Course Description
This course introduces students to evidence-based approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on the systematic validation of early-stage ideas under conditions of uncertainty. Drawing on lean startup methodologies, customer development theory, and experimental innovation frameworks, the course guides students through structured processes of problem identification, user research, rapid prototyping, and iterative market testing. Through applied project work, students learn to assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of entrepreneurial opportunities prior to scaling.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of lean entrepreneurship principles, customer discovery processes, and innovation experimentation models
- Explain the conceptual foundations of problem–solution fit and early-stage product–market validation
Skills
- Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research, including interviews, surveys, and observational methods
- Develop minimum viable products and prototypes to test core value assumptions
- Construct and evaluate structured experiments to generate actionable market insights
Competencies
- Critically assess opportunity risk and uncertainty using empirical evidence
- Apply iterative learning processes to refine innovation strategies
- Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary entrepreneurial teams
Key Topics Covered
- Lean startup methodology and hypothesis-driven innovation
- Customer discovery and empathy-based research methods
- Value proposition development and testing
- Market segmentation and early adopter analysis
- Prototyping tools and MVP development techniques
- Experimental design and validation metrics
- Iterative learning cycles and pivot strategies
- Risk management in early-stage ventures