This intensive and immersive course explores sustainable entrepreneurship, focusing on challenges related to innovation, policy, intrapreneurship, and public entrepreneurship. Using Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), students work in international, multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges. The course combines online preparatory materials, field visits to organisations, and team projects to offer hands-on learning and practical solutions for sustainability-driven innovation in entrepreneurship.
The course provides insights into the entrepreneurial process across different stages, from invention to innovation, early-stage start-ups, corporate intrapreneurship, and public-sector entrepreneurship.
In this iteration of the course the external partner that provided the real-life problem is the start-up Organic H2.
The project
In an era where clean energy is more crucial than ever—amid the rise of cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and other energy-intensive technologies—the need for sustainable solutions has reached a critical point. Green hydrogen is at the forefront of this transition, offering a viable path to reducing carbon emissions and securing a cleaner future. Recognising its importance, the EU has introduced policies to support energy-focused start-ups (e.g. The SET Plan), fostering innovation and accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Organic H2 is one such start-up, emerging from years of cutting-edge research in organic electronics, electrochemistry, and conductive polymers. With a scientifically validated technology and patents in LOHC and LOPC, the company is now navigating the challenging path from research lab to market. Like many deep-tech start-ups, Organic H2 must bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and commercial viability while integrating into a rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Your Challenge
In this challenge, you will take on the role of strategic advisors to help Organic H2 transition from a research-driven innovation to a successful market player. Students will dive into a start-up journey, exploring how scientifically proven technologies transition from research to real-world applications. This process emphasises sustainability, localised economies, social justice, and well-being. This challenge will emphasise: Sustainability – ensuring the long-term environmental and economic viability of hydrogen solutions. Localised economies – exploring how Organic H2 can integrate into different regional markets. Social justice & well-being – addressing how hydrogen solutions contribute to fairer, more sustainable societies.
Through hands-on problem-solving, market adaptation strategies, and entrepreneurial ecosystem integration, you will help Organic H2 define its path toward establishing itself in the energy industry. By the end of this challenge, you will gain a deep understanding of the hurdles and opportunities that deep-tech start-ups face, equipping you with the tools to turn research into real-world impact.
Preliminary schedule
The course will be given in blended mode, with most of the activities online and a mandatory face-to-face (F2F) week at Valla campus, Linköping from 19 to 23 May 2025. Please contact the Erasmus coordinator at your home university to secure Erasmus funding for the face-to-face week as soon as possible.
See the preliminary schedule via the link below. Please note that changes may occur.
From lab to market preliminary schedule 2025