ESEI's Entrepreneurial Minds Introduce Real-World Solutions

Innovation and entrepreneurship lie at the heart of ESEI International Business School’s ethos. As the thesis projects unveil for the Winter semester, the culmination of intense programmes aimed at sharpening the students’ business acumen is more apparent than ever. The students’ commitment, coupled with the transformative learning received at ESEI, has paved the way for projects with potential real-world impact.

Honing the Entrepreneurial Mindset

At ESEI, students are not just taught how to create business plans; they are trained to adopt a mindset that continually seeks innovative opportunities and solutions. This involves cultivating resilience, creativity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving—key traits for any entrepreneur.

Through courses designed to push students beyond conventional thinking, ESEI provides a platform for students to experiment with ideas, challenge existing market norms, and develop strategies that are both dynamic and sustainable. This nurturing of an entrepreneurial mindset ensures that students can pivot in response to market developments and trends, making them well-equipped to lead change in whichever field they pursue.

Moreover, the incorporation of project-based learning and real-world applications—be it through internships, live projects, or mentorship from industry experts—enables students to gain firsthand experience of entrepreneurial challenges. This experience is invaluable, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, preparing graduates to hit the ground running in their post-graduation endeavors.

Carlota Estera, the co-director of ESEI, emphasizes the transformative educational approach at the institution. “At ESEI, we believe that combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience is key to developing effective business leaders. Our partnerships with a wide array of businesses allow our students to immerse themselves in real-world projects and internships. This engagement equips them with the skills and confidence needed to tackle complex business challenges head-on.”

At ESEI, it’s not just about learning business concepts; it’s about breathing life into innovative ideas through practical applications. Students are trained to think entrepreneurially, enabling them to develop sound business strategies and effective pitches. This approach is evident in this year’s standout projects, each addressing significant issues with creative solutions.

Showcasing Projects

Bike Haus: Community Through Biking

Jorge Webb-Icaza and Pranav Ramani’s project, Bike Haus, captures the essence of community-building through a shared love for biking. “Bike House was inspired by my need and want for a community,” Jorge, who was in the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme, shares. He envisions a space in Barcelona that serves as a hub for events and social connections, underlining the city’s untapped potential.

“There is a huge potential in Barcelona. We see it. I guess the only thing that we need to do is push a bit.. convincing [people] that the project or the idea actually is going to be feasible or it will work. We believe in it and there are some aspects about Barcelona, which is a big thing – being community,” Pranav says, noting this one important palpable element in the very programme that he was taking — Master in Sports Management.

ESEI’s focus on entrepreneurial pitches has equipped these two (despite being in two entirely different programmes) with the skills to communicate their vision effectively. A project that takes roots from Jorge’s hometown Tampa, Florida, the business is looking at digging into the international market.

EasyNIE: Simplifying Bureaucracy for International Students

Easy NIE, a project born out of every international student in Barcelona’s frustration over tackling the bureaucratic challenges, is the final thesis project of Aditya Negi (International MBA), Chiara Pappalardo (IMBA), Juan Victor Menendez (Master in Sports Management), Marc Johnson (IMBA – Sports Management), and Stephanie Smarius (Master in Digital Transformation).

“We plan on partnering with universities to offer this service directly,” Victor explains. The project aims to reduce the financial burden on students, transforming a necessity into an opportunity for seamless integration into Barcelona’s educational landscape.

The guidance from ESEI professors like Martina Guzman, who infused motivational and strategic insights, played a crucial role in shaping the project’s direction.

BANPA: A Movement for Women’s Health and Sustainability

Master in Business Management student Greta de Matteo’s BANPA reimagines sanitary pads with biodegradable banana fibers, promoting both environmental sustainability and women’s health. “It’s not just a product, but a movement,” emphasizes Greta, whose idea stemmed from discussions with women’s groups about market gaps.

Greta says ESEI’s programme helped refine her marketing strategies and financial understanding, crucial for tackling industry challenges and making sustainable products accessible.

One of her favorite tools is the SWOT Analysis which helped immensely in understanding the target market for her product. “It’s a product that is already in the market and we could say that the market is already saturated at some point,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of tackling the opportunities and threats that it offers head on.

