From Startups to Stuffups
University of Newcastle students and the broader I2N community came together at the Q Building for a night filled with unusual startups and their exceptional stuffups.
Hosted by I2N’s Pre-Startup Program Manager Nick Stevens, audience members were handed double-sided picket signs with two options: Startup or Stuffup. They then cast their vote as to whether they believed the case study presented was either an innovative startup or a colossal stuffup. The most passionate audience members were asked to argue their reasons in front of the group to convince others to switch their vote and win prizes.
Special guest speaker James Bradley, Co-Founder of Diffuse Energy and I2N Entrepreneur in Residence discussed his own startup’s successes and failures including wind turbine design and development, to wind-detection software, for the audience to cast their judgement and votes. And Nick Stevens recounted a cleantech startup he had previously worked in and their pivots from stuffup to startup in several iterations.
Finally, the evening finished with student networking and refreshments and a link to I2N’s soon to be launched BUSN3002(B) Innovation Stream course.
Top Takeaways
- Not all innovations require wide approval; it is essential for founders to understand their customer and how each stakeholder perceives value differently.
- To better understand customers and users’ founders must be empathetic and place themselves in the shoes of others.
- Some innovations require a change of behaviour or education, and thus prompt a time lag, which is usually aided by technology.
- Value can be created beyond a business and customer and can include third parties as a by-product of the process.
The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that is behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.
Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N's monthly newsletter or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n
Contact
- Nick Stevens
- Phone: 0421258957
- Email: nick.stevens@newcastle.edu.au
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