Bringing Theory into Action
Makers in the Making isn’t about sitting in a lecture hall or memorizing business theory. Launched by the Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute - recently recognized with third place in the ACEEU Triple E Awards for Emerging Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators - this program offers students a real chance to get hands-on, test ideas, and learn by doing. Here, students go beyond the classroom and engage in active problem-solving and risk-taking, all within a supportive network of peers and mentors. The program gives them a toolkit of practical skills that go beyond textbooks, preparing them to make a real difference, no matter what path they pursue. Education serves as the foundation for initiatives like this, equipping students with the mindset and skills needed to drive the entrepreneurial university forward.
A Program Built on Engagement, Connection, and Real-World Skills
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s a mindset that cultivates adaptability, creativity, and resilience. The program positions students at this intersection, providing opportunities to experiment with business ideas, gain feedback, and develop confidence as they move through different stages of entrepreneurial discovery. The program is open year-round, allowing any Nova SBE student or alumni to join, whether they are defining a problem, building an MVP, or navigating early business challenges.
In the past few years, the program has expanded to offer events and resources tailored to the entrepreneurial journey, all designed to complement the academic experience:
2020/2021: Events like Mentor Madness and Pitch Day got things rolling, with 20 students participating in workshops.2021/2022: Focused sessions on Growth Hacking and MVP building brought 40 students to explore core entrepreneurial skills.2022/2023 Expanded with events on prototyping and sustainable business, with 204 students engaged.2023/2024: Over 180 attendees joined sessions on Acceleration Day, Meet a Founder, and multiple Pitch Days.2024/2025: Looking forward to 13 planned events, including workshops on business models, go-to-market strategies, and a Demo Day to showcase student projects.
Fostering a Supportive Entrepreneurial Community
What really makes
Makers in the Making stand out is its sense of community. By engaging regularly in meetups, workshops, and pitch sessions, students form a support network that extends beyond their time in the program. Whether they’re brainstorming in real-time on digital channels, celebrating successes at quarterly meetups, or tackling challenges together, participants build connections that deepen their learning and prepare them for the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.
This community-centric approach allows students to learn by doing, alongside peers who support each other’s growth. The program encourages members to share what they’re learning and the obstacles they’re facing, creating a collaborative environment where every member’s journey adds value to the group.
The impact of the program is visible not only in the career paths students choose but in the tangible difference they make in their fields. Many graduates of the program have used their skills in various sectors, applying an entrepreneurial approach to roles in established companies, nonprofits, and startups. This real-world relevance aligns with Nova SBE’s commitment to the ACEEU standards of Education, Culture, and Institutional Commitment, demonstrating the program’s long-term societal and economic impact on the local and global ecosystem.
By bridging theory and practice, this program shows how higher education institutions can foster entrepreneurial learning that reaches beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
An Invitation to Rethink Entrepreneurship Education
Makers in the Making isn’t just an educational program; it’s a catalyst for real-world change. By engaging over 1,500 students, supporting 468 startups, and hosting 100+ events, the Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute has fostered a culture of innovation that extends throughout the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem. The impact of the program reaches well beyond Nova SBE’s campus, as students take their skills and ambitions into the wider world, influencing the economy and driving social change.
What if academic learning could do more than provide knowledge? What if it could spark action? Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute’s
Makers in the Making challenges the traditional boundaries of education by immersing students in real entrepreneurial experiences. By connecting classroom insights with hands-on experimentation, this program prepares students for a future where adaptability, problem-solving, and community matter as much as any academic credential.
As the program evolves, Nova SBE continues to demonstrate that entrepreneurial learning isn’t just about starting companies—it’s about fostering a mindset that thrives in uncertainty, supports others, and is ready to turn knowledge into impact.
Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute | 2023 Overview
Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute I Makers in the Making - Student Acceleration Journey
Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute I Pitch Session
