AN ONLINE INCUBATION PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

How can students apply their knowledge and abilities that may become obsolete in the near future, given the rapid pace of technological and environmental changes? There are a variety of ways that can be used to assist students in their preparation. Various tools and arrangements have been deployed to classes and the university environment to enhance students' experience and learning as part of the transition to an entrepreneurial university. Entrepreneurial education delivered through extracurricular activities might be one of the tools that can help students thrive in an uncertain world.

Hatch at KMUTT is a place where ambitious students may learn how to think, act, and scale up their ideas. We create a welcoming environment in which ideas can collide, innovate, and scale up to have a greater impact on society. We use diverse activities such as inspirational talks, co-creation bootcamps, and an incubation program to educate, motivate, and engage students in the entrepreneurial journey. As a result of COVID-19, we have switched to online classes and activities at KMUTT. Hence, we developed an incubation program that is entirely run through an online platform.

Prior to COVID-19, students may meet up with teammates and do face-to-face interviews with potential customers/users. Due to the limits imposed by lock-downs and social distancing, students must utilize their creativity to gain the necessary insights and develop their startup ideas. With the help of regular checkups and Hatch coaching, students may continue to learn and build entrepreneurial mindset and skills, regardless of the challenges they face throughout COVID-19. We anticipate that the obstacles they encounter will benefit them even more than what other students in previous years may experience at the university.

Various metrics should be assessed to verify that students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills as a result of this activity format. Not only to validate but also to continuously prepare and improve the activities in order to equip students for future rapid change.