Forging the Future: Friends of Bata Partners with H-FARM College to Cultivate Young Entrepreneurs

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and ever-changing market dynamics, fostering entrepreneurial talent and innovation has never been more critical. Friends of Bata is thrilled to announce our latest partnership with H-FARM College, the Institute for undergraduate and postgraduate education of H-FARM, venture builder spreading the culture of digital innovation since 2005 . This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to empowering young minds to navigate and thrive in the digital age. H-FARM, founded in 2005, stands as a beacon of innovation and human-centric education, designing and providing programs that embrace all ages, involving children, teenagers, entrepreneurs, startuppers, companies and managers in a continuous exchange of ideas, skills and best practices. Its Campus, located on the edge of the Venice lagoon, it'a unique place for collaboration among students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovation enthusiasts.  At H-FARM College all the classes offer an immersive and dynamic learning experience that combines theory and practice and focus on two areas: digital business & management and new technologies. 

Our collaboration with H-FARM College is designed to leverage the strengths of both organizations to create impactful educational experiences. Together, we aim to:

  1. Co-Design Educational Programs: we will develop and implement entrepreneurship programs tailored to H-FARM College’s curriculum. These programs will harness our expertise and network to equip students with essential business skills.
  2. Sponsorship at LUMINA Summer School: we will launch our partnership by sponsoring the LUMINA Summer School, which runs from June 24-28, 2024. This initiative will immerse students in the theme of “Managing Business Projects in Fast-Changing Competitive Landscapes,” transforming challenges into opportunities. With sponsorship from other prominent companies like KPMG, BNP, Bosch and Carrera, the summer program promises to be a transformative experience for all participants. Friends of Bata will dedicate one day of the camp to present a case study, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
  3. Development & Distribution of Case Studies: we will distribute our existing case studies and collaborate on new ones that align with H-FARM College’s educational needs. These case studies will serve as practical learning tools, providing real-world insights into successful entrepreneurial ventures.
  4. Support and Mentor Programs: we will grant  access to our network of seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurs who will mentor H-FARM College students. Our mentors will participate in lessons, competitions, and other educational activities like H-FARM College Inspirational Talks , offering invaluable guidance and inspiration.

Our partnership also includes sponsoring the Bachelor’s Degree in Business Creation and Entrepreneurship, starting in September 2024. This venture will allow us to delve deeper into academic projects and refine our support structures in collaboration with H-FARM College’s faculty and curriculum.

As we embark on this exciting journey with H-FARM College, we are confident that our combined efforts will create a dynamic ecosystem for young entrepreneurs, preparing them to lead and innovate in an increasingly complex world. Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and upcoming events. Together, we are building a future where young minds can thrive and drive positive change across international industries and communities.

Friends of Bata Director, Thomas A. Bata and H-FARM Founder, Riccardo Donadon
H-FARM Library
H-FARM Startup Centre

Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.

However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:

  1. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
  2. Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
  3. Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
  4. Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
  5. Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
  6. Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

For  aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences,  entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.

Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!

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