Bachelor's Thesis

Feasibility Study for a Digital Platform Connecting Students and Startups

Final Thesis 1.11 MB

Author of thesis: Bc. Marek Košťál

Acad. year: 2025/2026

Supervisor: doc. Ing. Vít Chlebovský, Ph.D.

Reviewer: Ing. Jakub Ulč

Abstract:

This bachelor's thesis develops a feasibility study for a digital two-sided platform connecting university students with early-stage technology companies through performance-based challenges. The theoretical part establishes the UNIDO framework, two-sided platform economics, Lean Startup methodology, and gamification theory. The analytical part comprises a PESTLE analysis, competitive landscape assessment, Lean Canvas formalization, and qualitative MVP testing with seventeen student and five startup respondents. The proposal part specifies the platform's technical architecture, and a three-scenario financial model, concluding with a conditional Go recommendation for the platform's implementation.

Keywords:

feasibility study, digital platform, two-sided market, gamification, Lean Startup, MVP testing, junior recruitment, financial analysis

Date of defence

22.06.2026

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

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Grading

B

Process of defence

In his presentation, the student informed the committee about the objectives, solutions and results he had reached in his thesis. The committee then read the opinions and evaluation of the thesis supervisor and the opponent. The student answered the question from the supervisor's assessment in full, the question from the opponent's assessment in full. Questions from committee members: 1. Ing. Bumberová: On what assumption do you evaluate the dynamics of the proposals? - partly answered 2. Ing. Bumberová: How the factors from the PESTLE analysis effeect the proposals? - answered 3. Ing. Bumberová: How you costs woll grow with the growing amoutn of customers? - answered On the basis of the presentation and the answers to the questions asked in the discussion, the committee decided that the student defended the thesis.

Language of thesis

English

Faculty

Department

Study programme

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (BAK-ESBD)

Composition of Committee

doc. Ing. Robert Zich, Ph.D. (předseda)
Ing. David Havíř, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Jakub Ulč (člen)
Ing. Veronika Bumberová, Ph.D. (člen)
doc. Ing. Vít Chlebovský, Ph.D. (místopředseda)

Supervisor’s report
doc. Ing. Vít Chlebovský, Ph.D.

The thesis fulfils its main objective of developing a feasibility study for a digital two‑sided platform connecting students with startups (85 %), as it systematically evaluates the technical, market, operational, and financial viability of the proposed concept. The methodological approach is appropriate (83 %), combining the UNIDO feasibility framework, Lean Startup methodology and platform economics with both secondary data analysis and qualitative MVP testing conducted on a sample of 17 students and 5 startup representatives; however, the empirical base remains relatively limited and relies predominantly on qualitative insights, without broader quantitative validation. The ability to interpret results and derive conclusions is strong (84 %), particularly in identifying the structural inefficiencies of junior recruitment and translating them into a coherent value proposition based on performance-based validation, although parts of the interpretation remain descriptive and less critically reflective of data limitations. The practical applicability is very high (88 %) and represents a key strength of the thesis: the proposal defines a complete platform solution including technical architecture, business model, go-to-market strategy, and a three-scenario financial model with break-even analysis, demonstrating clear real-world usability; nevertheless, several assumptions (e.g., adoption rates and conversion levels) are not empirically validated and remain hypothetical. The structure, terminology, and language quality are excellent (90 %), with a highly professional and academically consistent style. The use of information sources is solid (85 %), combining academic literature, industry data, and empirical findings, although a deeper critical integration of sources and broader benchmarking would further strengthen the analytical depth. Overall, the thesis represents a well-developed and practically oriented bachelor’s work with a strong focus on feasibility and real-world application; its limitations lie primarily in the depth of empirical validation and reliance on assumptions, corresponding to an overall evaluation of 86 % (B).

Question for defence:

Which assumptions in your financial model do you consider the most critical, and how would changes in these assumptions affect the feasibility conclusion?
Evaluation criteria Grade
Meeting the objectives B
Selected procedure of the solution, the adequacy of the used methods B
The ability to interpret the results and to draw conclusions B
The practical usability of conclusions B
The thesis´s framework, formalities, used terminology and the professional level of language A
Using of information resources, including citations B

Grade proposed by supervisor: B

Reviewer’s report
Ing. Jakub Ulč

The aim of the thesis was to develop a feasibility study for a digital platform connecting students with startups through gamified challenges. The aim is fully fulfilled. The theoretical part is at a high level using the UNIDO framework, Lean Startup methodology, and platform economics — however, more sources could have been utilized. The analytical part is well executed with PESTLE summary table, competitive comparison, Lean Canvas, and MVP testing. As a minor observation, data obtained from primary research could be explicitly cited within the text for better traceability. The interviews could have been more comprehensive for higher validity, but they are appropriate for a bachelor thesis. The author transparently discloses AI tool usage. The proposal part is of high quality — the author approached the topic comprehensively with technical architecture, marketing strategy, and a three-scenario financial model with break-even analysis. The conditional Go recommendation with explicit preconditions demonstrates mature business judgment. I recommend the thesis for defense.
Evaluation criteria Grade
Meeting the objectives A
Selected procedure of the solution, the adequacy of the used methods B
The ability to interpret the results and to draw conclusions A
The practical usability of conclusions A
The thesis´s framework, used terminology and the professional level of language A
Using of information resources B
Topics for thesis defence:
  1. How would you describe the typical B2B partner as a target customer for the platform — what characteristics define an ideal early adopter startup?

Grade proposed by reviewer: A

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová