Coordinating institution: University of Maia
BIP coordinator: João Manuel Lopes de Almeida
Target audience: students from Erasmus+ partner higher education institutions
Physical component: 25-29 January 2027
ECTS: 3
Total workload: 75 hours
Physical component: 22 hours
Virtual component: 6 hours
Independent study/work: 47 hours
Programme Overview
This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) brings together students and academics from different European universities to work collaboratively on real entrepreneurial challenges, integrating digital transformation, innovation, and societal impact.
The programme combines:
- Entrepreneurship education
- Digital transformation strategies
- Multicultural teamwork
- Strong links to the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Objectives
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By the end of the Blended Intensive Programme, participants should be able to:
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Identify and analyse entrepreneurial opportunities related to digital transformation and societal challenges;
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Apply entrepreneurial and innovation methodologies to the development of sustainable and digitally enabled solutions;
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Understand the strategic role of digital transformation in organisations, territories and entrepreneurial ecosystems;
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Develop innovative business models using tools such as Design Thinking and the Business Model Canvas;
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Work effectively in international and multidisciplinary teams;
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Develop problem-solving, critical thinking and intercultural collaboration competences;
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Communicate entrepreneurial ideas through structured pitching and storytelling techniques;
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Reflect critically on the impact of entrepreneurship and digital transformation in different European contexts.
The pedagogical approach follows a blended and student-centred learning model, combining virtual collaborative activities with an intensive in-person international experience. The programme integrates challenge-based learning, workshops, mentoring sessions, teamwork and experiential learning methodologies, ensuring the articulation between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Teaching & Learning Methods
The programme adopts a blended, experiential and student-centred pedagogical model combining virtual collaborative learning with an intensive international in-person component. Teaching and learning methodologies include:
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Challenge-based learning;
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Project-based learning;
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Design Thinking workshops;
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International collaborative teamwork;
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Interactive masterclasses;
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Mentoring sessions;
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Peer learning and peer feedback;
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Case-based discussions;
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Reflection-based learning activities;
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Pitching and entrepreneurial communication exercises.
The virtual component supports preparation, intercultural interaction and collaborative online learning through synchronous and asynchronous activities. Digital tools such as collaborative whiteboards, discussion platforms and interactive learning environments are integrated to foster engagement and teamwork.
The intensive physical component focuses on experiential learning, practical application and direct interaction between students, academics and ecosystem stakeholders.The pedagogical model promotes autonomy, participation, creativity, problem-solving and active engagement throughout the programme.
Programme
Physical component (25-29 January 2027)
Morning
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Institutional welcome session (UMAIA & TROPHY Project)
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International keynote: Entrepreneurship in Europe: Trends, Innovation and Societal Impact
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Intercultural ice-breaking activities
Afternoon
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Workshop: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Opportunity Recognition
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Presentation of the Entrepreneurial Challenges, such as:
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Territorial and rural entrepreneurship
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Digital startups and innovation
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Social entrepreneurship
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Sustainability and green transition
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Formation of international teams
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Start of project work
Outputs
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Team formation
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Challenge selection
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Initial problem definition
Day 2 – Problem Analysis & Value Proposition Theme: Understanding the Real Problem Morning
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Workshop: Design Thinking for Entrepreneurship
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Tools and frameworks
Afternoon
- Personas
- Problem framing
- Value Proposition Canvas
- Teamwork and project development
- Mentoring sessions with academics and partners
- Interim pitch (3 minutes per team) – problem and opportunity
Outputs
- Validated problem
- Clear value proposition
Day 3 – International Master Class: Digital Transformation Theme: Digital Transformation as a Growth Enabler Morning – Master ClassDigital Transformation for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Delivered by Marc Peter
Key topics:
- What digital transformation really means (and what it does not)
- From digitalisation to business model transformation
- Technology as an enabler of scalability and impact
- Real cases from startups and established organisations
- Common mistakes in digital transformation projects
- Leadership and change management in entrepreneurial contexts Format:
- Interactive session
- Case-based discussion
- Structured Q&A
Afternoon – Applied Session
- Translating the master class insights into team projects
- Revisiting the Business Model Canvas with a digital focus
- Thematic mentoring sessions:
- Digital innovation
- Scalability
- Organisational impact
Outputs
- Digitally enabled business model
Day 4 – Prototyping & Pitch Development Theme: Communicating Value Morning
- Workshop: Pitching & Entrepreneurial Storytelling
- Mini-workshop: Rapid Prototyping
- Mock-ups
- Digital flows
- Concept demonstrations
Afternoon
- Teamwork
- Pitch rehearsal with structured feedback
- Final adjustments
Outputs
- Final pitch deck
- Prototype or conceptual solution
Day 5 – Final Pitch & Ecosystem Engagement Theme: From Classroom to Market Morning
- Final Pitch Session
- 7-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A
- Jury composed of academics, entrepreneurs and international partners
Afternoon
- Jury feedback and discussion
- Certificates awarding
- Closing session and future opportunities
- Networking moment
Final Outputs
- Entrepreneurial projects presented
- Certificates of participation awarded
- Strengthened international collaboration network
Virtual component Before the physical component - 3 hours
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation
- Introduction to the BIP structure, objectives and learning outcomes
- Entrepreneurship and innovation in contemporary societies
- Digital transformation trends and emerging challenges
- Intercultural icebreaking and international team formation
- Online Collaborative Activities
- Introduction to entrepreneurial challenges
- Initial problem exploration and discussion
- Reflection activity and preparatory assignment
After the physical component – 3 hours - Reflection and Consolidation Session
- Reflection on learning outcomes and intercultural experience
- Discussion of project evolution and future opportunities
- Peer feedback and collaborative evaluation
Contact
International Relations Office
gri@maieutica.pt