AI and Blockchain Integration in Entrepreneurship-Based Coding Education: Advancing Student Startup Readiness in the Digital Era

Abstract

  This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an entrepreneurship-based coding education model integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology to enhance secondary school students’ technical and entrepreneurial competencies. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) design guided by the ADDIE framework, the study was conducted at Fatih Bilingual Boarding School in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, involving 120 students, several teachers, and startup mentors. Pre- and post-test results revealed statistically significant improvements in students’ coding skills (mean increase from 58.3 to 82.1) and entrepreneurial knowledge (from 54.7 to 80.6). The AI-powered adaptive learning system effectively personalized content based on students’ cognitive profiles, while the Blockchain component supported business idea validation and digital security through simulated startup pitch sessions. Approximately 70% of student teams reached Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–7, and 60% independently produced business model canvases and pitch decks. The findings demonstrate that integrating disruptive technologies into coding education fosters innovation, collaboration, and competence in student-led startup development. This model offers strong potential for replication as a curriculum framework for digital entrepreneurship education in secondary schools, particularly within the contexts of Industry 4.0 and 5.0.