Enter CBL - Boosting Entrepreneurial Mindset of Students with Challenge-Based Learning
The ENTER-CBL project is transforming the way students and educators approach entrepreneurial education through the power of Challenge-Based Learning (CBL). This dynamic and experiential learning method invites students to tackle real-world challenges—ranging from launching new ventures to solving pressing issues posed by established companies—with the support of academic mentors and external experts.
CBL is more than a teaching approach; it’s a gateway to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, a critical competence for every EU citizen navigating today’s fast-changing world. It empowers students to collaborate, think critically, ask the right questions, and co-create innovative solutions with lasting impact. By gaining deep subject knowledge and practical skills, learners are prepared to lead in both personal and professional spheres.
At the heart of the ENTER-CBL initiative is the NextGen Entrepreneurs course, designed to offer students a cutting-edge, challenge-driven learning experience. Through this international and cross-cultural programme, students will learn how to shape sustainable business models, refine their entrepreneurial ideas, and apply innovative leadership principles in collaborative team settings.
Simultaneously, the project is also focused on empowering educators. Recognising the need for modern teaching tools, ENTER-CBL has developed a CBL Methodology for Entrepreneurship Education, grounded in research and best practices. This framework supports the integration of CBL into university course modules, boosting student engagement, enhancing systemic reasoning, and encouraging reflective decision-making in real business contexts.
To support implementation, the project also includes a dedicated Teacher Training programme—the NextGen Entrepreneurship Training course. This practical, collaborative training equips educators with the skills to guide students through CBL processes, covering essential components such as defining context, formulating challenges, providing feedback, applying lateral thinking, conducting external assessments, and sustaining motivation.
All project partners have successfully piloted the developed materials with their students, and Istanbul Aydın University has even hosted a vibrant bootcamp to bring the CBL experience to life.
Throughout the bootcamp, international teams of students developed and pitched innovative business ideas to address urban living challenges in Istanbul. From using AI-assisted smart solutions to alleviate parking problems, to creating more green spaces and promoting recycling through a mobile app, the students showcased impressive creativity and problem-solving skills. It was a fun and engaging way to learn while building valuable soft skills. We were thrilled to receive very positive feedback from the students at the end of the bootcamp!
A link to a short video created during the bootcamp can be found by clicking here.
The ENTER-CBL project continues to pave the way for more engaging, impactful, and future-ready entrepreneurial education across Europe.
Save the date | Invitation to the final multiplier event of the EnterCBL project
On Monday 29th September and Tuesday 30th September 2025, the final multiplier event for this project will take place in Leuven (Belgium). If you would like to participate in this event and learn more about the findings, the material and what we’ve realised: please register via this registration form below: