AI-powered Innovation Management

In the Winter Semester 2026/2027, AI-powered Innovation Management returns for its second edition. The module combines innovation management with the practical application of artificial intelligence, demonstrating how modern AI tools can support the entire innovation process – from idea generation to the development of market-ready business concepts.

In this module, you will gain essential knowledge and practical skills in innovation management while learning how AI can support the different phases of the innovation process – from idea generation and opportunity exploration to prototyping and business design.

The module is delivered in close collaboration with our industry partner, Canyon Bicycles. Canyon provides real-world innovation challenges that you will tackle in interdisciplinary teams throughout the course. Working on authentic business problems ensures that your learning is firmly rooted in practice and focused on creating meaningful impact. Throughout the module, you will work with the innovation software platform ITONICS OS and apply a range of modern AI tools to develop your ideas.

The course follows a blended learning format, combining flexible self-paced online learning with interactive, hands-on workshops. This allows you to build your theoretical knowledge independently and immediately apply it during the practical sessions.

The kick-off event will take place on October 09, 2026, in the building 66 at Hochschule Ansbach. Your mission is to collaborate in teams to develop a market-ready product idea together with a matching business concept and present your solution in a final pitch to a panel of representatives from Canyon Bicycles. The module bridges academic learning and real business practice, creating value that extends far beyond the classroom.

On-Site Practical Workshops:

• October 9, 2026 | Onboarding & Kick-off (Building 66, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences; 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• November 6, 2026 | Corporate Foresight & Opportunity Exploration (ANsWERK; 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• December 12, 2026 | Ideation & Introduction to Prototyping (ANsWERK; 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• January 8, 2027 | Project Management & Business Design (ANsWERK; 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• January 22, 2027 | Oral Examination (ANsWERK)

The course is worth 5 ECTS credits (4 contact hours per week) and can be credited towards your degree upon approval by your study program and the Examination Office. Assessment consists of a final team pitch and a pitch deck.

Besides gaining a solid foundation in innovation management, you will acquire practical experience using professional innovation software and modern AI tools. You will work on a genuine business challenge provided by an established company, develop a market-ready solution together with your team, and present it directly to representatives from Canyon Bicycles. Along the way, you will strengthen your professional skills, expand your network, and gain valuable practical experience.

• Understand innovation management as a system — and judge where, when, and how AI creates real value across the process.
• Command a professional innovation toolkit: you’ll be confident using ITONICS OS and modern AI tools well beyond this module.
• Think like an innovator: turn open-ended problems into structured, market-ready concepts under real-world constraints.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and navigate the messy reality of an industry challenge.
• Pitch with impact — communicate and defend an idea persuasively in front of decision-makers.

• Master the fundamentals of innovation management and confidently apply AI at every stage of the innovation process.
• Operate modern AI tools and the professional innovation platform ITONICS OS with hands-on proficiency.
• Deliver a market-ready product idea and business concept as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Solve real business challenges in direct collaboration with an established industry partner.
• Sharpen the skills that set innovators apart: creativity, analytical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and persuasive pitching.

The course is open to students from all disciplines, both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Course Information

• Language of instruction: English
• Credits: 5 ECTS / 4 contact hours per week (subject to approval by your study program and the Examination Office)
• Assessment: Final team pitch and pitch deck
• Format: Blended Learning (self-paced online learning and on-site workshops)
• Registration: via Primuss