Karina Medvedeva, Farah Nikijuluw & Anna Kupavtseva

 Entrepreneurial Thinking as the Core Innovation of Modern Education

Workshop Information:

In a rapidly changing world, the ability to think entrepreneurially is no longer optional – it is essential. Entrepreneurial thinking is not just about starting businesses; it is about cultivating a mindset that sees opportunities, creates value, and drives innovation in every area of life.

This session explores how schools can embed entrepreneurial thinking at the heart of education, equipping students with the skills, creativity, and resilience needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

We will showcase TISAMBA, an innovative international program designed to develop entrepreneurial mindset in children and young people from the earliest years through to advanced levels.

By integrating real-world problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and business literacy, TISAMBA prepares students not only to succeed academically but also to become value creators, changemakers, and global citizens.

The session will also present opportunities for schools and educators to connect with the International Business Club, a global community that links education with industry, fostering partnerships, mentorships, and real-life entrepreneurial projects for students.

Session Outcomes:

• Why entrepreneurial thinking is the core innovation of modern schooling.

• Practical strategies schools can use to nurture value-creation skills in children.

• How the TISAMBA program empowers students to grow from curiosity to creativity to entrepreneurial leadership.

• The role of international networks, such as the International Business Club, in bridging education and business practice.

• A vision for the future: schools as incubators of ideas, talent, and innovation.

This session positions entrepreneurial thinking as the foundation of innovation in modern education. By reframing schooling from knowledge transmission to value creation, the session demonstrates how innovation in pedagogy can prepare students to become problem-solvers, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.

The approach combines:

Innovative Curriculum Design – Showcasing the TISAMBA program, which integrates business literacy, creativity, and leadership across age groups, creating a pathway from early curiosity to entrepreneurial leadership.

Real-World Application – Linking schools with the International Business Club to provide students with mentorship, industry partnerships, and opportunities to apply their ideas in authentic contexts.

Scalable Innovation – Presenting models that can be adapted across diverse schools and international settings, ensuring entrepreneurial thinking becomes a sustainable, global practice.

The session embodies innovation by bridging education and business, theory and practice, and local classrooms with global networks, positioning schools as incubators of talent and value creation.

Implementation  – Participants will leave with a practical framework on how to integrate entrepreneurial thinking into their school curriculum, including age-appropriate strategies and examples from the TISAMBA program.

Networking & Collaboration – Attendees will gain access to the International Business Club platform, opening opportunities for cross-border collaborations, mentorships, and student-led entrepreneurial projects.

Karina Medvedeva  

Co-founder & Director of TISA Leiden & Lisbon | Entrepreneur in Education

Theodore International Startup Academy, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands

Social Media Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-medvedeva-7272532bb/ 

Farah Nikijuluw
International Education Researcher focused on local systems | Dutch Language Expert at TISA
Theodore International Startup Academy, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
Social Media Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farah-nikijuluw-8602b82a2/

Anna Kupavtseva

Executive Director of the TISA Ecosystem in the Netherlands & Portugal | Director of Teddy Kids Daycare, Leiden

Theodore International Startup Academy, Lisbon & Leiden