Entrepreneurship

Micro-credential: 18 ECTS (3x6 ECTS courses)

Please note that registration for the program opens on March 20, 2025.

Entrepreneurship and innovation present themselves as a way for an individual to become a creative participant in society by producing new products or services. These micro-credential courses are designed for anyone who wants to understand how to take the first steps towards transforming their ideas into reality, gaining insights into the startup ecosystem in Iceland and acquiring a critical understanding of how innovation and entrepreneurship can shape our society.

Through a mix of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will develop key entrepreneurial skills, understand the business landscape, and explore the challenges and opportunities of launching and sustaining a startup.

The 18 ECTS micro-credential consists of three interconnected courses that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship in Iceland 1: From Ideas to Action (6 ECTS)

Period 1, Autumn 2025 | Teachers: Arnar Sigurðsson & Michael Hendrix
This module introduces key entrepreneurial concepts and theories, focusing on why entrepreneurship matters and how to develop an idea. Students will explore the initial stages of entrepreneurship, including research, validation, and early-stage business development.

Why entrepreneurship and how to get started

Knowledge:

After taking this course, students will:

  • Understand the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping society.
  • Be familiar with key theories and concepts in entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Understand the essential business aspects of developing a new idea.

Skills:

After taking this course students will:

  • Have gained practical experience in idea validation, prototyping, and pitching.

Ability:

After taking this course students will:

  • Be able to take the first steps towards making their idea happen.

Entrepreneurship in Iceland 2: Making a business 2 (6 ECTS)

Period 2, Autumn 2025 | Teacher: Fida Abu Libdeh
Building on Entrepreneurship in Iceland: From Ideas to Action , this module focuses on the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, Iceland’s support systems for startups, and strategies for transforming an idea into a sustainable business.Through real-world case studies, interactive workshops, and expert guest speakers, students will gain valuable insights into the Icelandic entrepreneurial ecosystem and learn how to navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a business. The course will also focus on effective communication and pitching skills, enabling students to present their ideas with confidence.

Knowledge:

After taking this course, students will:

  • Have gained insights into the startup ecosystem in Iceland, and available support networks.
  • Understood the financial aspects of entrepreneurship.
  • Learned how to effectively communicate and pitch a business idea.

Skills:

After taking this course students will:

  • Have learned how to develop a structured business plan.
  • Understand funding and financial management for startups.
  • Understand how to scale and sustain business.
  • Be able to explain their project or idea within the discourse of entrepreneurship.
  • Effectively be able to communicate and present their entrepreneurial ideas.

Ability:

After taking this course students will:

  • Be able to apply their knowledge of entrepreneurship within the labour market.
  • Be able to participate in Iceland’s startup ecosystem confidently.
  • Be able to critically evaluate their business plans and assess their feasibility.
  • Be able to scale and sustain a business.

Design Thinking Applied (6 ECTS)

Long Period 1 & 2, Autumn 2025 | Teachers: Arnar Sigurðsson & Michael Hendrix

Using a project-based teaching methodology, students will learn the theory and practical application of design thinking, an innovation strategy developed in the creative industries. The course will examine how design thinking is utilized in the development of innovation projects and consider key aspects of management and strategy of the methodology. They will learn the practice of design thinking by applying it to a project over the two periods.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge
Upon completion of the course, students will:

  • Understand the purpose of innovation strategy and the challenges that drive it
  • Gain deeper insight into the practice of innovation
  • Be able to create an innovation plan with design thinking

Skills
Upon completion of the course, students will:

  • Be capable of developing ideas for innovation projects
  • Have the ability to organize and manage innovation projects
  • Have practiced the basic methods of design thinking for innovation

Competence
Upon completion of the course, students will:

  • Possess an understanding of innovation through design thinking
  • Be able to apply their knowledge and analyze processes related to innovation
  • Be able to identify challenges and innovation opportunities

Please contact Continuing Education for further information.

Application

Curriculum