J. Marí-Guaita1, I. Guaita-Pradas2, B. Marí Soucase2
The ongoing advancement of perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies presents an exceptional opportunity to integrate real-world innovation into engineering education. In the context of the Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, this paper introduces an interdisciplinary educational initiative that bridges the subjects of Business Economics and Materials Engineering through a project-based approach centered on perovskite solar cells.
The initiative aims to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking by engaging students in the development of business strategies for emerging energy technologies. Students work in teams to create a techno-economic roadmap for a hypothetical startup focused on the industrial application of inkjet-printed perovskite devices. Throughout the project, they address technical challenges—such as material selection, stability, and scalability—alongside business-oriented aspects like cost structure, regulatory frameworks, and market segmentation.
Entrepreneurial tools such as the Lean Canvas, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and customer discovery interviews are employed to simulate early-stage innovation processes. This methodology not only reinforces technical knowledge but also promotes key competencies such as decision-making, communication with stakeholders, and sustainable business model design.
Preliminary results show that this cross-curricular strategy enhances student engagement, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and increases awareness of how advanced materials can drive clean energy entrepreneurship. The program is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and supports the broader mission of equipping future electrical engineers with both technical and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Keywords: Perovskite Solar Cells, Entrepreneurial Education, Interdisciplinary Engineering.