Wrapping up Spring 2025 🍂

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We’re wrapping up NextGen’s second semester of hosting events, running workshops, and helping students build their startups. We've learned so much along the way, and we want to thank you for participating with such enthusiasm and providing us with valuable feedback 💡  

Here’s a quick look back at the activities we hosted this semester:

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“Ideation & Validation” We hosted this workshop to give you the tools to unlock your creativity and find ideas worth pursuing. We tried methods like provocation ideation and role storming to spark unconventional thinking and see problems from new perspectives. Afterwards, we discussed how to choose the right idea and validate it using the Innovation Trinity and Lean Canvas.

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“Starting a Tech Startup: Legal & Accounting Essentials” We invited our partners: Morten Høgh-Pedersen from Grant Thornton accounting firm and Jørgen Bek Weiss Hansen from Lassen Ricard law firm, to give student entrepreneurs at ITU advice on corporate structure, tax planning, and legal do’s and don’ts. Morten and Jørgen are experts in their fields and proud partners of ITU NextGen, offering free advice and sparring sessions to startups in our hub.

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‍“From Tough Questions to Strong Answers” Farnaz Aref, a PhD fellow from DTU, shared the results of her research showing implicit gender bias in entrepreneurial discourse. In her work, Farnaz used large language models to identify patterns of bias in how entrepreneurs are perceived and questioned. We had a great discussion about how entrepreneurs can flip the script and focus on their potential when asked prevention-focused questions that emphasize risks, losses, and safeguards.

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“Bringing Games to Life” At this event, we invited Nick, a lead writer from IO Interactive, and Maiken, the creative director from Fuzzy House. Both shared insights from their very different career paths in game development. After their talks, Giorgio—a recent ITU graduate and co-founder of Brainglyph moderated a Q&A session where curious ITU students asked about careers in both AAA and indie game development.

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“Pitch Like a Pro: Startup & Job Interview Edition” Our business developer and pitch trainer, Christian Marcus, led a workshop where he shared his insights on delivering the perfect pitch. We covered how to read the room, hook interest, and make people remember you. Everyone had a chance to write a short pitch, practice delivering it in front of an audience, and receive feedback.

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“Futures Thinking” In this hands-on workshop led by our innovation manager Charlotte, we explored how we imagine the future. We unpacked the difference between forecasting and foresight: forecasting uses current trends and data to predict likely short-term outcomes, while foresight is broad and holistic—incorporating social, political, economic, technological, and environmental factors. It’s open-ended and exploratory. Based on this, we imagined and discussed what the future might bring in 5 and 15 years, trying to stretch our imagination.

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“AI-Powered Workflows: Work Smarter, Not Harder” Together with experienced students, we shared and discussed our experiences using generative AI tools for various tasks. Afterwards, we used ChatGPT, Gemini, Lovable, and Gamma AI to create a startup with a go-to-market strategy, a landing page, and an eight-page slide deck—all in just 25 minutes.  

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We're very excited about next semester’s activities, and we're still open to your suggestions and wishes. If there's anything you'd like us to host, don’t hesitate to reach out at we@itunextgen.dk 📩 ‍

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See you next semester!