MCN: Training Programme – Step 2

Training Programme – Step 2

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Last modified: Friday, 4 April 2025, 8:45 AM

Hands-on Training for Startups and SMEs

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

The second phase of the Maritech Talent Programme is a hands-on training designed for startups and SMEs, focusing on real-world challenges in the maritime sector. Delivered in a face-to-face format, this training equips participants with methodologies and tools that enhance problem-solving, innovation, and professional development. Building on the principles of customer discovery and assumption validation, key themes explored in the workshop led by Alexandros Charalambides of the Cyprus University of Technology and Stelios Procopiou of Chrysalis LEAP, this phase offers participants an opportunity to delve deeper into identifying early adopters, understanding market needs, and validating key business assumptions through structured experimentation (see, presentation).

This phase consists of two key components:

Intrapreneurship Mindset Training – Helping maritime professionals and entrepreneurs identify industry challenges, explore barriers to innovation, and develop solutions that drive sustainable progress.
Startup-Focused Training – Providing an in-depth understanding of financing opportunities, investment mechanisms, and project procurement processes within the maritime sector.

Additionally, networking opportunities are embedded in this phase, allowing participants to connect with industry stakeholders, potential investors, and peers to foster collaboration and business growth.

A core element of this training is the use of visual thinking tools, specifically canvases, which play a crucial role in the learning process. These tools align with Design Thinking, a widely recognized approach that facilitates problem-solving, innovation, and user-centred thinking. Given the complexity of sustainability and climate-related challenges in the maritime industry, this approach helps participants break down complex problems, structure their thoughts, and develop practical solutions.

The following canvases are integral to the training:

Fishing for Barriers – Helps participants brainstorm the major barriers in their industry, sector, or business.
5 Whys – Supports participants in visually exploring the underlying reasons behind these barriers by digging deeper into the “why” behind them.
Charting Assumptions – Used to assess and categorize key assumptions based on their impact and uncertainty. This tool aids in strategic planning by identifying assumptions that require validation or closer attention.
Testing Assumptions – Designed to guide participants in testing assumptions through structured experiments.

These canvases, as tools to support the process of customer discovery and assumption validation, help participants systematically analyze industry barriers, uncover root causes, and validate assumptions. By integrating these visual tools, participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in problem-solving. The canvases serve as essential instruments for analyzing challenges, effectively communicating ideas, and refining business strategies. This hands-on approach empowers startups, SMEs and solution-providers to navigate maritime industry challenges more effectively, fostering innovation and strategic problem-solving that can lead to impactful, sustainable solutions.