and exciting program

• You will get to network with your peers and find like-minded students

• All successful participants will earn a certificate

• Top teams get to pitch ideas to investors

• You will have the possibility of making a positive impact in the world

What business idea will I work on and what are the parameters?

• Ideas need to be broadly within the food or health sectors.

• You will get the opportunity to team up with others if you prefer to not work alone.

When does it start?

• The program will commence on 24 November 2022 and will run for 12 weeks (but with a pause over the Christmas period)

How do I register for the program?

• To enter the program, you need to complete the application form at https://bit.ly/CENTRIABYB

This Virtual Incubator is hosted by Centria University of Applied Sciences on behalf of the HEADLINES European Innovation and Technology consortium.

Phase 1 took us up to the end of the year (2022) when we paused for a festive season break.

Phase 2 will commence on 16 January 2023

What is it: 

• A virtual incubator program that will help you (or your team) develop and refine a health or food business idea. 

Modus operandi:

• The program will run online over 12 weeks on the Mashauri platform.

• You will work individually or  inside a team which will be compile of participants who have a passion for working on a specific business idea

• You will be required to dedicate about 4 to 6 hours per week; most of which will be at the time that you wish to work.

• You will receive weekly content (videos, interactive exercises, text-based documents) and tasks to complete that advance the venture idea. These tasks will be supported by tools and templates linked to the content that you will have learned.

• Team progress is tracked and the course is supported with gamification techniques that make it easy to stay engaged and keep up to date.

• You will meet with an experienced mentor twice per month to receive further guidance and input

• The program ends in a pitching competition in front of judges and real investors.

Why should I enrol?

• The program will start you on the journey of developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This not only gives you the capability to start your own business; but also greatly increases your employability if you are seeking a job.

• You will learn the fundamental aspects of entrepreneurship together with human-centred design as you build out your business idea

• You will learn what is, and how to apply, a scientific approach to new venture development

• You will take the first important steps in developing your own business

• It is an interactive, fun and exciting program

• You will get to network with your peers and find like-minded students

• All successful participants will earn a certificate

• Top teams get to pitch ideas to investors

• You will have the possibility of making a positive impact in the world

What business idea will I work on and what are the parameters?

• Ideas need to be broadly within the food or health sectors.

• You will get the opportunity to team up with others if you prefer to not work alone.

When does it start?

• The program will commence on 24 November 2022 and will run for 12 weeks (but with a pause over the Christmas period)

How do I register for the program?

Registrations are closed and selected students from phase 1 have been invited to continue with phase 2 based on their performance in phase 1.

This course is to support the 10 finalists (five from food and five from health; 2 each from MTU, Centria, Burgos, IMDEA Food and UAM) in preparing for the competition taking place at MTU on 3rd March in Cork, Ireland.

In addition to having the trip to Ireland paid for, there is also the chance to win one of the two prizes:

• €750-00 for the next big thing in Food
• €750-00 for the next big thing in Health

Students will have been selected to compete by the participating institution based on their own internal competition. This course has been designed to attempt to put the teams on an equal footing in terms of preparedness. The course has been designed following the framework shown in the diagram below.

• The program will run over January / February 2023

• The program will be fully online except the pitch feedback (see below)

• The assignment will be a video of their pitch and Mashauri will give each student 1-on-1 feedback

• Total time will not exceed 4 hours (excluding the time they need to prepare their pitch video)

• There will be a suggested timeline to which students should adhere (and will be reminded if they are behind); and a deadline for the assignment.

• Pitch criteria will be included

This program has been designed to support those who wish to act as a mentor to a startup founder or team. 

We will be running 3 programs this year: late May, July and September.

If you would like to apply for any of the programs, please complete this application: Headlines Startup Mentor Programs 2022 FAQ

Applications are open to: any student, staff or faculty who is registered at any of the institutions participating in the EU HE Innovate Headlines program. These are: Centria University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Munster Technological University; Universidad de Burgos; IMDEA Food.

If you are not part of any of these institutions but would like to be considered as a participant, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org 

Frequently Asked Questions

This program has been designed to support those who wish to act as a mentor to a startup founder or team. 

We will be running 3 programs this year: late May, July and September.

If you would like to apply for any of the programs, please complete this application: Headlines Startup Mentor Programs 2022 FAQ

Applications are open to: any student, staff or faculty who is registered at any of the institutions participating in the EU HE Innovate Headlines program. These are: Centria University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Munster Technological University; Universidad de Burgos; IMDEA Food.

If you are not part of any of these institutions but would like to be considered as a participant, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org 

Frequently Asked Questions

Headlines Centria Starting Up Mini Incubator

Applications will stay open unto 30 August. Apply here: https://bit.ly/CentriaSU

This program has been designed to support those who wish to act as a mentor to a startup founder or team. 

We will be running 3 programs this year: late May, July and September.

If you would like to apply for any of the programs, please complete this application: Headlines Startup Mentor Programs 2022 FAQ

Applications are open to: any student, staff or faculty who is registered at any of the institutions participating in the EU HE Innovate Headlines program. These are: Centria University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Munster Technological University; Universidad de Burgos; IMDEA Food.

If you are not part of any of these institutions but would like to be considered as a participant, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org 

Frequently Asked Questions

Developed by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The simulation is designed for class groups of 20 to 86 students.

This multi-player simulation places students into a variety of roles that explore the chaos and excitement of starting a new company. Students role-play as founders, investors, and potential employees who must deal with the many complexities of negotiating deals, finding the right staffing mix, building relationships, and making critical early decisions that affect the chances of long-term success. 

Participants prepare in advance for their roles before forming teams and launching their exploratory or exploitative ventures amid intense competition. Developed by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the simulation is designed to mirror a true startup experience: it is chaotic and complicated, and students must figure out optimal strategies for success, with limited information, over the course of the game. 

The Entrepreneurship Simulation: The Startup Game tracks players along a variety of dimensions that lead to startup success, including the interaction between hiring and strategy, the trade-off between control and wealth, the skills needed to run a company, and the valuations that startups receive. It provides interactive scoreboards for instructors to use during class debrief and includes video interviews with Warby Parker visionary Neil Blumenthal, venture capitalist Josh Kopelman, and Bruce Brownstein, one of eBay's first hires. 

The Teaching Note provides guidance on running effective class debriefs. Developed by professor and former entrepreneur Ethan Mollick, the Entrepreneurship Simulation: The Startup Game is one of The Wharton School's most popular simulations. The simulation can serve as an introduction or capstone to any entrepreneurship class. The simulation is playable only by class groups of 20-86 students.

Pricing

Pricing is at £75 per student which includes the Harvard registration cost. A minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 30 for any session.

To request a workshop for your organisation or to obtain more information, please contact us at info@mashauri.org.

Using a Harvard Business case study as the core, together with top quality, engaging educational material, participants:

• learn about the business model canvas and how it is used
• understand the key elements of the canvas and the interplay between them
• get exposure to alternative business model tools (the lean canvas, the social impact canvas)
• review revenue models and when they are appropriate
• undertake a case study (based on a real situation) where they use the business model canvas to evaluate 3 approaches to launching a mental health application
• selecting their choice of model with rationale 
• review the alternatives
• see what happened in the real situation

This program can be run by individuals or in teams (preferably). It requires about 3 hours of pre-work and then a 4 hour session where they work through the case and obtain feedback. The latter may be run in a classroom or remotely over Zoom (or similar).

Pricing

Pricing is at £95 per student which includes the Harvard registration cost. A minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 30 for any session.

To request a business model evaluation event for your organisation or to obtain more information, please contact us at info@mashauri.org.

To obtain a free ebook on best practices in running entrepreneur simulations - complete the request form below

A hands-on simulation for students providing a never-to-be-forgotten learning experience. Sourced from Harvard Education and the Chasm Institute; and hosted by Mashauri.

Many new products and ventures fail in the marketplace. One reason for this is that most innovations fail to make a mark in the mainstream market. This simulation allows students to experience the frustrations and challenges of taking a disruptive innovation from initial success with early adopters to widespread adoption by the mainstream market. Said transition has been termed as "crossing the chasm" by Geoffrey A. Moore, and is the foundational framework for the simulation. Students play the role of a self-driving vehicle technology firm that has garnered significant attention from the early adopter market but is struggling to break in to the mainstream market. Investors are now looking for exponential growth through mainstream adoption. Students will be tasked to assess the market segments that have shown interest in self-driving vehicles (SDVs), develop the appropriate product solution for their selected segments, and achieve the growth promised by their technology. In short, students must find a way to successfully "cross the chasm."

Get a free ebook on Best practices in running entrepreneur simulations

Learning objectives

• Understand and experience the discontinuity (chasm) between the early adopter and mainstream markets in the adoption of a disruptive innovation
• Discover how innovations can attain widespread adoption through a strategy that successfully bridges the early adopter and early majority markets
• Learn to ascertain the appropriate target market segments for mainstream adoption using limited, qualitative data
• Overcome the tendency to follow the conservative strategy of spreading the risks to multiple markets, and pursue the high-risk strategy of focusing on one segment
• Realize the importance of completely satisfying the needs of the selected target segment with a whole product solution
• Recognize the long-term benefit of persisting with and dominating one segment to achieve the end goal of success in adjacent segments (bowling pin effect)

Timing and logistics

The simulation can be played in a concentrated 2 hour session including the orientation and debrief; or may be stretched out over a longer period of time.

The session may be held entirely online or conducted in a classroom setting.

