ENTP 5850/6850 Spring 2025 | Japan

Overview:

This international course, offered by the Entrepreneurship and Strategy department in collaboration with the Doman Innovation Studio and Eccles Global, provides an immersive semester-long experience focused on the practical application of inquiry, design, and entrepreneurial methods to real-world businesses. Over the course of the Spring 2025 semester, students will engage directly with Japanese companies aiming to enter the US market, exploring storytelling, messaging, and market alignment tailored to these specific contexts.

Early-stage startup teams have a rare opportunity to shape their roles, uncover their unique talents and processes, and understand evolving team dynamics. Companies in this stage retain their entrepreneurial essence, thriving on investigation and iteration, while navigating initial market alignment and operational challenges. In this course, you’ll have a chance to experience what it’s like to be an early-stage employee, building skills that can transfer from startups to established companies.

Whether you aim to launch your own venture or bring innovative thinking to an existing company, you'll prepare yourself for success across the spectrum of personal and professional opportunities. As a culmination of your efforts, successful students will have the unique opportunity to travel to Japan and work with these companies in person, gaining invaluable international business experience.

Financial Support and Eligibility:

We are committed to opening opportunities to participation and recognizing the professional-level work conducted by course participants. Through generous donor support, Doman Innovation Studio is excited to be able to offer this opportunity at an out-of-pocket cost of $700 per student, covering both course and travel costs for the full semester. The remainder (estimated at $4,000) will be provided as an automatic scholarship awarded to all students accepted into the course.

Dates/Times/Logistics

This course meets in-person on the University of Utah campus through the Spring 2025 semester. In-person attendance is mandatory for participation, with 2 allowed absences for the duration of the course.

Successful course participants will have the opportunity to travel to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan at the end of the Spring semester in order to present their work and coordinate with the client companies. Travel dates are May 3rd to May 14th, 2025.

Application Process and Details:

• Applicants will be accepted in the following order of conditions:
  • Application should reveal high attitude, commitment and ability to remain flexible to the conditions of a real world project.
  • Applicants should upload a 60-second video, explaining their interest in the course and the skills and competencies they hope to build.
  • Applicant should be available for all class meetings with the exception of the allowed two (2) absences.
  • From there students will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the class reaches 12 students.
  • Course participants will be graded on a pass-fail system, reflecting their successful participation in a course modeling professional employee behavior and outcomes.

Notes 7/31

Presentations 5th or 6th, then get to Kyoto on the 8th

Option for EXPO in Osaka 10th or 11th.