This course focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills based on biotechnology with an emphasis on innovative ideas from the biorefinery concept. Students will be guided to understand the entrepreneurial process, from exploring business ideas to developing a complete business plan in the field of applied biotechnology. Each group will develop a sustainable, innovative, and biomass-based business idea with high added value. This course reduces the focus on theory and emphasizes a practical approach with gradual guidance.

• Identify business opportunities and develop biorefinery-based strategies.
• Develop business ideas from the initial stage to a mature business plan.
• Assess the feasibility of a biotechnology-based biorefinery business from technical, economic, and market perspectives.
• Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in developing entrepreneurial ideas.
• Understand the aspects of sustainability in biorefinery-based businesses.

• Introduction to Bio-Entrepreneurship

  • Overview of bio-entrepreneurship and its role in the biotechnology and biorefinery sectors
  • Key concepts of entrepreneurship within the context of sustainable bio-based businesses

• Exploration of Biorefinery-Based Business Ideas

  • Identifying opportunities for biorefinery-based products and services
  • Techniques for generating and refining business ideas based on biorefinery principles

• Market Analysis and Product Feasibility

  • Conducting market research to assess demand, competition, and target markets
  • Evaluating the feasibility of biorefinery products, including product viability and market acceptance

• Sustainability Aspects in Biorefinery Entrepreneurship

  • Understanding the sustainability challenges and opportunities in biorefinery businesses
  • Environmental, economic, and social impacts of biorefinery-based products and processes

• Product or Process Design

  • Designing efficient, sustainable, and scalable products and processes for a biorefinery-based business
  • Innovation in product formulation, process optimization, and technology selection

• Operational Plan and Supporting Technology

  • Developing an operational plan that outlines production, logistics, and supply chain considerations
  • Identifying the necessary supporting technologies for production, quality control, and efficiency

• Financial Approach and Cost Estimation

  • Financial planning for bio-based businesses, including cost analysis and profitability projections
  • Techniques for estimating capital and operational costs in biorefinery ventures

• Business Model Canvas Development

  • Introduction to the Business Model Canvas framework for developing a sustainable business model
  • Identifying key partners, resources, activities, customer segments, and revenue streams

• Mid-Semester Feedback and Revision

  • Receiving feedback on business ideas, models, and plans from peers and instructors
  • Revising and improving the business plan based on feedback

• Marketing Plan

  • Developing a marketing strategy to promote biorefinery products and attract customers
  • Digital marketing, branding, and customer outreach techniques specific to bio-based products

• Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Biorefinery-Based Business

  • Understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern biorefinery businesses
  • Addressing issues like intellectual property, certifications, and environmental regulations

• Simulation of Business Presentation to Investors

  • Techniques for presenting business ideas to investors, including pitch decks and presentation skills
  • Preparing for potential investor questions and objections

• Financial Plan and Business Development

  • Finalizing financial projections and ensuring alignment with business goals
  • Developing a growth strategy and long-term business plan for scaling operations

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