Innovathons and mindset change: analysis of the perceived effect on the entrepreneurial intent of university students at UNITEC Honduras

Abstract

This study analyzes the implementation of Innovathon as an educational intervention aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills in university students from a multidisciplinary context. The model integrated participatory dynamics and innovation tools (design thinking, social business canvas, and triple impact matrix) to guide teams from problem identification to proposal structuring and communication. The evaluation was conducted using a mixed-method approach. Due to the anonymity of the survey, the quantitative analysis was approached as a cross-sectional post-Innovathon design, with qualitative evidence through direct observation and field notes. The results suggest that the Innovathon functions as an effective experiential learning environment, where the use of design thinking, social business canvas, and triple impact facilitates the understanding of real problems and the proposal of innovative and comprehensive solutions. Similarly, the practical, collaborative, and high-pressure experience was associated with the development of soft skills such as decision-making, effective communication, teamwork, and tolerance for error. Finally, methodological limitations are reported, and improvements are proposed to increase the validity, monitoring, and scalability of the model.