There are 3 parts to the course

• An orientation to the self-driving vehicle industry and the student's role in the simulation (as CEO of a funded, self-driving vehicle technology firm).
• The simulation itself that takes place over 4 years where market opportunities are assessed, strategic investment and market approach decisions are made and results are presented year by year.
• A debrief where results are analysed, theory and cases are presented (videos and presentation) and an interactive discussion is held (in class or via a webinar) where learnings are teased out and conclusions drawn.

Pricing

Pricing is at £75 per student which includes the Harvard registration cost. A minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 30 for any session.

To request a workshop for your organisation or to obtain more information, please contact us at info@mashauri.org.

To obtain a free ebook on best practices in running entrepreneur simulations - complete the request form below

In this online simulation, students try to run a successful food truck in the city of Boomtown. Students work individually or in teams to achieve maximum revenue over 5 simulated weeks and win the "Food Truck Challenge." In each round, students make decisions about where to park and what menu item to offer in hopes of finding the best menu-location combination and yielding the highest sales. They begin by analyzing market data and making a plan, but must then decide whether to a.) go to scale right away with the food truck b.) conduct further research and analysis, or c.) experiment with a low-capacity pushcart. In the class debrief, students discuss the trade-offs between analysis, experimentation, and scale.

This simulation teaches students about the value of learning by doing, prototyping, and willingness to fail. It is ideal for discussions of innovation, product development, design thinking, lean start-up, entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, and organisational learning. 

Timing and logistics

The simulation can be played in a concentrated 1 hour session including the orientation and debrief; or may be stretched out over a longer period of time.

The session may be held entirely online or conducted in a classroom setting.

Pricing

Pricing is at £75 per student which includes the Harvard registration cost. A minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 30 for any session.

To arrange a workshop for your organisation or obtain more information, please contact us at info@mashauri.org .

This is the Research Project which is part of the University's Post Graduate Diploma in Innovation (PGDIP Innovation).

It guides the student in the steps to build their venture providing the necessary tools, templates and content. Furthermore, it is the place where they upload their deliverables for review and grading by the program mentors.

In this way, the students are able to develop their venture independently and in their own time. Furthermore, the professor and/or mentor time is massively optimised as the time spent with the students is in challenge and guidance, rather than requiring time to give simple instructions and explanations.

Unlocking Innovation: Master's in AI and Entrepreneurship

Embark on a transformative journey at our cutting-edge Master's program in Entrepreneurship and AI, where the realms of innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial prowess converge. In today's dynamic landscape, the fusion of entrepreneurship and AI has become an uncharted frontier, brimming with endless possibilities. This program is meticulously crafted to equip you with the tools, insights, and creative mindset needed to navigate this exhilarating terrain.

As you learn, you will also be guided in developing your own AI-based venture which you may then take forward at the end of the program to building this into a full business.

Elevate Your Vision: 

Are you ready to sculpt your dreams into reality? Our program commences with a profound introduction to both the captivating world of entrepreneurship and the intricate tapestry of AI. Gain a holistic understanding of these domains, their symbiotic relationship, and how they can empower one another.

Forge AI Creations:

Unleash your creativity through AI-powered artistry. Harness the power of prompt engineering and witness captivating images and music emerge from the depths of algorithms. Dive into the innovative universe of AI content generation, and witness your ideas come to life in ways you never thought possible.

Ethical Pioneering: 

As trailblazers, we acknowledge the importance of ethical considerations in this journey. Navigate the intricate ethical dimensions of AI entrepreneurship. Delve into discussions on bias, fairness, and transparency to ensure your innovations are built on strong ethical foundations.

Discover Untapped Opportunities:

 Seize the chance to revolutionize industries. Explore untapped AI-driven business opportunities and witness how AI is poised to reshape healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and beyond. Gain insights from those who've carved their paths in the world of AI entrepreneurship.

No-Code Revolution:

 With no-code AI development, coding barriers crumble. Embark on a voyage to build conversational AIs, advanced applications, and even web and mobile apps without the need for coding expertise. Witness AI and entrepreneurship merge seamlessly to empower your ideas.

Innovate Business Models

Understand the intricate dance between AI and business models. Explore models built on data monetization, subscription services, and more. Grasp the disruptive force of AI and learn how to wield it to reshape markets and industries.

As you navigate this exhilarating journey, culminate your experience by crafting an AI-infused entrepreneurial venture that blends technological brilliance with visionary leadership. Our program is more than a degree; it's a launchpad for those who dare to dream, disrupt, and innovate.

Unveil the future of entrepreneurship and AI with us. Together, we will chart the course of innovation, redefine industries, and create a world where technology and entrepreneurship intertwine seamlessly. Are you ready to embark on this groundbreaking odyssey? Your adventure begins here.

