Project: Startup and Business Development (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

1. Kick off day with industry speakers, examples of real-life problems / research gaps / etc.
2. Generating ideas for products or services
3. Conducting market research and evaluating the business potential of ideas
4. Selecting an idea and developing it
5. Creating a business plan around selected idea
6. Composing a pitch for the product & rehearsing pitching
7. Presenting the pitch at the end of course

Objective

The student can analyze business opportunities in own field on regional, national, and international levels.
The student can plan and establish a company that leverages data as a core component of its operations.
The student can design and develop a product or service that aligns with the company’s goals and target audience and refine the product/service through iterative processes.
The student can present own company, product, or service effectively to stakeholders and industry professionals.

Content

Business Opportunity Analysis: Researching and evaluating market opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Company Establishment: Developing a business concept and structure with a focus on data-driven strategies.
Product or Service Development: Creating a value proposition and aligning it with market needs and data insights.
Prototyping: Building and refining a functional prototype of your product or service.
Pitching and Presentation: Communicating your business idea, product, or service to potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders.

Location and time

Classroom meetings
Sep-Dec 2025, final dates confirmed at first meeting.

Project exhibition
3.12.2025

Final pitch on the day of project exhibition.

Materials

Literature and other material shared in Moodle during the course.

Teaching methods

The course is a combination of classroom teaching and workshops + independent group work.

Exam schedules

Course has no exams. Project exhibition day on 3.12.

Completion alternatives

Separately arranged with the teacher if needed for a justified reason.

Student workload

Project work is mostly scheduled between weeks 43-49. 5 ects is about 135 hrs of work including classroom meetings and independent project work.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student can identify and describe at least one regional or national business opportunity in their field with minimal supporting data.
The student can outline a business plan with clear objectives and basic financial or operational elements.
The student can develop a product or service concept with a defined target audience and initial value proposition.
The student can create a prototype that demonstrates the core functionality or features of the product or service.
The student can present the business concept and prototype using a prepared presentation that addresses essential aspects but lacks depth or detail.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student can analyze multiple business opportunities at regional, national, or international levels, providing data-driven insights into market needs and trends.
The student can prepare a comprehensive business plan that includes market analysis, a clear value proposition, and initial financial planning.
The student can design a product or service that aligns with market demands, supported by research or user feedback.
The student can develop a functional prototype that incorporates key features and usability considerations.
The student can deliver a well-organized presentation of the business plan and prototype, including explanations of market potential and implementation strategies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can conduct a detailed analysis of regional, national, and international business opportunities, identifying specific trends, competitors, and unique market gaps.
The student can develop an innovative and robust business plan with a fully articulated strategy, including a detailed financial model, operational plan, and marketing approach.
The student can create a product or service that demonstrates a strong alignment with customer needs and integrates feedback from prototyping or market testing.
The student can produce a highly refined prototype that includes advanced features, clear usability improvements, and practical implementation potential.
The student can deliver a professional and compelling pitch, effectively communicating the business opportunity, value proposition, prototype functionality, and strategic roadmap to stakeholders.