CASSE
Innovative project management revolutionizes the startup ecosystem at DTU Skylab
DTU Skylab is a leading innovation center that connects students, researchers and companies with the aim of creating solutions to global challenges. Skylab serves as a focal point for experimental entrepreneurship, where cutting-edge technological and scientific projects are developed. Coignite developed DevelopmentLog, a project management platform for DTU Skylab that revolutionized the way startup teams work. The solution not only optimized efficiency for students, but also laid the foundation for cutting-edge research into startup processes, while attracting the attention of investors through innovative visualizations.
The challenge
DTU Skylab, part of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), needed an effective system to support and monitor the many startup projects in their dynamic innovation environment. Challenges included the need to help students manage their projects more effectively, collect data for research purposes, visualize progress for investors and stakeholders, and foster collaboration and transparency among startup teams.
The solution
Coignite provided DevelopmentLog, a comprehensive project management platform developed within the framework of a fixed-price project. The platform addressed DTU Skylab's need to both support students in their project management and collect data for research.
- Real-time data and chat function: With real-time communication via websockets, users could chat and collaborate even if they were physically separated. Changes in priorities, goals achieved and progress became visible to all participants in the platform in real time, creating a high level of transparency.
- Data collection for research: The platform collected and structured large amounts of data on startup teams' work processes, strategies and priorities. This data was subsequently used in a PhD thesis and for the assessment of startup teams.
- Real-time visualization: A dynamic infographic in Skylab showed progress in real time, giving students and investors alike a clear view of the status of projects.
- Evidence-based project management: Conversations and activities were documented, providing insight into team dynamics and project processes. This documentation was central to the research part of the project.
Collaboration
The project was implemented as a fixed-price project, where Coignite worked closely with DTU Skylab to deliver the best possible solution within the stipulated framework. Through workshops and several prototypes, the solution was continuously adapted and Coignite monitored how the platform was used in practice to ensure optimal functionality and ease of use. This creative process allowed Skylab's strategic goals to be realized with the project.
Results
The implementation of DevelopmentLog and the related infographic has had a significant positive impact on DTU Skylab's ecosystem and research environment. The solution has strengthened collaboration between startup teams, mentors and stakeholders by creating greater transparency and proactivity in project management. It has also fostered a collaborative climate where participants can work together in real time, regardless of physical location.
The platform has provided valuable research insights into the startup teams' collaborative processes, strategy selection and task prioritization, which have been applied in a PhD thesis that received the highest grade. DevelopmentLog has become an integral part of DTU's entrepreneurship education and has contributed to a more structured approach to project management. In addition, investors have shown interest in the platform by following the work of the startup teams and participating in dialogues and presentations, which has further strengthened research and insight into the entrepreneurial environment.