Course modus operandi

• The course is hosted completely online on the Mashauri platform
• You may work at your own pace. The optimal work pace is to invest 4 to 5 hours per week and you will finish the course in about 3 months.
• The price of the course is $1,199-00 (bursaries available for certain students)
• You will receive a Mashauri certificate on successful completion of the program
• Outline curriculum shown below

This program is planned to start in late 2024. If you would like to find out more, please contact: simon.gifford@mashauri.org

Draft curriculum

Section 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and AI

Module 1: Foundations of Entrepreneurship and AI

  - Introduction to entrepreneurship and its relevance in the AI landscape.

  - Overview of artificial intelligence: history, types, and applications.

  - Understanding the symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurship and AI.

  Module 2: AI Technologies and Tools for Entrepreneurs

  - Introduction to AI technologies: machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, etc.

  - Exploration of AI development tools, libraries, and frameworks.

  - Hands-on exercises with basic AI model development.

Section 2: Prompt Engineering and AI Content Generation

Module 3: Creative AI: Prompt Engineering and Image Generation

  - Techniques for formulating effective prompts for AI systems.

  - Image generation using generative adversarial networks (GANs) and variational autoencoders (VAEs).

  - Practical exercises in generating images based on different prompts.

  Module 4: Music and Text Generation with AI

  - Using AI for music composition and generation.

  - Text generation using recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and transformers.

  - Workshop on creating AI-generated music and text.

Section 3: Ethical Considerations in AI Entrepreneurship

Module 5: Ethics and Responsible AI

  - Understanding ethical challenges in AI development and entrepreneurship.

  - Bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems.

  - Case studies of ethical dilemmas and their resolutions.

Section 4: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in AI

Module 6: AI-driven Business Opportunities

  - Identifying market gaps and opportunities for AI-driven solutions.

  - Disruptive potential of AI across industries: healthcare, finance, manufacturing, etc.

  - Guest speakers from successful AI startups sharing their experiences.

Section 5: No-Code AI Development

Module 7: Building Conversational AIs with No Code

  - Introduction to no-code AI development platforms.

  - Designing and building chatbots and virtual assistants.

  - Practical hands-on session on creating a conversational AI.

  Module 8: Advanced No-Code AI Development

  - Exploring more complex AI applications without coding.

  - Creating AI-driven recommendation systems and personalized experiences.

  - Workshop on developing advanced AI applications using no-code platforms.

Section 6: No-Code App Development and AI Data Visualization

Module 9: Building Web and Mobile Apps with No Code

  - Introduction to no-code app development tools.

  - Designing and building web and mobile applications integrated with AI features.

  - Hands-on session on creating a functional app without coding.

  Module 10: AI Data Visualization and Interpretability

  - Using AI to create meaningful data visualizations and insights.

  - Interpreting AI model outputs and making them accessible to non-technical users.

  - Workshop on generating AI-powered data visualizations.

Section 7: Business Models, AI, and Market Disruption

Module 11: Business Models in the Age of AI

  - Adapting traditional business models to leverage AI.

  - Subscription, freemium, data monetization, and more.

  - Case studies of successful AI-driven business models.

  Module 12: Market Disruption and AI Innovation

  - Understanding how AI is disrupting existing markets and creating new ones.

  - Strategies for startups to leverage AI for market disruption.

  - Analyzing the impact of AI on various industries.

Capstone Project: AI-Powered Entrepreneurial Venture

Students will work on a comprehensive capstone project that combines AI technologies, entrepreneurial concepts, and no-code development tools to create an innovative business solution. This project will be supervised by both AI and entrepreneurship mentors.

This curriculum aims to provide a well-rounded education in the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of technology-driven innovation.

This is a Mashauri startup bytes course on pricing and revenue models for startups.

It will give the participants

• Knowledge of different pricing models and under what circumstances they best work
• How to consider pricing from a strategic perspective and a tactical perspective
• How to undertake a competitive pricing analysis
• Hot to test the market acceptance through using pricing models

As with all our programs, this is hands-on where you will receive tools and templates to use in your startup.

This is a Mashauri micro credential course and all participants will receive a certificate on successful completion.

Note: at present this course is still in development, but if you would like urgent access to the materials, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org  with "Urgent: revenue models" in the title.

This mini course has been designed to give the participant the tools and knowledge to undertake a market segmentation exercise. Following that, they will have the capability to develop a beachhead market to serve as their starting point to capture their first customer base.

This is a Mashauri micro credential course and a certificate is awarded to all who successfully complete the course.

NOTE: at present this course is in preparation mode. If you urgently need access to the materials, please write to simon.gifford@mashauri.org with the phrase "Urgent segmentation" in the title.

This startup byte helps you to interview customers with the intention of validating or invalidating your hypotheses/assumptions.

It covers: the customer discovery process, interviewing tips and techniques and a template to help you build a questionnaire and track results.

This is a demonstration course to allow interested institutions to find out a little more about how Mashauri operates at a course level.