Unlocking Innovation: The 1st BSBI Special Workshop on Entrepreneurship Sensitisation Programme

On 9th December 2024, the Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI), in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs and Public Enterprises, successfully hosted the 1st Special Workshop on Entrepreneurship Sensitisation Programme. This event, presented by the BSBI Entrepreneurship Start-up Initiative (BSBI-ESI), marked a significant step in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Berlin’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

Themed “Start-up Ecosystem in Berlin: Opportunities for Entrepreneurship,” the workshop drew a diverse audience of students, aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators eager to explore Berlin’s dynamic business landscape.

Key highlights included insights from industry leaders and academic experts who showcased the unique opportunities Berlin offers for entrepreneurial growth. The event featured a keynote speech from Mr Norbert Herrman, Head of Start-ups at the Berlin Senate, and a distinguished panel of academic leaders from BSBI:

• Prof. Dr Kyriakos Kouveliotis, FRSA, Provost & Chief Academic Officer
• Dr Shiv Tripathi, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
• Dr Farshad Badie, Dean, Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics
• Dr Okan Tansu, Interim Dean, Faculty of Creative Industries

Interactive sessions provided attendees with a platform to engage directly with experts, gain valuable insights, and ask pressing questions about navigating the start-up ecosystem.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr rer. nat. EMBA Lawrence Ibeh, Lecturer and Coordinator of BSBI-ESI, shared his thoughts: “At BSBI-ESI, our mission is to inspire, mentor, and empower students to transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. This workshop, supported by the Berlin Senate, exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.”

Mr Norbert Herrman, reflecting on Berlin’s appeal as a start-up hub, noted:
“Berlin is proud to be home to innovators and talents from all over the world. We know that diverse teams and start-ups are more likely to succeed, and that is why we actively support international students, graduates, and innovators on their entrepreneurial journeys.”

Prof Dr Kyriakos Kouveliotis also highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating: “There is nothing more rewarding for an academic than seeing a full house of eager students ready to progress, innovate, and create. This is just the beginning of many more impactful initiatives.”

The workshop reinforced BSBI’s role as a leading institution in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. By bridging academic knowledge with real-world opportunities, BSBI-ESI aims to empower students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

This inaugural event not only inspired participants but also established a foundation for future collaborations, mentorships, and ventures that will contribute to Berlin’s reputation as a global start-up hub.

Stay connected with BSBI-ESI for updates on upcoming workshops and programmes that continue to shape the future of entrepreneurship.