Speakers
Description
Abstract:
Topic: The evolution of a sustainability oriented student project - a journey on the nexus of academia and practice
Explanation:
The integration of sustainable entrepreneurship under the mentorship of Professor Evelina Van Mensel holds profound significance for our academic journey. It's not merely an academic pursuit but a practical necessity in addressing contemporary challenges, as a result of its experiential learning nature. Sustainability isn't just an abstract concept; it's a guiding principle that shapes our approach to business. Professor Van Mensel's emphasis on sustainability underscores its critical role in our field. It guides us to understand that successful entrepreneurship isn't solely about profit margins but also about creating lasting, positive impacts on society and the environment. Through our experiences, we've realized that sustainability must be integrated into every facet of entrepreneurial endeavors. Our journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship, as well as experiential learning in the curriculum. We hope that this journey will inspire others to prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial success.
Key message:
Sustainable entrepreneurship, guided by mentorship and driven by innovation, holds the power to create positive change in the world. By integrating sustainability into business practices, we can address pressing societal and environmental challenges while fostering economic growth and societal well-being. Through collaboration, networking, and ethical entrepreneurship, we have the opportunity to build a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.
This presentation showcases the evolution of a sustainability-oriented student project, emerged from the entrepreneurship course (ENT3000) under the guidance of Professor Evelina Van Mensel during the spring semester of 2023 at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG): https://app.rebelbase.co/project/2932 . Embarking on this journey were myself and my colleague Martin, whose collaborative efforts epitomize the fusion of academic learning and practical application in the realm of sustainability.Our initial endeavor into sustainability entrepreneurship was marked by the exploration of novel business ideas. We delved into the intricacies of problem-solution dynamics, unearthing the potential for integrating recycling vending machines on campus. Throughout the semester, we navigated the terrain of entrepreneurship, grappling with concepts such as the most viable product, pivot, spin-off, and the depths of problem-solving. Our endeavors were characterized by relentless validation efforts, encompassing interviews, focus groups, and interactions with international and local manufacturers. Guided by Professor Van Mensel, we honed our pitching skills, engaged with investors, and sought funding avenues to bring our vision to fruition.
Amidst the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, we seized opportunities to showcase our progress, notably during the Sustainability Week on campus and the Startup Weekend, where our small prototype garnered acclaim by gathering over 10kg of recyclable materials. These milestones underscored the tangible impact of our project and validated the efficacy of our sustainability-driven approach.
Moreover, our participation in the SEAccelerator program provided us with invaluable opportunities to refine our idea. Recognized for our academic performance, we actively engaged in pitching sessions, which further honed our presentation skills and refined our business proposition. This experience has been instrumental in shaping our entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Following our entrepreneurship course (ENT3000), where we initially explored integrating recycling vending machines on campus, market challenges necessitated a pivot. However, amidst our subsequent participation in a work and travel program, our determination to effect change persisted. Harnessing the collective desire to benefit society, we embarked on a quest to find a sustainable business idea, aligning with upcoming Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship courses.Upon our return to AUBG in fall 2023, we set our sights on addressing the global issue of food waste by transforming it into nutrient-rich compost. Under Professor Van Mensel's mentorship, our journey was characterized by structured validation, market targeting, go-to-market strategy formulation, and prototyping: . https://app.rebelbase.co/project/3613. Engaged within Bulgaria's startup ecosystem, we leveraged opportunities, including international competitions, sessions with successful social entrepreneurs, and participation in the OSUN course. In the Sustainability course of Prof. Petrova and Prof. Van Mensel we proposed a campaign for Kaufland on how to stimulate composting among their customers. During the presentation of our idea in front of the CSR Director of the company, we received very positive feedback and this potential partnership will aid us tremenedously in further developing our idea.
The pinnacle of our endeavor came with our participation in the global Disrupt to Sustain Competition, where we secured 2nd place out of 32+ teams, underscoring the efficacy of our sustainable business model. Subsequently, our entry into the Elevate Accelerator Program heralded further growth and validation of our venture. Notably, our involvement in the Disrupt to Sustain Competition facilitated invaluable feedback and networking opportunities. Engaging with renowned professionals in social entrepreneurship broadened our perspective and enriched our understanding of sustainable business practices. This exposure to diverse perspectives has been pivotal in shaping our entrepreneurial journey and fostering meaningful connections within the global sustainability community.
In our current phase, we remain in constant communication with our mentor, seeking guidance and insights to navigate the intricacies of sustainable entrepreneurship. As we iterate on our ideas and strategies, we are fueled by the collective aspiration to create positive societal impact while ensuring environmental sustainability. In a continuation of our academic journey, we seek to Lead Change on campus: https://app.rebelbase.co/project/3930. This succession of complementing courses has helped bring together all pieces of the puzzle, allowing us to effectively lead change in sustainability both through new businesses and through existing organizations.
Our journey exemplifies the power of experiential learning in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. As we navigate the complexities of societal challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing a business win-win-win: for the people, for us, and for the planet.In sharing our journey, we illuminate the transformative potential inherent in the intersection of academia and practice. Our experience underscores the instrumental role of mentorship, collaboration on a global and local level, learning by doing, succession of courses allowing us to pivot and improve our idea, utilizing extra-curriculum opportunities and relentless perseverance in navigating the complexities of sustainable entrepreneurship. As we reflect on our trajectory, we envision a future marked by continued innovation and commitment to fostering sustainability in academia and beyond.
Keywords: Sustainability Entrepreneurship, Academic-Practice Nexus, Mentorship, Innovation, Sustainability Week, Startup Weekend, American University in Bulgaria (AUBG).
| Title | The evolution of a sustainability oriented student project - a journey on the nexus of academia and practice |
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