Workshops held by John Coughlan for students from the i-Lab community (20.10.2025–24.10.2025)

Between October 20–24, 2025, the i-Lab community of Babeș-Bolyai University hosted a series of workshops dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative thinking, offering students a hands-on learning experience in an interactive and collaborative format.

The week began with the workshop ‘Silicon Valley’s “Secret” Ingredient: The Power of… Failure?!’, which explored the essential role of failure in the processes of learning and innovation. Through activities such as the Marshmallow Challenge and presentations about personal ‘epic fails,’ participants discovered how mistakes can become valuable sources of growth and adaptability.

On Tuesday, during the ‘Iron Chef’ Entrepreneur Game, the focus was on the importance of speed to market and the advantage of being the second mover. Teams developed pitch decks for startup ideas, and the competition concluded with dynamic presentations before a jury, in the style of the ‘Iron Chef’ show.

On Wednesday, the workshop ‘Artificial Intelligence for Solopreneurs’ highlighted how AI tools can support independent entrepreneurs in creating and developing their businesses. Participants learned to apply Lean Startup and Google Launchpad concepts to design scalable and sustainable, technology-based business proposals.

Thursday’s session, ‘Share Your Idea!’, offered each participant the opportunity to present their business idea in just two minutes, in a format focused on clarity, impact, and persuasion. On the same day, John Coughlan delivered a research presentation to the faculty of Babeș-Bolyai University, discussing current trends in entrepreneurship and potential directions for future collaboration.

The week concluded with the ‘Reflect & Look Ahead’ session, a roundtable dedicated to reflection, constructive feedback, and planning the next steps in developing the ideas generated throughout the program. The events emphasized the importance of experimentation, collaboration, and the courage to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.