STEM & Entrepreneurship

From Idea to Impact

A Workshop for Future Leaders from Kazakhstan

Fatih Mercan (PhD)

Session 1: Problem Finding

10:00 - 11:00

The Core Idea: Problem Solving

• STEM gives you the tools to solve hard problems.
• Entrepreneurship is the mindset that finds problems worth solving.

Our goal today is to follow one problem all the way to a final pitch.

Example Problem

"Tourists visiting Istanbul for the first time are often worried about getting lost in crowded areas and can't easily find pedestrian-friendly, safe routes."

This is a clear, specific problem.

Activity 1: Istanbul Problem Safari

Your Mission: Become a "Problem Detective"!

1. Form groups of 3-4.
2. Use your handout to find and analyze ONE problem you've observed in Istanbul.
3. You have 30 minutes.

Let the safari begin!

Break

11:00 - 11:10

Session 2: Solution Building

11:10 - 12:10

From Problem to Prototype

A prototype is a simple, early model of your idea. It is not supposed to be perfect!

Our example solution for the tourist problem is an app: SafeStep Istanbul.

Example Prototype: SafeStep Istanbul

• Screen 1 (Home): A map with a search bar: "Where do you want to go?"
• Screen 2 (Options): Shows two choices: "Fastest Route" and "Safe & Scenic Route".
• Screen 3 (Navigation): Shows the scenic route on the map with a pop-up for a point of interest.

Activity 2: Rapid Prototyping

Your Mission: Bring your solution to life!

1. In your groups, brainstorm ideas to solve your problem.
2. Choose the best one and create a paper prototype.
3. You have 25 minutes.

Who is Your Customer?

Great products are not for "everyone." They are for someone.

For SafeStep Istanbul, our user isn't just any tourist. We need to be more specific.

Example User Persona

• Name: Svetlana, 20
• Role: University student on her first solo trip.
• Bio: Loves history and photography, but is nervous about navigating a huge city alone.
• Pain Point: She finds Google Maps sometimes leads her down busy roads with no sidewalks, which is scary.

Activity 2b: Create a User Persona

Your Mission: Get to know your user!

1. Use the handout to create a fictional character who represents your ideal customer.
2. You have 15 minutes.

Lunch Break

12:10 - 13:10

Session 3: Business Thinking

13:10 - 14:10

What is a Business Model?

It's a plan that explains how your idea creates value and makes money.

Let's see how SafeStep Istanbul could work as a business.

Example Business Model: SafeStep Istanbul

• Customer/Problem: Svetlana, who is afraid of getting lost on unsafe streets.
• Solution: A mobile app with safe, scenic walking routes.
• How we succeed: Partner with hotels, use travel influencers.
• How we make money: The app is free, but a premium version ($5) unlocks audio tours.

Activity 3: Simple Business Model Canvas

Your Mission: Think like a CEO!

1. Use the handout to map out your business plan.
2. You have 20 minutes.

From Model to Message: The Pitch

A pitch is a short, persuasive story to get someone excited about your idea.

It brings your persona, prototype, and business model together in a compelling narrative.

Activity 3b: Pitch Preparation

Your Mission: Convince the world your idea matters.

1. Use the handout and our example to write your pitch script.
2. You have 20 minutes to prepare.

It's your time to shine!

Break

14:10 - 14:20

Session 4: Sharing Your Vision

14:20 - 15:10

Each group has 90 seconds to pitch.

Good luck!

Congratulations!

Today's Journey:

• You identified a problem.
• You designed a solution for a specific customer.
• You created a business model.
• You pitched your vision.

You are all officially innovators.