Technological Entrepreneushio (471031)

Learning Outcomes

These curricular unit, Technological Entrepreneurship, aims to develop in students a critical and applied understanding of the process of creating, developing, and scaling technology-based ventures.

These curricular unit seeks to:

  • Foster entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, focused on solving complex problems through technology-driven approaches.
  • Enable students to identify, assess, and transform technological opportunities into sustainable and scalable business models.
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge and practical methodologies - such as Lean Startup, Design Thinking, and Disciplined Entrepreneurship among others - that foster experimentation, validation, and the construction of market-oriented technological solutions.
  • Promote multidisciplinary teamwork, entrepreneurial leadership, and effective communication of business ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Develop an ethical and sustainable vision of entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of technology as a driver of positive economic and social impact.

Study Program

  1. Fundamentals of Technological Entrepreneurship
    1. Concepts and definitions of technological entrepreneurship.
    2. Differences between traditional and technological entrepreneurship.
    3. Characteristics of digital businesses and technology-based ventures.
    4. The role of innovation and technological disruption in value creation.
    5. Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Innovation
    6. Structure and key components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
    7. Main actors: universities, incubators, accelerators, investors, government, and large corporations.
    8. International reference ecosystems (Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Shenzhen, Lisbon).
    9. Maturity levels and dynamics of interaction in technological ecosystems.
    10. Identification and Evaluation of Technological Opportunities
    11. Technological trends and emerging sectors.
    12. Ideation and creativity techniques applied to entrepreneurship.
    13. Market opportunity assessment and analysis of real-world problems.
    14. Tools for opportunity diagnosis and innovation mapping.
    15. Frameworks for Technological Entrepreneurship
  • Contemporary approaches and methodologies:
    1. Lean Startup: Build–Measure–Learn cycle, hypotheses, MVP, and validation.
    2. Design Thinking: stages Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test.
    3. Customer Development: discovery, validation, creation, and company building.
    4. Disciplined Entrepreneurship (MIT): structured 24-step model from market definition to scaling.
    5. Effectuation: decision-making under uncertainty, affordable loss and co-creation principles.
    6. Business Models and Product Development
    7. Tools: Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas.
    8. Concepts of value proposition, product–market fit, and Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
    9. Performance and traction metrics for startups (CAC, LTV, churn, retention).
    10. Pricing and monetization strategies in technology ventures.
    11. Startup Financing and Scalability
    12. Funding sources: bootstrapping, business angels, venture capital, crowdfunding, and public incentives.
    13. Concepts of valuation, term sheet, and investor negotiation.
    14. Growth and internationalization strategies for technological ventures.
    15. Critical success and failure factors in scaling processes.
    16. Team Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership
    17. Building multidisciplinary teams: roles of hustler, hacker, and designer.
    18. Structuring founder agreements and equity sharing (vesting and cliff).
    19. Organizational culture and innovation-driven leadership.
    20. Entrepreneurial communication and storytelling.
    21. Sustainability, Ethics, and Social Impact
    22. Responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship.
    23. Social and environmental impact of technology and innovation.
    24. Ethics, privacy, and responsible use of data and AI.
    25. Technology as a tool for inclusion and economic development.
    26. Applied Project and Final Pitch
    27. Development of a group-based technological project throughout the semester.
    28. Practical application of the studied methodologies.
    29. Preparation and presentation of a final pitch to a simulated jury.
    30. Critical reflection on the learning process and the entrepreneurial journey.

Bibliography

Aulet, B. (2013). Disciplined entrepreneurship: 24 steps to a successful startup. MIT Press.

 

Ries, E. (2011). The lean startup: How today's entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses. Crown Business.

 

Blank, S. (2005). The four steps to the epiphany: Successful strategies for products that win. K&S Ranch Press.

 

Brown, T. (2009). Change by design: How design thinking transforms organizations and inspires innovation. Harper Business.