I don't know if every ID department teaches this, but for our first Prototyping class at Pratt Institute, we were required to design and prototype a walking stick that could somehow transform into a seat. It was a useful assignment that taught us a lot about both fabrication and sourcing.

We were first-year ID students and none of our designs were home runs, of course. But if Jonas Lind-Bendixen had been in the class, he'd have killed it. Lind-Bendizen designed the Sitpack, and it looks to be very well done:

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Lind-Bendizen turned Sitpack into a company and now sells the product worldwide. Made from glass-fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, when folded up it's the same size as a 50cL beer can (that's the 16-ounce size to us Yanks). It retails for about $56, is height-adjustable and can hold up to 220 pounds.

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We came across an interview with Lind-Bendixen where he offered some interesting pieces of advice for would-be design entrepreneurs:

Q: What advice would you offer to someone keen to follow in your footsteps?

A: Pitch your idea endlessly to everyone; get honest feedback from people with no filter, preferentially tipsy people at a bar/party. If you are on to something, find partners, advisors that understand you and can connect to the right people. Go with your gut, but always remember a wise man once said; it takes five to seven years to create an overnight success.

If you don't have the million dollar idea, but aspire for entrepreneurship and creating your own disruptive start-up, I would recommend to work for a start-up to for little or no money for a period to learn and understand the ups and downs that are involved with creating you own business.

I would then utilise that experience get a job working at a scaling start-up or a medium sized company that pays a salary. At this type of company, you would be able to build up international and organisational experience, which are key for success. When you feel you have completed your learning, expanded your network, and have a little cash in: I believe this would make creating a start-up a lot smoother.