Study level: Master 

Study programs: Agric. Science Trop/Subtr. (M. Sc.), Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.), Molekulare Lebensmitteltechnologie (M.Sc.), Nutzpflanzenwissensch (M. Sc.)

Semester: Summer semester

Language: Englisch

Exam: Written project plan + presentation 

Responsible: Prof. Dr. Denise Fischer-Kreer

Further information on the module can be found at BASIS.

Upon completion, you will:

• Understand the specifics and requirements of sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Be able to apply tools for sustainability-oriented idea generation and evaluation.
• Possess the knowledge and skills to identify, develop, evaluate, and design sustainable business models.
• Build the foundations of an entrepreneurial mindset.

The "Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Venturing" module is designed for students interested in startups and how entrepreneurship can foster sustainability transformations. The module provides an overview of the entrepreneurial process, from discovering and evaluating to implementing new business ideas and models that promote sustainable development. Throughout the course, students will explore the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship, encompassing the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, sustainable business models, and entrepreneurial tools for sustainability.

Building on this foundation, sustainable venturing actively harnesses the innovative power of entrepreneurship to solve global social and environmental challenges. Students will work in teams to develop a sustainable business idea, learning to identify social and environmental problems, develop solution ideas, analyze and evaluate alternatives, and create implementation plans. Students are guided through the process of applying entrepreneurial tools to advance their entrepreneurial ideas and transform them into business models. They also gain familiarity with concepts and tools for presenting their business ideas.

Beyza:

"I have to admit that I initially only took the Entrepreneurship and Venturing module because it was something different, and I wanted to attend a module with my friends. But now I am very happy to have taken this module because we truly acquire out-of-the-box knowledge and – more importantly – skills that will help us in real life. For example, how to present a problem within 60 seconds, whereas at university we always tend to break everything down and discuss it in detail. I feel like I'm really alive in this module. Thank you for that! :)"

Patrick:

"In fact, I was interested in Entrepreneurship before the course started, but I never had a guideline that motivates me for practical implementation of my ideas. This course offers theoretical background on how to work creatively. Having interactive conversations, building LEGO models, or creating solutions by developing a fictional company that addresses real problems provides incentives to adapt new ways of making decisions, both in career and personal life. Thanks for your input!"

Tanja:

"When I first signed up for Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Venturing, I did not even know what it meant; I just chose it because it was new. Little did I know that it would soon turn out to be my favorite course in all my years of going to university. I always thought I was shy, but this seminar really made me come out of my shell and want to actively participate. The atmosphere was really great, and the content surprised me every time, so that I was looking forward to every session. Finally, I think I truly gained a lot from this course, and it even helped me develop a new mindset—this is so rare for a university course! All I can say is thank you! I hope a lot more students will join this seminar! It's worth it, I promise!"