RACE LAB: Rethinking Action for Conscious Entrepreneurship

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences: Dr. Anna Zinenko (CUAS · UAB–FUABformació), FH-Prof. Dr. Eithne Knappitsch

Partner Institutions: Santarém Polytechnic University, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

External stakeholders: Carinthian Chamber of Commerce, Global Case Study Challenge, Startup Carinthia, Makerspace Carinthia

The programme tackles real challenges: how climate change, resource exhaustion and shifting consumer expectations are reshaping what a successful business looks like. Students gain direct access to the Alps-Adriatic startup ecosystem through the course’s partners, learning from practising entrepreneurs, business owners and consultants. No prior business or entrepreneurship knowledge is required — curiosity and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines and cultures are the only prerequisites.

Aims: introduce the principles of sustainable entrepreneurship · turn ideas into viable, responsible business models · foster international, interdisciplinary teamwork · connect students with a real startup ecosystem · build confidence around risk and the fear of failure · develop pitching and communication skills.

1. Online preparatory phase (9–23 November 2026) – Three synchronous online sessions prepare students for the on-site week: building teams across institutions and cultures, introducing the key concepts of sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainable business-model design, and guiding first idea generation linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students also complete preparatory team-building activities remotely.

2. On-site mobility week (30 November – 5 December 2026 · Klagenfurt, Austria) – Hosted at Makerspace Carinthia, students move from innovative ideas to marketable sustainable products. The week combines interactive workshops (ideation, prototyping, design thinking, business-model development), team-based project work, one-to-one coaching with entrepreneurs and consultants, a dedicated workshop on the fear of failure, and pitch training. Culminates in a pitching competition before a jury, followed by a learning-transfer session.

3. Follow-up & reflection (16 December 2026) – A final online reflection session consolidates learning, supports transfer into students’ own academic and professional contexts, and closes the programme.

Learning Objectives:

1. Build a comprehensive foundational understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship.
2. Collaborate effectively in international, interdisciplinary teams, both remotely and in person.
3. Generate and develop innovative, sustainable business ideas linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
4. Apply business modelling, prototyping and design-thinking methods to develop a sustainable venture concept.
5. Reflect on the role of risk and the fear of failure in entrepreneurial practice.
6. Design and deliver a compelling pitch for a sustainable business idea.

Learning Outcomes by the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of sustainable entrepreneurship and apply them to the development of new business ideas.
2. Develop and refine a sustainable business model using established tools such as the Business Model Canvas.
3. Apply prototyping and design-thinking methodologies to move from idea to tangible concept.
4. Work productively in culturally diverse, interdisciplinary teams in both virtual and face-to-face settings.
5. Communicate and pitch a business idea persuasively to an expert audience.
6. Reflect critically on their own entrepreneurial mindset, including attitudes toward risk and failure.

Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from ACE²-EU partner universities, particularly those studying or interested in: Business, management and economics · Engineering and technology · Sustainability and environmental studies · Design and innovation · Social sciences and related disciplines.

Especially good fit for students interested in: entrepreneurship, innovation and startup ecosystems · sustainability, the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals · international and cross-cultural teamwork · developing, prototyping and pitching their own ideas.

Recommended Language Level: English B1–B2 (mandatory, as English is the working language of ACE²-EU courses).

Interested applicants should apply here: https://forms.gle/hD9kf6Q12kxh9Gob6

A notification of acceptance to participate will be sent to successful applicants by the host institution. Prior to the start of the course, participants will receive a welcome email from the ACE²-EU Alliance with detailed instructions specific to the course.