The Master in Marketing program at EADA Business School is known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on real-world applications. One of the most exciting and challenging experiences we recently undertook was the Marketing Innovation Challenge, run in partnership with TBWA, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies. This event pushed us to our creative limits and taught us invaluable lessons about the power of teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.
The Challenge
The Innovation Challenge was designed to foster disruptive business ideas that address real-world problems. The marketing students were split into teams and tasked with developing a unique, disruptive business concept. Our goal was to not just create solution but to deeply understand and fall in love with the problems we were solving. The challenge was intense, demanding, and incredibly rewarding.
My Group’s Project: Tackling Bureaucratic Hassles
My team chose to address the frustration and inefficiency often associated with bureaucratic tasks. We developed an idea for a “Task Rabbit” app specifically designed to alleviate these hassles. Our app would connect users with individuals skilled in navigating bureaucratic processes, from filling out forms to standing in long lines at government offices. The concept was to streamline these tasks, saving people time and reducing stress.
Diverse and Innovative Solutions
The creativity didn’t stop with my project. Other teams tackled a variety of pressing issues:
- Medical Care Accessibility: One group developed a solution to improve access to medical care, particularly in underserved areas.
- Apartment Hunting: Another team created an innovative platform to simplify the often daunting process of finding a suitable apartment in Barcelona.
- Medical Device Innovation: One team focused on creating a new medical device that could revolutionize patient care at home.
- Utilizing Remote Land in Spain: Another group proposed ideas for better utilizing remote and underdeveloped land in Spain, aiming to boost economic development and sustainability.
The Presentation and Results
After three days of intense brainstorming, planning, and development, each team presented their business ideas to a jury. The presentations were a culmination of our hard work, showcasing not only our innovative concepts but also our ability to pitch these ideas effectively. I was incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of every team’s pitch. The diversity of ideas and the depth of thought that went into each presentation was truly inspiring.
Reflecting on the Experience
Participating in the Innovation Challenge was a transformative experience. It was an opportunity to apply our marketing knowledge in a practical setting, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback from industry experts. The challenge was also a testament to the importance of perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to think outside the box.
Our journey over these three days was intense and demanding, but the sense of accomplishment we felt at the end was unparalleled. It reinforced the idea that the most innovative solutions often come from the hardest challenges. The skills and insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly serve us well in our future careers.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward in our studies and careers, the lessons learned from the Innovation Challenge will remain with us. We are now better equipped to tackle complex problems, work effectively in teams, and present our ideas with confidence. The Innovation Challenge has set a high bar for what we can achieve, and I am excited to see how my peers and I will apply these lessons in the real world.
Thank you to EADA Business School and TBWA for providing us with this incredible opportunity. Here’s to embracing future challenges with the same passion and creativity we demonstrated during the Innovation Challenge.
Author:
Helena Ramos
International Master in Marketing participant
About Helena
Helena Ramos is from the United States and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specializing in Marketing. She is currently studying in EADA’s International Master’s in Marketing program. Prior to coming to Barcelona, she has worked in finance and advertising. Helena has a passion for continuous learning and is committed to making a positive impact in her field and community alike.