Third Space: A Winning (Disruptive) Vision for Hospitality and Coworking

Among the remarkable projects presented, Third Space emerged as the standout, awarded as the best project for its unique and disruptive approach to utilizing idle hotel spaces in Barcelona. Developed by Innovation and Entrepreneurship students Constantine Blum and Hannes-Andrej Machaz, Third Space offers a pioneering solution for the hospitality industry’s perennial challenge of underutilized spaces, transforming them into vibrant coworking environments.

The brilliance of Third Space lies in its dual benefit model—creating new revenue streams for hotels while providing dynamic coworking environments for locals and visitors. “It’s a win-win situation,” explains Hannes-Andrej, reflecting on the project’s ability to serve multiple stakeholders effectively. By tapping into existing trends where hospitality intersects with coworking, Third Space redefines how idle spaces can be a catalyst for growth in the service industry.

The project is grounded in real-world applicability and foresight. Hannes-Andrej explains, “Hotels are at a stage where they’re competing with Airbnb, so they’re open to exploring new revenue avenues. That’s where our solution comes in.” This savvy understanding of current market conditions sets Third Space apart, highlighting its innovative and adaptable nature.

The project’s potential to disrupt the traditional hospitality and coworking norms makes it a robust business model. As Constantine elaborates, “Although it’s very disruptive, we jumped on some trends that are starting to crystallize in the world of hospitality.” This disruptiveness, combined with a clear vision and a solid business model, paves a clear and promising opportunity for Third Space.

In summary, Third Space represents the pinnacle of innovative thinking at ESEI. Its success is a testament to the programme’s ability to blend entrepreneurial theory with practical application, ultimately benefiting both students and the industries they aim to revolutionize.

Mentorship and Guidance

Elevatorfy Founder and CEO Luis Fernández López, one of the thesis defense jury members, commends the students for validating their product ideas, emphasizing that the “most difficult part is about to come—launching and market testing.” His feedback reflects the real-world challenges these startups will face as they transition from concept to execution.

Similarly, Martina praises the students’ dedication, noting, “Not only working through their projects but also presenting them” as a remarkable feat. Her observations highlight the comprehensive nature of ESEI’s programme, which prepares students for the multifaceted demands of launching businesses.

Making the Perfect Business Pitch

Crafting the perfect business pitch is an essential skill that ESEI imparts to its students to ensure their innovative ideas see the light of day. Here are key elements to consider for an effective pitch:

Clarity and Conciseness – Be clear about your value proposition. Define the problem your idea solves and how your solution stands out.

Storytelling – Engage your audience with a compelling narrative. Share the passion and vision behind your project to create an emotional connection.

Understanding Your Audience – Tailor your pitch to your audience’s interests and needs. Whether they are potential investors or partners, know who you’re speaking to and why it matters to them.

Showing Market Potential – Highlight the market need and the opportunity for growth. Use data to back your claims.

Addressing Financials Confidently – Be prepared to discuss your financial plan. Show that you understand the financial needs and potential returns of your business.

Practical Call to Action – End with a clear call to action, whether it’s funding, partnerships, or feedback. Know your next steps and convey them confidently.

With these principles, these students have successfully learned to pitch their entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring they are well-positioned to attract interest and support for their innovations.

The ESEI Impact

Throughout their journey, students utilized various business frameworks and strategies taught at ESEI. Courses on financial management, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurial pitching were not merely academic exercises—they were transformative experiences. Students like Jorge and Greta discovered the nuances of investing and sustainability, while Victor and Hannes-Andrej honed their ability to pivot ideas and engage with real-world stakeholders.

ESEI’s commitment to hands-on, impactful education is evident as students prepare to test their minimum viable products in the market. The school’s methodology, blending theory with practice, ensures graduates are ready to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the contemporary business landscape.

As these projects progress from thesis to tangible enterprises, the real-world benefits of ESEI’s training will become increasingly evident. These students are not just launching startups; they are bringing change to communities, simplifying student life, and promoting sustainable solutions in their respective fields. The successes they achieve will stand as a testament to the power of an entrepreneurial mindset nurtured in a supportive, innovative educational environment.

ESEI’s approach to embedding entrepreneurship within its programmes fosters graduates who do not just adapt to the future—they actively shape it. As these projects evolve, they promise to inspire more groundbreaking ideas, affirming ESEI’s role in cultivating the next generation of global innovators.