The second week in Silicon Valley was full of inspiring events, amazing speakers, and visits to leading technology companies. The energy and innovation of this place continued to motivate us and challenge our thinking. Let’s see what happened!
Innovative Championing of Bold New Ideas
The beginning of the week was marked by a dedication to promoting bold new ideas. Participants learned how to identify market needs and transform them into successful products. The emphasis was on creativity and innovation as key drivers of success, even in traditional industries. In addition, we dived deeply into the analysis of market segments and competition. Participants gained insight into the importance of precise market segmentation and a thorough analysis of the competitive environment to inform their growth and market positioning strategies.
Special attention is paid to the Proof-of-CO-STAR methodology and project management. Participants learned how to structure ideas and turn them into concrete business proposals, using methodologies that encourage innovation and rapid learning. Through presentation techniques and the GenAI project, the participants perfected the skills of presenting their innovations. The focus was on effectively communicating the value of their ideas and solutions, preparing them for a successful presentation in front of investors and potential partners.
Guest speakers
Earlier in the week, Kerry Brown shared his experience and challenges in starting hardware-focused technology companies. His impressive entrepreneurial career includes founding companies whose technologies are used by global leaders such as Mastercard, Visa, Google, and Apple. Kerry highlighted the importance of innovation in the field of intellectual property, including the development of the first NFC payment ecosystem and advanced augmented reality headsets. His rich experience in the analysis of intellectual portfolios and mentoring of start-ups provided the participants with valuable insights into strategies for successfully leading technological innovations.
Sri Peruvemba shared his expert knowledge on launching new products in unexplored markets. The participants gained a deeper understanding of advanced marketing strategies and presentation techniques. These are essential for effectively marketing innovations on the global stage. Sri stressed the importance of adaptability and quick responses to dynamic market conditions. He supported his insights with concrete examples and case studies. Barbry McGann presented corporate investment and collaboration strategies. Her lecture provided a deeper insight into the ways in which large corporations foster innovation through strategic investments and partnerships. Barbry emphasized the importance of a long-term vision and flexibility in the approach to the development of new technologies, connecting theoretical concepts with practical examples from her rich professional experience.
Kerry Brown
Company visits
We kicked off the week with a visit to NetApp, where Wayne Booth, Director of Storage/Platform/Quality Engineering, warmly welcomed us. He engaged us in discussions about hiring young talent and even introduced us to one of their interns. Wednesday was packed with visits to industry leaders. Our first stop was Plug and Play, where CEO and founder Saeed Amidi greeted us enthusiastically. We immersed ourselves in the Stanford Alumni pitching competition, witnessing teams present their innovative ideas to investors and experts.
Following that, we delved into the latest technologies at Google Visitor Experience. The interactive exhibits gave us a firsthand look at Google’s cutting-edge projects. Then, at the Intel Museum, we explored the intricate process of silicon chip manufacturing and its impact on modern technology. The day concluded with a visit to Oracle, where Ognjen Pavlović, Group Vice President for Fusion HCM Product Management, provided insights into Oracle’s product portfolio. He shared his experience and emphasized the skills necessary for employees at Oracle, which he learned throughout his career.
Visit to NetApp
Who is the winner?
On Thursday, the participants dedicated themselves to intensive training of the pitching teams, diligently improving their presentation skills and preparing for the final competition. Friday was the highlight of the week with the final pitch competition. Steve Decker, Robert MacPhee, and Rod Bagg, experts in the field of technology and innovation, participated as judges.
The winning idea, FairShare, presented by Iris Raab, Luka Ulovec, David Oberleitner, and Sebastian Winkler, impressed the jury with its platform. Their concept encourages reducing consumption by promoting borrowing over buying. Following the competition, a ceremonial closing marked the end of the program. The evening concluded with a relaxed atmosphere at billiards and bowling, offering a chance to unwind and exchange final thoughts and ideas.
Winners of the pitching competition
The second week in Silicon Valley left us with unforgettable experiences, valuable insights, and newfound inspiration. From engaging with top tech companies to learning from industry experts and participating in competitive pitching, it was a transformative journey. Stay connected with us on social media for updates on our upcoming programs and application openings!
