Disruptive Technologies: Fundamentals, Applications and Opportunities

• The course language is English.
• During the intensive training week attendance must be ensured.
• A laptop or, if not available, at least a smartphone is required for the lessons. A willingness to install and use tools such as Discord or MetaMask is required.
• A willingness to purchase small amounts of cryptocurrency (probably 20-30 euros in ETH) is also required (purchasing cryptocurrencies requires registration with a crypto exchange via passport copy).
• This course mainly looks at innovation aspects and application possibilities in the area of Web3, AI & Metaverse/ XR. You do not need any prior technical knowledge. However, a certain affinity for digital topics (in application) is beneficial.

The course "Disruptive Technologies: Fundamentals, Applications and Opportunities" focuses on the following topics:

1) Web3 (Blockchain, Crypto, DAOs, NFTs): Web3 is also often referred to as the decentralised web and is built on blockchain technology. Web3 makes it possible to eliminate the need for centralised instances and thus opens up numerous possibilities for innovative solutions, e.g. decentralised finance applications (DeFi), such as cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin). Web3 technologies also enable the tokenisation of real or digital assets (e.g., artworks as NFTs). Furthermore, new organisational forms that support more transparency and participation (e.g. DAOs) can be realised on the basis of tokens.

2) Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence refers to the ability of machines to simulate human-like intelligence and skills such as learning, understanding, problem solving, perception, and speech recognition. AI systems use algorithms and increasingly large amounts of data to recognise patterns and make decisions, often in areas that traditionally require human knowledge and skills. This technology has the potential to revolutionise numerous aspects of our lives, from automating routine tasks to developing new approaches in areas such as healthcare, education, and business (paragraph written by ChatGPT-4).

3) Metaverse / Extended Reality (XR): The Metaverse & Extended Reality Technologies experience ups and downs in the media discourse. Hyped, then declared dead again. But what is really behind this development and what are the medium to long-term applications and perspectives for the metaverse and extended reality technologies?

This course is dedicated to the fascinating world of disruptive technologies (Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR), with a special focus on innovation aspects and real-world applications. While technical fundamentals are explained to provide a deeper understanding, the focus is on the opportunities presented by disruptive technologies. The following learning outcomes will be achieved:

Understand

- Students will be able to explain what is meant by Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR, and they will understand what applications and opportunities arise in these areas.

Apply

- Students are able to use different tools or applications in Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR for their own purposes.

Analyse

- Students will be able to analyse and critically discuss various Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR projects.

Evaluate

- Students will be able to assess the suitability of any organisation's plans for Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR and identify critical hurdles to implementation.

• Lectures
• Discussions 
• Coaching during the work on a case study 
• Presentations of the selected case study by students

• Presentation individual case study (50% of final grade)
• Extended slide deck with explanations on the individual case study (50% of final grade)

This course introduces you to the world of disruptive technologies. The focus is on selected technologies, for the course of the summer semester 2024, these are Web3, AI, Metaverse/ XR. Important basics are explained in an easy-to-understand way (even for non-technical people), various tools and applications are explored in the course and multiple case studies are discussed. You do not need any prior technical knowledge for this course. However, a certain affinity for digital topics (in application) is beneficial.

Course literature will be handed out at the beginning of the course due to the timeliness and rapid progress in these fields.

Face-to-face course with attendance expected (intensive training week), coaching, guidance, self-learning.