Aim of the practical seminar
The practical seminar "Entrepreneurial Ideation and Prototyping" focussed on digital business models and innovative sales strategies for the traditional family-run company PERI. Four international teams worked on specific challenges and were intensively supervised by Clara Marx, Sven Peper and Florian Botzenhart from PERI as well as Prof Dr Daniel Schallmo and research assistants Verena Mattes and Amelie Velten from HNU and visiting professor Daniel Berliner from Tel-Hai University.
After a theoretical introduction and a detailed presentation of PERI, one of the world's leading companies for formwork and scaffolding technology, the teams used the Design Thinking method to tackle the four company-relevant challenges of identifying potential benefits, strengthening digital sales expertise, creating new market access and optimising digital customer service. The international composition of the teams brought forth diverse perspectives and creative approaches that led to particularly innovative results.
Over the course of four days, the teams developed promising solutions by interviewing experts and creating prototypes and business plans. They presented their results in a pitch in front of a jury at PERI in Weissenhorn on 17 October 2025. The practical seminar concluded with a factory tour and a company presentation at PERI.
Results and impressions
Those responsible at PERI were impressed by the results. "Inspiring week with motivated students and great ideas," said Sven Peper after the students' presentations. The open and creative approach of the students, who impressed with their innovative ways of thinking, was particularly emphasised. Prof Dr Daniel Schallmo also praised the development and performance of the students: "The teams developed significantly over the course of the week and achieved very good results. The co-operation with PERI was of great value to all involved."
About PERI SE
PERI is a global leader in formwork and scaffolding technology, known for its innovative strength and close co-operation with construction customers. The family-owned company was founded in 1969 in Weißenhorn (Germany) and is today one of the largest manufacturers in its sector. With around 9,500 to 10,000 employees, over 60 subsidiaries and 120 logistics centres worldwide, PERI supports construction projects all over the world.
About the "Digital Transformation and Global Entrepreneurship" degree programme
The Master's degree programme "Digital Transformation and Global Entrepreneurship" at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences teaches interdisciplinary skills for the design of digital business models. The programme focuses on innovation management, entrepreneurship and technology with topics such as artificial intelligence and digital strategies. The three-semester, English-language degree programme combines theory and practice through projects with industry partners and prepares graduates for leadership roles in digital transformation and global business innovation.
Über den Studiengang "Internationales Unternehmertum, Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit"
The Master's degree course in International Entrepreneurship, Digitalisation and Sustainability promotes the ability to recognise and implement entrepreneurial opportunities in a digitalised and sustainability-oriented economy. The focus is on international perspectives on start-ups, innovation and sustainable transformation. Through project-based work, practical teaching formats and exchanges with companies, students acquire the skills to actively shape global innovation processes and develop responsible business strategies.
