IT Founders’ Lab 1 - Launchpad

Overview

Students learn to develop a business idea from current research topics, refine it in a market-oriented manner, and pitch it to experts as a mock-up with the aim of demonstrating a proof of concept that can lead to the development of a prototype and subsequent start-up. This Launchpad course lays the groundwork for the following IT Founder’s Lab courses Bootcamp and Accelerator, where students will implement their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and pitch to investors/experts.

Students attend a series of lectures (by the lecturers and guests; attendance is mandatory) to eventually develop a business idea in the field of computer science with the aim of founding a company based on it. Lecture topics include

• developing a business idea
• current research topics that could be turned into a business
• rapid prototyping
• writing a business plan
• pitching a business idea
• experience reports from founders

The business idea should incorporate current research topics in a marketable manner; it is developed and refined by the students during the project with the assistance of lecturers and technology transfer experts.

Submissions and Grading

During the course, students submit four results that determine the final grade:

Part 1 – Summaries (25% of final grade)

Written summaries of the lectures offered by the guests and lecturers.

Part 2 – Initial business plan (25% of final grade)

An initial business plan that covers the following areas:

Idea: What is the objective of the company/project? What is the innovative character of the service and product portfolio? Which characteristics give the product or service a unique position?

Team: How is the project team composed? What complementary skills does the founding team have?

Market and Competition: Is the addressed market big enough? What are the success factors in the market? What role do innovation and technical progress play? Which companies are competitors within the market?

Business Model: How is your service new and useful?

Marketing and Sales: What sales (volume) and turnover (value) is the planned company aiming for?

Part 3 – Mock-up (25% of final grade)

A mock-up, wireframe, or prototype that describes the idea from a customer’s perspective.

Part 4 – Sales pitch (25% of final grade)

Presentation of the business idea and mock-up to a jury. The jury comprises lecturers, other examiners, and, if applicable, guests from technology transfer and industry. The presentation should persuade potential investors to invest in the business idea. Annotated slides and the initial business plan must be available to the jury before the sales pitch.

Schedule of the Lectures

This lecture occurs every Tuesday from 10:15 to 11:45 in CISPA C0, room 0.05.