The 16th International Conference on Software Business (ICSOB 2025)

November 24-26, 2025 Stuttgart, Germany
3rd International Workshop on Advances in Software Intensive Startups - ICSOB 2025 3rd International Workshop on Advances in Software Intensive Startups | ICSOB 2025

ICSOB 2025

3rd International Workshop on Advances in Software Intensive Startups

Software startup research continues to evolve as emerging technologies, novel business models, and societal changes reshape the entrepreneurial landscape. Building on the success of the first two editions, the 3rd workshop aims to provide a dynamic forum where researchers and practitioners can exchange ideas, present fresh insights, and co-create the future research agenda for software startups.

This year's workshop marks the conclusion of our collaborative book, "Advances in Software Startups: Generative AI, Product Engineering and Business Development" | SpringerLink which showcases leading perspectives on how emerging technologies and new business paradigms shape startup success. In addition, the workshop will provide an interactive forum to co-create the next research roadmap on software startups, strengthen international collaborations, and open new opportunities for impactful research.

Workshop Program

The one-day program will begin with invited talks on software startups, followed by a presentation of the book project. The remainder of the day will focus on interactive group sessions, where participants will collaborate on brainstorming ideas for future research directions and potential joint contributions.

Part 1: Book Presentation

Advances in Software Startups: Generative AI, Product Engineering, and Business Development

  • Invited Talk: An inspiring keynote aligned with the book's central theme, highlighting how generative AI and other cutting-edge technologies reshape startup practices in product development, engineering, and business innovation.
  • Introduction to the Book Project: A retrospective look at the collaborative process behind the book project initiated at the previous workshop in 2024, and presentation and promotion of the published book.
  • Selected Chapter Presentations: Contributors present highlights from selected book chapters, covering themes such as Generative AI, Product Engineering, and Business Development.

Part 2: Interactive Session

Defining the Research Roadmap on Software Startups

  • Revisiting the Previous Roadmap Article: Reflecting on the earlier research roadmap paper in software startups, identifying what has been achieved, and where gaps remain.
  • Connecting International Researchers: Facilitating collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines and geographies to consolidate ongoing efforts and build new partnerships.
  • Defining Key Challenges, Trends, and Directions: Participants will engage in group discussions and brainstorming sessions to identify the most pressing challenges for software startups in the coming decade and concrete research directions and opportunities.

Who Can Participate

The workshop welcomes a broad range of participants, including:

  • Researchers from software engineering, entrepreneurship, innovation, and related fields interested in startups and emerging technologies
  • Practitioners and entrepreneurs working in or with software startups who want to share experiences and insights
  • Students and early-career researchers seeking to engage with the community and contribute to shaping the future research agenda
  • Policymakers, educators, and ecosystem stakeholders involved in supporting startups, innovation, or digital entrepreneurship

Participation is open to anyone interested in software startups, whether through academic research, practical experience, or ecosystem engagement.

Time and Place

November 24, 2025

Workshop Organizers

Henry Edison, henry.edison@bth.se, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden

Nirnaya Tripathi, nirnaya.tripathi@oulu.fi, University of Oulu, Finland

Xiaofeng Wang, xiaofeng.wang@unibz.it, Free University of Bolzano, Italy