Tech Challenge
Join our 12-week Tech Challenge program to master human-centric innovation, ideation and exploration, feedback, pitching, project management and prototyping. Dive deep into real-world challenges, conducting user research, and crafting innovative solutions within interdisciplinary teams. Benefit from expert mentorship, access to cutting-edge technologies, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Gain hands-on experience, academic recognition, and personal growth while tackling challenges head-on. Uphold ethical principles of integrity, teamwork, ownership, and confidentiality throughout the program.
Target Groups: PhD Students, Students
Area of Focus: Business Design, Scalable Tech
Next Date: April 23, 2024 - July 18, 2024
Times offered per year : Every semester, beginning of April or October
Duration: 1 semester (12 weeks)
ECTS : 6 ECTS (accreditation depends on the study program, Campus TUM ID: WI001180SE)
Language: English
Scope: 6-12h per week per participant
Learning Goals: Foster expertise in human-centric innovation, ideation and exploration, feedback, proficient pitching techniques, project management, prototyping, spotting opportunities, effective teamwork, and user research
Application Requirements : For students of all faculties & backgrounds; Enrollment as a student required, otherwise one should pay ("Tech Challenge Plus" Program)
About the program
Join our 12-week Tech Challenge program for a practical dive into the world of human-centric innovation. Throughout the course, participants will explore ideation, feedback integration, pitching, project management, and prototyping. Our curriculum aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to excel in today's tech landscape.
Participants will engage in hands-on learning, tackling real challenges in interdisciplinary teams to develop both technical and teamwork abilities. The program emphasizes ethical conduct and responsible innovation, promoting integrity, transparency, and respect.
With mentorship, access to cutting-edge tech, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable skills, academic recognition, and a solid foundation for growth in the tech industry.
Next dates:
- Tech Challenge Kick-off: April 23
- Workshop on Problem/Solution Fit: May 8
- Workshop on Customer Centricity: May 10 and 14
- Workshop on Pitch Presentation: May 16
- Workshop on Lean Prototyping: June 4
- Tech Challenge Final presentation: July 16
- Tech Challenge Winners Pitch Night: July 17
Application
FAQs
-
What can I expect to learn from the Tech Challenge program?
Throughout the program, participants will develop expertise in human-centric innovation methodologies, including design thinking and lean startup principles. They'll learn to effectively pitch ideas, manage projects, conduct user research, and create functional prototypes using cutting-edge technologies.
-
How are challenges selected in the Tech Challenge program?
Each semester, we present participants different challenges provided by partners across various industries. During the Tech Challenge, every participant will be matched in an interdisciplinary team that gets support from a coach and access to prototyping facilities.
-
How are teams formed in the Tech Challenge program?
We want to ensure that we form teams in the best possible way for the students, so we initially give students the flexibility to form their own team. We also provide various team-building sessions and specific matchmaking channels on Slack so that individuals can connect with others interested in the same challenges. If there are students who are not assigned to a team, we form teams based on the different skills, interests and preferences of the students to create balanced teams while ensuring collaboration and innovation.
-
What support and resources are available during the program?
Participants receive workshops and mentorship from industry experts, access to prototyping facilities, and networking opportunities with the entities providing the challenges. Each team gets support from a coach through all stages of the project. Additionally, participants have access to comprehensive course materials and online resources to support their learning journey.
-
How are sessions and workshops conducted in the Tech Challenge program?
To provide guidance and support throughout the semester, the Tech Challenge program offers online sessions and workshops. These sessions cover various topics related to innovation, project management, and technical skills, providing participants with valuable insights and resources to excel in their projects.
-
Are presentations held online in the Tech Challenge program?
Yes, all presentations in the Tech Challenge program are online. Participants showcase their project progress, findings, and final outcomes through virtual presentations, allowing for seamless collaboration and engagement regardless of location.
-
How flexible is the Tech Challenge program in terms of time management?
The Tech Challenge program offers flexibility in time management, allowing participants to manage their own schedules effectively. While there's no mandatory time commitment from our end for program participation, previous students have typically dedicated between 6 to 12 hours per week, with variations based on individual levels of engagement. Each participant has the freedom to adjust the exact time allocation to accommodate individual preferences and other commitments.
-
How are participants graded in the Tech Challenge, and what counts for the grade?
At the end of the program, participants will need to complete a team pitch exam and submit their deliverables. The program mentors will be responsible for grading the teams based on the sum of the scores of their deliverables and the final pitch.
-
Since it is a challenge, is there a winner?
Yes, there is a winning team per challenge. The winners in each challenge track are chosen by their partners, this is, by the entities providing the challenge. This process runs independently from the grading, since partners may have different expectations and requirements. There are two major factors in a team's success on either side: (1) understanding and meeting partner and mentor/lecturer expectations; (2) the effort your team puts into the project.
-
Is there a ceremony at the end of the Tech Challenge program?
Yes, we celebrate the culmination of the Tech Challenge program with an exciting onsite networking ceremony. During this event, we recognize the outstanding achievements of the top-performing teams who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills throughout the semester. Winners receive certificates of recognition for their hard work and dedication to making a meaningful impact in the tech industry.