Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Students will embark on a two-week immersive program that introduces students to the fundamentals of food industry entrepreneurship. Modeled after the popular show Shark Tank, this hands-on program encourages students to move beyond theoretical learning and develop real, marketable business ideas.

Over the course of two weeks, students will work in teams of three to four to develop innovative food product concepts, progressing through the full entrepreneurial process—from ideation to final pitch by building a professional portfolio with headshots and videos. The course concludes with students presenting their ideas to a panel of industry professionals, gaining invaluable feedback and the confidence to pursue their ventures.

Learn more about a major in Agribusiness and career path here.

Learning Outcomes in this course

• Identify and evaluate business opportunities in the food industry.

• Craft compelling value propositions that effectively address real-world consumer needs and set products apart in the market.

• Translate creative ideas into practical, market-ready business concepts with clear strategies for implementation.

• Conduct thorough market research and gather consumer insights to refine and enhance product ideas for better market fit.

• Develop a persuasive elevator pitch that captures the essence of their business concept in a concise, engaging, and impactful way.

Proposed Activities

• Visit the Cal Poly Creamery to observe the steps required to bring a product from concept to market, with a focus on quality control, packaging design and customer appeal.

• Visit the Oreggia Family Foundation Culinary Lab, utilizing locally made materials for the final project.

• Present projects to a panel of industry professionals, focusing on the creative presentation, product pairing and branding strategies

• Build a professional portfolio that includes a headshot and a pitch video to support future career endeavors.

Instructor

Dr. Christiane Schroeter, Professor Cal Poly SLO

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a Professor in the Agribusiness Department at Cal Poly. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Dissertation Award. Dr. Schroeter's research has appeared in prestigious journals like the Journal of Health Economics, and she's known for her inspiring teaching style. As the first Faculty Fellow at Cal Poly's Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), she encourages students to explore entrepreneurship. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, she has received awards from various national and international organizations. In her class on Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Agriculture, Dr. Schroeter guides students to bridge theory and practice, emphasizing customer development and connecting them to CIE innovation programs. Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Schroeter enjoys quality time with her family on the Central Coast and traveling. She's also a fitness enthusiast, teaching classes at the Cal Poly Rec Center and promoting a healthy lifestyle.