Educating through practice: the Unicorn University prepares students for a dynamic future
From idea to successful business
Unicorn University, which is focused on practical education and close collaboration with business, held an online conference Unicorn University Open on 22 November 2024 with the theme The Journey from Idea to Successful Business. The event attracted not only students but also the general public. Top speakers from among entrepreneurs, including alumni of the school, such as successful racer and entrepreneur Martin Macík or Applifting founder Vratislav Kalenda, shared their experiences. The inspiring stories of the guests showed how an idea can become a successful career. Vladimír Kovář, founder of Unicorn, who opened the conference with his presentation, emphasized the importance of connecting education with the reality of the market.
Unicorn University is part of the Unicorn Group, which allows it to directly link theory with practice. Students work on real projects, undertake compulsory internships with companies such as Unicorn and benefit from the up-to-date knowledge of experts.
"Our programmes are designed to meet the current and future demands of the labour market," says the President. "As a result, our graduates have zero unemployment and virtually all stay in the industry." The university thus offers a distinct competitive advantage, and its students often become not only employees but also successful entrepreneurs.
One of Unicorn University's key principles is the accessibility of education. Through blended and online learning, students can combine their education with work and family life. Online learning offers feedback, tests and the opportunity to repeat lectures as needed.
"I consider it important to make education as open and efficient as possible," emphasises Jan Čadil. "Thanks to our robust online support, it is possible to study from anywhere and at any time. This allows students to focus on the areas they need to improve and tailor their studies to their time.
Increasing success rates
The Czech higher education system is plagued by high failure rates - almost 50% of students do not complete their studies. However, Unicorn University has come up with a solution in the form of a "study performance" system. This tool helps students to effectively manage their studies based on data and regular monitoring.
One of the key pillars of education at Unicorn University is the practical training. Students are involved in real projects that often extend beyond the borders of the Czech Republic. One notable project, for example, is the creation of interactive microeconomics and macroeconomics textbooks on the Apple iBooks platform, which have been downloaded by more than 7,500 users over the years. Another example is Unicorn's work on IoT applications, such as weather stations at Petrovy Boudy in the Krkonoše Mountains, a windsurfing school on the Greek island of Karpathos, or an app for opening doors using QR codes.
"Probably the biggest project that students have been involved in for a long time is the development of a product database for the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Under the auspices of the FJFI CTU, MFF UK and FU CAS, students have created software for managing information about the components of the new internal detector," explains Marek Beranek, CIO of Unicorn University, and adds. "This project is proof that Unicorn students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge science projects with a global reach."
Vision for the future
The university has ambitious plans ahead of it. "In the near future, we would like to obtain accreditation of the Artificial Intelligence study programme. We have been working on this issue for a long time, including in our own research centre, which primarily focuses on AI," explains Jan Čadil.
In addition, a new MBA programme focusing on the use of data and data analytics in management is also in the pipeline. And last but not least, the school will develop a study performance. "We are implementing an AI language and prediction model so that as a result, the student will regularly receive some managerial summary of their studies, including detailed analysis, identification of weaknesses and strengths, and recommendations. In addition, he also gets an estimate of the probability of success in his studies," Jan Čadil presents his plans for the next year.
This university shows that a modern approach to education can change careers and the lives of students. "Don't be afraid to come and study with us. I certainly don't promise that it will be easy, we are not a school where degrees are "handed out". What I can promise, however, is a modern approach to education, the possibility of interesting internships both at Unicorn and with our partners during the course of study and, of course, a great job market."
