Enhancing entrepreneurial skills through experiential learning in IoT, AI, and cybersecurity

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity presents new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, yet traditional educational approaches often lack the interdisciplinary and applied focus required to develop these competencies. This study evaluates the impact of an experiential learning workshop that integrated IoT prototyping, AI-based anomaly detection, and cybersecurity principles to promote technical understanding, entrepreneurial thinking, and ethical awareness. Conducted at Godfrey Okoye University, Nigeria, the workshop engaged 476 undergraduate students from diverse academic disciplines in project-based learning activities and collaborative design challenges. Statistical analysis of matched pre- and post-assessments revealed a mean increase of 25.5 percentage points (95% confidence intervals $$\pm 4.2\%$$ , $$p < 0.001$$ ) in quiz performance across all three domains. Regression and exploratory mediation analysis indicated that prior knowledge and engagement with hands-on tasks were significant predictors of learning gains. Qualitative feedback highlighted the perceived value of real-world application, teamwork, and ethical reflection. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of experiential and interdisciplinary educational models in fostering future-ready skills and responsible innovation. This study offers actionable guidance for designing inclusive, scalable technology learning interventions and contributes to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 on equitable quality education.