Capstone Projects of the 15th Edition MBA – SDGs goals
The Capstone Project is the culmination of the MBA program – the moment when theory meets practice and innovative ideas turn into real business solutions.
Special attention was paid to sustainable development and responsible business models. Students developed innovative solutions that combine economic growth with environmental and social concerns. Now, as MBA graduates, they are ready to put these ideas into practice and shape the future of business!
All projects correspond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals developed by the United Nations to achieve sustainable development on a global scale. In the context of business, their implementation brings many benefits.
1. Benchee – Smart Street Furniture for Sustainable Cities
Is a smart, eco-friendly architecture system for public and private spaces, combining modern design with interactive features. Made from recycled materials using sustainable methods, it includes air quality sensors, charging stations, and gamified social features to enhance urban spaces.
Sustainable Development Goals
Challenges the developers have faced include material innovation, cost efficiency and technology integration. They want to create products that are durable and environmentally friendly, yet affordable. Their prototypes, such as benches and tables, show how waste can be transformed into high-quality products. Through research and surveys, the project has become very popular, and users are interested in eco-friendly materials and interactive features in public spaces.
Throughout the project, the students learned several key lessons:
- Innovation requires courage – Embracing new technologies and moving away from traditional approaches is essential to creating effective solutions.
- Sustainability and business can go hand in hand – Balancing environmentally friendly practices with cost-effectiveness is difficult, but achievable with the right vision and teamwork.
- Collaboration is key – Bringing together experts from different fields ensures a comprehensive approach and leads to successful results.
2. Silver Connect is a platform designed to bridge the intergenerational gap by connecting seniors through shared experiences and social engagement. The goal of the project was to reduce social isolation among the Silver Generation while fostering meaningful relationships and knowledge exchange.
Sustainable Development Goals
Developing Silver Connect came with several challenges, including encouraging senior engagement, addressing technological barriers, ensuring the platform is intuitive and accessible, identifying potential risks, and securing project funding. The team evaluated multiple financial scenarios to choose the best approach.
The project resulted in a successful prototype of the platform, with positive feedback from pilot sessions and validated potential for scalability and social impact. Silver Connect is an innovative product that currently does not exist in the Polish market.
Leading this project taught valuable leadership lessons, including adaptability, stakeholder management, and human-centered design. The experience emphasized the importance of empathetic communication, an agile approach, and leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Most importantly, the team witnessed firsthand how technology can foster meaningful human connections.
3. VReactor is a VR educational game simulating nuclear power plant operations, including reactor startup, grid management, and waste handling. It aims to bridge Poland’s nuclear knowledge gap by providing an engaging, accessible learning experience.
Sustainable Development Goals
The team faced challenges balancing technical accuracy with user-friendly gameplay and securing stakeholder engagement. The outcome was a deployable VR game scenario for a cost-effective educational tool to inform the public on a complex topic. VReactor offers a new model for technical education using immersive technology, with potential for integration into formal education systems.
The team learned that success depends on combining diverse expertise and efficient project management. Immersive technologies can enhance technical education, and while innovative projects carry risks, their potential impact justifies the investment. The project shows how technology can bridge the gap between complex knowledge and public understanding.
4. SILCODE aims to commercialize an innovative silicone patch for scar treatment, developed at the Medical University of Gdańsk. Its patented formula combines silicone layers, dry onion extract, and low-molecular-weight heparin, offering advanced dermatological and therapeutic applications.
Sustainable Development Goals
The primary goal of the project is to create a comprehensive strategy for bringing this unique, scientifically proven product to market, ensuring its growth and success. The project involves market research, risk analysis, and effective marketing campaigns, as well as attracting investors and securing funding.
The main challenges include attracting investment, standing out in a competitive market, and establishing a strong brand presence. The expected outcomes are a detailed commercialization plan, marketing strategy, financial projections, and successful pitching sessions with stakeholders like Ziaja.
One of the key lessons learned from the project is the importance of clear communication, regular market research, and careful financial planning, ensuring the project’s viability and potential for success.
5. Hands Guard is an innovative system designed to ensure effective hand hygiene in industrial settings, particularly within the food processing sector. By combining AI technology with a vision-based recognition system, it provides real-time monitoring of handwashing practices, addressing critical gaps in hygiene compliance.
Sustainable Development Goals
Key challenges included designing a system that is affordable, user-friendly, and capable of delivering instant feedback while seamlessly integrating into industrial workflows.
The prototype demonstrated the system’s effectiveness, scalability, and potential for widespread adoption. It offers two solutions: a standalone device for instant feedback and a subscription model with advanced reporting features. The business model also leverages strategic partnerships to ensure efficient market entry.
Leading this project emphasized the importance of aligning technical innovation with business strategy, fostering collaboration, and focusing on user-centric design. Balancing feasibility, scalability, and affordability was critical to delivering a solution that meets both industry needs and sustainability goals.
Implementation of the SDGs affects all aspects of life – from improving working conditions to access to clean energy to providing quality education. The goals place responsibility on governments, businesses and international organizations to act in accordance with the idea of sustainable development, which takes into account the interests of both present and future generations.
The Sustainable Development Goals are not only an ambitious plan, but also a real opportunity to create a more just, equitable and welcoming world environment. Achieving the SDGs requires all of us to commit, cooperate and strive for harmony between society, the economy and the environment. It is worth taking up the challenge and contributing to this vision to ensure a better future for all of us.
