Business Studies Department - InVoCanvas Event Recap

We are thrilled to share the resounding success of the InVoCanvas event, a dynamic showcase of entrepreneurial brilliance that unfolded on December 13th and 14th, 2023, held at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. This extraordinary event, meticulously organized by the College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA) and that feeds into the Inspire4E Initiative, saw approximately 700 students forming 162 teams, all converging to manifest their entrepreneurial ideas through Business Model Canvas posters and presentations. InVoCanvas served as an experiential platform for students enrolled in the entrepreneurship, creativity & innovation course, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and creativity.

InVoCanvas left an indelible mark, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes. The event provided exposure to diverse assessment methods, allowing students to refine their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This event brought together 30 interdepartmental evaluators from various disciplines across UTAS, including Information Technology, Fashion Design, Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Business Studies Department, allowing for an enriching collaborative effort.

In collaboration with the Department of Innovation and Technology Transfer, a second day event was organized for the nominated projects. The nominated students received practical insights from well-esteemed, external/ industry jury experts who not only enhanced students' understanding of commercialization, intellectual property registration, prototyping, pre-incubations, and acceleration opportunities but also opened avenues for potential partnerships and mentorship.

To enhance the students’ and academics’ experience, a collaborative approach was applied where by "UTAS Eats" unfolded, offering students enrolled in the principles of sales course a unique opportunity to sell their products. This collaborative initiative further empowered students to apply their sales principles in a real-world setting, fostering a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, yet also providing the audience attending both events a meaningful and memorable experience.

Moreover, InVoCanvas seamlessly aligned with the UTAS graduate attributes, emphasizing discipline, critical thinking, problem-solving, and enriching entrepreneurial and creative skills. This hands-on experience instilled a high degree of competence in using information and communication technology, preparing students for a dynamic and competitive work environment. The assessments were completed digitally by all evaluators which ensured a seamless and easy generation and analysis of results.

Crucially, InVoCanvas aligns with Oman's 2040 Vision, particularly focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and knowledge transfer pillars. The event significantly contributes to key indicators outlined in the vision, such as economic diversification and fiscal sustainability, as well as priorities in education, learning, scientific research, and empowering national capabilities.

Prior to the event, skills development initiatives were implemented, including workshops and lectures that prepared lecturers for the Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation course. These focused on online team collaborative platforms, design thinking strategies, and overall entrepreneurial skills to empower students. Digital collaboration platforms were introduced to students, enriching their skill set and entrepreneurial thinking.

In conclusion, InVoCanvas was a celebration of dedication and hard work, reflecting the University's commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators. The event showcased the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, leaving an enduring impact on the University community. We extend our gratitude to the Inspire4E Team members, the InVoCanvas organizing team, CEBA (Muscat), and all academic lecturers and evaluators who contributed to the success of this remarkable event. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring initiatives as we continue to fuel the flames of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship at UTAS-Muscat