This microdegree helps you align user needs, business opportunities and personal strengths to build validated, competitive digital products with a clear strategic foundation. You'll learn how to combine customer research, problem validation, and business modeling into a coherent strategy that meets real market needs and drives business value.
Gain the tools and mindset to turn real user problems into market-ready product strategies.
Time
Sep 4, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
Capacity
15 ECTS (390 academic hours, of which 72 in classroom and 318 individual work)
Prerequisites
Study Level
Current microdegree belongs to Master's study level
Language
The lectures and study materials are in English.
Method
In class - Students meet with the instructor in class at regularly scheduled times.
Price
€2,590
From 13.08.2026 the price is €2,800.
Location
EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn
If your core question is “what is actually worth building and does it have real market potential?”, then this program is the right choice. You will learn how to systematically assess the viability of ideas, understand the market and users, and connect these insights with a business model. The focus is on strategy, prioritisation, and reducing risk before making significant investments.
At the heart of the programme is the strategic development of a product idea before committing to development. This master’s-level microdegree integrates self-awareness, validation of real user needs, and evaluation of business viability to support well-founded and aligned product decisions. Participants develop a differentiated value proposition, conduct market and competitive analysis, and synthesise the results into a clear product strategy.
The final project results in a strategic document that evaluates the product’s fit both in the market and within the organisation’s overall strategy.
This microdegree is for professionals in product development and innovation who want to strengthen their strategic thinking and digital product management skills. It is intended for advanced learners and assumes prior experience with business processes.
Ideal participants include product managers, project leads, service designers, business development and innovation managers, and marketing or segment managers involved in launching new products or services.
The program is also valuable for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to validate their ideas and turn them into market-ready solutions.
A micro-degree certificate with ECTS credits, which can be counted toward an EBS master’s programme
The master’s level microdegree programme runs from 4 September to 16 October 2026.
Lectures and seminars take place over nine training days: every other week on Fridays and Saturdays, and on two Thursdays. Each training day runs from 10:00 to 17:15. The schedule includes a 45-minute lunch break and several short breaks.
Exact dates: 04.09, 05.09, 17.09 (Thu), 18.09, 19.09, 01.10 (Thu), 02.10, 03.10, 16.10.2026.
In-class discussion and direct interaction add depth to the learning experience and help build valuable connections, but the lectures are also recorded.
The microdegree is worth 15 ECTS credits. The total workload is 390 hours, of which 72 hours are contact teaching and the remainder is independent study.
We value in-person learning and peer interaction, so all sessions are held on campus.
Digital Product Discovery and Strategy starts at Sep 4, 2026
Anna-Liisa Reinson is a product strategist, mentor, and interim Chief Product Officer who helps organizations transform underperforming digital products into scalable success stories. She holds an MSc in Analysis and Design of Information Systems from TalTech and a BA in Advertising and Publicity from Tallinn University.
Anna-Liisa has worked across international organizations including e-Residency, Telia, and the insurtech sector, focusing on product management, customer-centric design, and organizational transformation. Through her company Produktize, she supports leaders in leveraging AI, building effective product operations, and developing high-performing teams.
She is known for her hands-on approach and strong strategic vision, helping companies build products that deliver real business value.
Mart Kikas is an innovation coach, consultant, and educator on business innovation management, business model innovation, strategy, and management.
Mart Kikas has graduated from BI Norwegian Business School (MBA), the University of Tartu (MA, Sociology), and Estonian Business School (PhD, management). He has worked as VP of Business Development in CEE and Area Manager Finland and Baltics at Aspiro AB (publ.), as Advisor to the CEO at the Estonian Development Fund, and as Deputy Director General at the Estonian Migration and Citizenship Board. He has also worked at two banks on marketing and electronic banking. He has also founded and managed several consulting, publishing, and advertising companies.
Marko Rillo (PhD) is the Head of the MBA Programme and an IT and consultancy entrepreneur. He has advised companies, the European Commission, the EBRD, and the UN on business model renewal, innovative initiatives, and strategic development.
Marko earned his PhD in Management from the University of St. Gallen, focusing on how managers balance innovation and efficiency (Organizational Ambidexterity). He is also known for researching workplace playfulness and advancing the LEGO Serious Play methodology. He holds a master’s in economics from TalTech, a bachelor’s in business from EBS, and has studied strategy and innovation at INSEAD, IESE, and other renowned institutions. He teaches innovation, strategy, and change management and leads Helge Kool, a social initiative promoting happier school days for students.
Digital Product Discovery and Strategy
04.09.2026 - 16.10.2026
Applications are open until 17.08.2026
The programme is still being refined.
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