From student to innovator
When AMBS alumnus Daniel Acosta left a career in corporate law to study a master’s degree in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, launching a legal technology business was not part of the plan.
What began as helping his brother's law firm during the COVID-19 pandemic gradually evolved into Legal Nova, a venture focused on transforming legal services through innovation and technology. Speaking during our recent webinar, Manchester, Home of Innovation: A World of Opportunities, Daniel's story highlighted an important lesson for aspiring innovators: careers in innovation rarely follow a linear path.
Across industries, opportunities often emerge from curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to approach challenges differently. As organisations navigate rapid technological change, graduates who can identify these opportunities, solve problems and turn ideas into impact are becoming increasingly valuable.
Developing an entrepreneurial mindset
Innovation starts with a curious mindset. Reflecting on his time at AMBS, Daniel explained, "What I most take from the experience is the mindset. It's a mindset that is still with me." The ability to continually ask how things can be improved and where value can be created remains central to how he approaches business today.
Innovation requires a willingness to experiment, challenge assumptions and resilience when things do not go to plan. This focus on entrepreneurial thinking is central to the MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship course at AMBS. As Professor Gerald Chan explained during the webinar, "the purpose of this programme is not to develop entrepreneurs, it's to develop entrepreneurial people."
Whether graduates go on to launch a venture, join a multinational organisation or drive change within an existing business, developing an entrepreneurial mindset can help them identify opportunities and turn them into value throughout their careers.
Learning by doing
Building these skills takes more than just theory. MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship is designed to help students develop these skills through a combination of academic theory and practical application.
Do you have an idea for a business? You’ll have the chance to collaborate, test concepts, engage with challenges and find solutions before taking the next step and investing your time and capital.
Why Manchester matters
Manchester has long been recognised as a city of innovation and enterprise, home to a growing network of startups, entrepreneurs, researchers and established organisations. For students, this creates opportunities beyond the classroom, a chance to build professional networks and experience innovation in practice.
Through the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, students can access support, events, competitions and entrepreneurial networks throughout the year. Students can also connect with initiatives such as SISTER, the University's innovation district, which brings together researchers, businesses and entrepreneurs to tackle major global challenges.
Being part of this ecosystem allows students to learn from founders, business leaders, and innovators while developing their own ideas and ambitions.
Innovation in the age of AI
Artificial Intelligence is already transforming how organisations research, create and deliver new ideas.
Tasks that once required significant time and resources can now be completed more efficiently, allowing businesses and entrepreneurs to experiment and prototype at much greater speed than ever before.
However, human skills remain essential. Critical thinking, communication, creativity and judgement continue to play a vital role in identifying opportunities and making effective decisions. Organisations now need people who can combine technological understanding with an appreciation of customer needs, business challenges and broader societal impact.
Looking ahead
Innovation is becoming a core skill across a wide range of future business careers. Graduates are increasingly expected to think creatively, work across disciplines and respond positively to change.
Developing an entrepreneurial mindset can help students create value wherever their careers take them, whether that’s a global organisation, a startup, or a venture of their own.
Through opportunities provided by Manchester's wider innovation ecosystem, alongside support from the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, SISTER and the MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship course, students can develop the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to turn innovative ideas into meaningful impact.
Watch the webinar
Want to hear more from Daniel Acosta and Professor Gerald Chan discussing entrepreneurship, innovation and the opportunities available to students in Manchester? Watch the Manchester, Home of Innovation: A World of Opportunities webinar recording to explore the ideas discussed in this article and hear first-hand insights from those working at the intersection of business, technology, and innovation.
Register for upcoming Original Thinking for the Next Generation webinars to discover how studying at Alliance Manchester Business School can help you develop the skills, networks, and experiences needed for a successful career in a changing global economy.
Explore MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship
Interested in developing the entrepreneurial mindset, practical innovation skills and industry connections discussed in this webinar?
Learn about the MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship programme and discover how students engage with Manchester's innovation ecosystem through academic study, real-world projects, and opportunities provided by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and SISTER.