Application of Gamification and Business Simulations in Startup-Oriented Education for IT Students

The article explores approaches to aligning educational content with real-world business requirements in the training of IT students. The authors propose an alternative strategy for preparing students for participation in startup projects even before they begin direct engagement with the business sector. This strategy incorporates the principles of constructivism, problem-based learning, and project-based learning, particularly during academic courses and internships that simulate real startup environments. To enhance student motivation and involvement, the article advocates for the integration of gamification and business simulations. The authors share practical experience in implementing these methods as part of startup-oriented education. This includes performing project tasks within individual academic components, involving external mentors, and incorporating business game elements into classroom activities. Specific examples include gamified pitching sessions, investment-attraction simulations, and mock defenses of startup projects before real or simulated business stakeholders. Special attention is given to the practice-oriented training course “Startup Creation”, which is identified as a core component of master's-level startup-oriented education.