NSBE - Impact Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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- From chemicals to clean beauty: developing natural and non-toxic cosmetics and personal care productsPublication . Lerner, Laura; Queiró, FranciscoThis thesis develops a business plan for a 100% natural cosmetics and personal care brand in the United States, addressing the health risks posed by chemical ingredients in everyday products. Market research, consumer surveys, and interviews were conducted to identify target audiences and market opportunities. The analysis defines an immediate target group with subsegments and a broader, later-stage audience, and outlines a product and marketing strategy and distribution approach. The business plan demonstrates the feasibility of launching a natural cosmetics brand that responds to growing health concerns and demand for natural products while achieving commercial viability in the U.S. market.
- Building a matchmaking platform to enable skill-based collaboration between young international talent and startups in emerging markets: insights from the startup sidePublication . Haas, Hanna Katharina; Alfaiate, Filipe; LehmannLilian, LilianThis work project examines the need and feasibility of skill-based collaborations between young international talent and small organisations, particularly startups, in developing countries such as Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach with interviews and surveys, the study identifies strong motivational alignment as well as structural barriers, including low opportunity visibility, skills-fit requirements, and credibility concerns. To address these challenges, Scoped IMPACT was developed as a skills-based matchmaking platform distinct from traditional volunteering and employee-volunteering models. Its development was informed by the Business Model Canvas and Human-Centred Design principles. The research concludes with a business concept, an MVP, challenges, and future success factors.
- Strategic value creations for developers in the German battery energy storage market: application quality structuring as a UPSPublication . Wenner, Till; Castro, JoãoGermany's rapid expansion of battery energy storage systems is increasingly constrained by procedural bottlenecks in grid connection processes. This study investigates how developers create strategic value under these conditions and seeks the development of potential unique selling points in collaboration with a German BESS developer. Drawing on an interpretive qualitative design, eleven semi-structured expert interviews were analysed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis. The study derives an Internal Standardised Application Structuring & Validation System that turns completeness, consistency and maturity-gating into a repeatable discipline for credible grid connection dossiers.
- Bridging the funding GAP: navigating venture capital for female-specific diseases-insights from femtheraPublication . Kirchschlager, Laura; Pestana, JoanaThis work project analyzes funding challenges that early-stage women’s health therapeutic companies face. It is built on the case of FemThera and was developed in collaboration with the company. It has a specific focus on attracting venture capital investment. The work project draws on a literature review, stakeholder and patient interviews and a venture capital landscape analysis. The outcomes show that structural biases and misconceptions about market size shape investor decisions - despite a proven market need. The findings suggest that meeting key venture capital criteria and targeting investors that align well with the venture can strengthen FemThera’s fundraising position.
- Evaluating the market entry potential of the musculoskeletal risk management solution octohealth: a roi and pestle analysis in the construction industryPublication . Moll, Julia Theresa; Pestana, Joana; Jacinto, Maria João; Rodrigues, AnaMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a major occupational health challenge in the European Union (EU), particularly in the construction industry, creating substantial costs for employers. This thesis assesses the market attractiveness of introducing the musculoskeletal risk-management solution OctoHealth in France and the United States (US) using a political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis and evaluates its financial feasibility through a return on investment (ROI) case study for France. The findings indicate that the French market offers a slightly more favorable market entry environment than the US, and that a positive ROI is achievable for a French employer.
- Strategic market access for HB-201: reimbursement in IVFPublication . Martins, Kristina; Domingues, Lúcia; Jacinto, Maria João CardosoDespite rapidly rising IVF use and growing numbers of young cancer survivors, no approved pharmacological therapy currently protects ovarian reserve, and IVF success still demands multiple costly cycles. Focusing on HB-201, this thesis links reimbursement strategy in IVF with an acceleration strategy for Oncofertility via FDA BTD, EMA PRIME, and MHRA ILAP. Through a mixed-methods analysis it demonstrates how market dynamics and value perceptions impact reimbursement pathways and how targeted designations, conservative evidence assumptions, and a stage-gate governance model can jointly de-risk development while maximising earlier access for women at risk of infertility.
- Transforming dry bulk termibal operations: a design thinking approach to digital solutions for stock and yard managementPublication . Guhr, Christian; Coutinho, RuiThis thesis analyses operational challenges in dry bulk terminals and identifies stock and yard management as the central bottleneck affecting berth planning, resource use and overall efficiency. Using a design thinking approach, interviews with terminal operators were analysed to understand core jobs, pains and gains. The findings supported the development of a digital solution that improves yard visibility, supports predictive planning and enables scenario-based decision-making. A prototype was created and validated with practitioners, indicating strong practical relevance and promising potential for implementation in small and mid-sized terminals
- How can fitness and nutrition literacy be better facilitated among women?Publication . Zetsche, Charlotte; Herniman, JohnThis thesis examines how fitness and nutrition knowledge can be made understandable and actionable for women and whether a mobile learning app represents a viable solution. Using the Lean Startup method, the study combines literature insights with interviews, a survey, and prototype testing. Findings show that women struggle with fragmented, unreliable information and prefer short, interactive, personalized learning formats. Early market tests demonstrate strong interest and willingness to engage with a female-focused educational tool. The results indicate clear user need and promising business potential for EVOA, a science-based, personalized micro-learning app for women.
- The vulnerability of blockchain technology to quantum computing as seen by the scholars: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysisPublication . Elskamp, Florine Shifra; Zejnilovic, LeidBlockchain technology’s cryptographic foundations face threats from advancing quantum computing, mainly through Shor’s and Grover’s algorithms. In this work project, we conduct a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, to review the knowledge on the risk of the development of quantum computing for blockchain technology. In particular, we review the publications from 2019 to 2025 across Scopus and EBSCO to identify the research themes. While theoretical research is advancing, the reviewed literature reveals a scarcity of studies documenting practical implementation, standardization, and governance frameworks. This study identifies the need for efforts in developing transition roadmaps and frameworks, to assess crypto agility.
- Business plan enuimoPublication . Wegener, Florian; Queiró, FranciscoEnuimo is a gamified mobile app that turns children’s real‑world movement into care for a virtual avatar, helping kids aged 6–12 build healthy activity habits while enjoying screen time instead of adding hardware or pressure. The software‑only, subscription-based model targets German families first, with strong SaaS-style margins, and shows promising engagement in early primary school pilots and supportive evidence from digital health research on gamified physical activity.