In the heart of EADA Business School, an exciting event took place:the MiM Disruptive Innovation Challenge. Led by respected educators like Dr. Jordi Diaz (the Dean of EADA) and Antony Poole (the director of the Master in International Management program), this initiative inspired students to innovate and solve real-world problems.
With a vast experience in fostering creativity and strategic thinking, Dr. Diaz helped guide students to think outside the box, unlocking their full potential. Antony Poole’s expertise in market dynamics and consumer behavior was instrumental in shaping students’ ideas into viable business propositions with a competitive edge.
The EADA Disruptive Innovation Challenge also welcomed successful entrepreneurs and innovators as guest speakers. Sana Khouja Laout, CEO and Founder at Drink Zeena and Benoit Menardo, Co-Founder from Payflow (YC S21), shared their inspiring stories and insights with our students.
EADA Alumni, Tomás Zanchetti (Co-Founder at FARO DataLab), Morgane Borzée (Co-Founder and CEO at Equanima), and Giulio Ferretti Angel (Investor) provided invaluable mentorship, offering a glimpse into the real working world.
At the core of the project lies a simple, yet powerful mission – to empower students to solve real-world problems through innovation. By immersing themselves in the challenge, students are able to gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, idea generation, and presentation skills. Through a structured process of problem identification, market research, solution development, and mentorship, students refine their ideas to prepare for the semifinals and finals. These stages provide a platform for students to receive valuable feedback when competing for recognition of a finalist.
Out of the participants in the EADA Disruptive Innovation Challenge, one team stood out and was declared the winner: Wanderlink. Their groundbreaking idea, an AI-powered app, aims to revolutionize trip planning. By simultaneously integrating destinations, travel options, and personal preferences, Wanderlink caters to every schedule and budget. This idea exemplifies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship fostered by the EADA Disruptive Innovation Challenge and inspires future generations to think boldly and transform problems into solutions.
Participating students gain invaluable skills and experiences that are useful even beyond the challenge. They learn to think critically, collaborate effectively in teams, and communicate their ideas persuasively. These qualities are essential for success in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship.
The Disruptive Innovation Challenge was a transformative journey that pushed me to think beyond boundaries, collaborate with diverse minds, and turn my ideas into impactful solutions.
Maria Pimenta, a student from the Master in Management
As the Disruptive Innovation Challenge continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, it stands as a testament to EADA’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and leadership among its students. Through this transformative experience, students not only gain practical skills but also the confidence to turn their ideas into reality and make a lasting impact on the world.
Author
Catarina Sousa
Master in International Management participant
Catarina is from Porto, Portugal. She did her bachelor’s degree in management at Católica Porto Business School, and then spent one year working in EY as an audit assistant. In order to strengthen her foundational knowledge in business and also improve her leadership and decision-making skills she started in October 2023 the Master’s degree in Management at EADA.