A Unicamp, through Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency, carried out an opinion survey among students about their interest in entrepreneurship, especially in the creation of academic spin-off companies from the University, that is, businesses created based on research results or knowledge developed at Unicamp.
The study is part of the Strategic Planning for the period from 2021 to 2025, approved by the Strategic Planning Committee and the Unicamp University Council. The research interviewed 837 students from 24 units of the University, covering the campuses of Campinas, Limeira and Piracicaba, between April 25 and May 25, 2023. Axxus Institute, a startup based in the Unicamp Scientific and Technological Park, was responsible for applying a questionnaire, under the coordination of Inova's communication and entrepreneurship teams.
Desire to undertake at Unicamp
One of the main findings of the research was the significant interest of students in starting ventures, with 40% of respondents demonstrating the desire to undertake. Among the motivations most highlighted by students, 49% mentioned the desire to achieve financial success, while 41% expressed the desire to create a positive impact on the world through new solutions.
The research also revealed obstacles that could limit the entrepreneurial potential of Unicamp students. Among graduates who do not plan to undertake, reasons such as lack of financial resources (21%), fear of dealing with uncertainty and risks (17%), lack of technical knowledge (16%) and lack of administrative skills were cited. (14%).
Around 80% of participants said they had not yet taken entrepreneurship subjects, indicating room for expansion of courses and the need for better communication and dissemination of these opportunities at Unicamp. Students who want to undertake also expressed the desire to “demystify” entrepreneurship as a negative concept at university. "Rresults reflect the entrepreneurial potential we see in students. Inova Unicamp is committed to strengthening support for the Unicamp community, supporting and expanding programs and courses that address the themes of innovation and entrepreneurship", said Mariana Zanatta Inglez, coordinator of innovation and entrepreneurship environments at Inova Unicamp.
Reference for entrepreneurship
With regard to knowledge of entrepreneurship initiatives, the research revealed that Inova Unicamp occupies the third position among the institutions most recognized by students, behind only Sebrae and junior companies. This result attests to the role of the Innovation Agency which, as the University's Technological Innovation Center, has among its pillars stimulating the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Unicamp.
The study also highlights the importance of initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship among students, promoting not only academic training, but also the development of practical skills and entrepreneurial spirit. “It is always gratifying to have the recognition that our work at Inova Unicamp has been placed as a reference for our university community. Especially, because we have already developed consolidated programs for them, such as the Desafio Unicamp competition. In addition to recognition, the research also gives us support to plan new actions in the coming years with the aim of strengthening the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among Unicamp students”, comments Kátia Kishi, communications supervisor at Inova Unicamp.
The results of the research were published in the Unicamp daughter companies report, published by Inova.
Entrepreneurship subjects at Unicamp
Unicamp's Innovation Agency also recently carried out a mapping of disciplines that address innovation and entrepreneurship offered at the University. The survey identified at least 26 disciplines linked to different institutes or faculties at Unicamp, which are offered to undergraduate, postgraduate and extension students, covering the University's internal and external community.
The objective of the mapping was to facilitate the search for students interested in these topics. The complete list is available on Inova Unicamp website.
The subject entitled “Intellectual Property, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Contemporary Themes”, with internal codes AM037 (for undergraduates) and TP386 (for postgraduates), is the responsibility of the board of directors of the Unicamp Innovation Agency. It is offered every six months to Unicamp students and special university students, free of charge.
The course presents topics such as Notions of Intellectual Property and licensing of technologies for innovation, ESG, Legal Framework for Startups, Canvas, Picth and Design Thinking, with practical activities. In addition, it addresses possibilities for incubation at the Unicamp Scientific and Technological Based Business Incubator (Incamp) and connection with companies in the Unicamp Scientific and Technological Park, aiming to enhance open innovation.
See the full list of innovation and entrepreneurship subjects offered at Unicamp.
