In this edition, Business and Economics students from the School of Business and Economics (SBE) take on real-world challenges through the experimental IBA LAB I course, developing entrepreneurial solutions to pressing social and societal issues.
A hands-on approach to learning
IBA LAB is more than a course—it’s a dynamic Learning Lab where students and teachers experiment with new teaching methods. Offered by the School of Business and Economics, these bachelor courses focus on designing (IBA LAB I, period 4) and implementing (IBA LAB II, period 5) business-driven solutions that address societal challenges.
This year, 70 students, working in teams of five, are collaborating with various socialpartners, including the Waveren Foundation, Cordaan, De Huismeesters and De Meent. Their projects range from engaging financial partners to social initiatives to helping homeless individuals with valuable skills reconnect with the job market as caretakers
Together towards the same goal
These collaborations also show that different groups of students can work on separate projects with the same partner, while contributing to the same objective. For example, at De Meent, a community of undocumented migrants and volunteers is working together to build a farm from which the harvest - vegetables, eggs, meat and homemade products such as wooden bread boards, tea, ointments and sambal - goes directly to the community and to social (food) projects in the region.
One group works to tackle the challenges of a donation campaign, using their business idea to reach people that want to support De Meent through donations in order to keep developing the organization. Simultaneously, other students are looking to engage companies or organizations to provide knowledge or funding for a learning program at Education Farm De Meent through impact investments, or engaging with initiatives that align with the social and cultural sustainability of De Meent.
By addressing different challenges, students offer multiple avenues of development for the organization, contributing to their mission of helping undocumented people move forward and build a sustainable future.
Thinking differently to make a difference
IBA LAB encourages students to apply diverse thinking approaches to bring their ideas to life. To kick things off, students engage in a design thinking workshop, tackling real-world problems for a partner organization. With this foundation, they shift focus to developing their own entrepreneurial concepts.
Through applied research and hands-on experimentation, students refine their business ideas—helping organizations grow while honing their own practical skills. Learning about co-creation and idea generation will help their concepts evolve into fully developed ventures, complete with business plans, funding strategies, and dedicated teams that make a tangible impact.
Additionally, students explore systems thinking, learning how to strategically intervene in social systems, make informed decisions, and balance risks with potential rewards.
Reflection as a growth tool
Personal development is a central theme in the IBA Lab. Students are challenged to rapidly adapt and reflect on their experiences. They take charge of their learning journey, guided by a personal development plan they create at the start of the course. This self-directed and continuous learning process ensures they are well-prepared to set up and run their businesses.
Diverse, immersive learning experiences
IBA LAB pushes to leave the hypothetical behind and get practical in a safe learning environment. The course offers a variety of support, from a design sprint with a local organization to co-creation spaces, student-led field trips, personalized coaching, and more, the course fosters an environment where students develop entrepreneurial solutions in a free format.
