Tech Challenge

What it is about

In this module you work in a team on real industry challenges (e.g., Smart City, mobility, Digital Healthcare, Industry 4.0, Smart Grid) and develop functional prototypes as well as short business statements within a semester. At the end you will be able to assess technological opportunities, work interdisciplinarily on a project basis, and present results in a demo and pitch.

What you will be able to do

• Recognize the latest technology trends (e.g., Cloud, IoT, AI, AR/VR)
• Assess opportunities and challenges in applying these technologies
• work interdisciplinary on a project basis
• independent learning with the help of online referenced resources and expert coaching
• evaluate ideas, prototypes and results with experts, users and customers and incorporate feedback
• use contemporary web platforms for digital project work
• work in a high-tech prototyping workshop
• create functional prototypes
• present project results to a broad audience
• create short business plans to communicate project benefits

What the module consists of

• Kick-offIntroduction to challenges, resources and goals; sensitivity and inspiration; conclusion with "Challenge Fair"
• Challenge-WorkshopsOne day per industry partner for interactive deepening into the respective challenge
• Team- und IdeenregistrierungInterdisciplinary teams choose a challenge and register team, vision and project plan
• Ideation-WorkshopDesign Thinking, Needfinding and concept generation to select ideas
• Work-in-ProgressPrototyping, testing, feedback loops, office hours and expert consultation
• Business-ThemenCustomer Value Proposition, market, positioning, business model and value chain
• Pitch-Training und Pre-Demo MeetupUser acceptance tests with challenge owners and feedback integration
• Demo DayPresentation of the final concepts using prototypes, video, poster and short business plan

Teaching method

• Projektbasiertes LernenTo practically tackle complex, technology-oriented challenges and promote teamwork
• Interdisziplinäre TeamarbeitTo connect different disciplinary perspectives within the challenges
• Workshops und Coaching durch IndustriepartnerFor technology insights, needs and feedback from practice
• Hands-on im Prototyping-WorkshopFor learning and applying tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sensors, etc.
• Online-Ressourcen und e-LearningTo support the individual learning process