IEEE INSL 2026 Workshop 02: Mastering Unit Economics
IEEE Innovation Nation Sri Lanka 2026 conducted Workshop 02, “Mastering Unit Economics: Pricing, Margins, and Financial Modeling,” to help undergraduate innovators understand the financial viability behind their startup ideas. The session focused on pricing, margins, cost and revenue drivers, and basic financial modelling so participants could make more informed business decisions.
Event Overview
Workshop 02 was conducted as part of the IEEE Innovation Nation Sri Lanka 2026 learning journey for undergraduate innovators, including teams progressing through the Quarter Finals. Building on Workshop 01, which focused on presenting ideas effectively to investors, this session shifted the focus from communicating an idea to understanding whether the idea can work financially.
The one-hour online workshop included a 45-minute main session followed by a 15-minute Q&A with participants. The session introduced practical financial concepts in a startup-friendly way, helping participants connect unit economics, pricing, margins, and financial projections to their own ideas and early prototypes.
The workshop also supported participants in identifying the financial assumptions behind their business ideas, understanding how those assumptions can be validated, and considering how costs, revenues, and margins may change as a startup grows. This financial foundation will support teams as they continue through the INSL 2026 Quarter Finals and prepare for the next stages of the programme.
Key Highlights
Unit economics
Participants explored the relationship between revenue, costs, customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), contribution margin, and break-even.
Pricing strategies
The session introduced cost-based, value-based, and competitor-based approaches to setting prices.
Margin analysis
Participants learned the importance of gross margin, net margin, and profitability when evaluating a business idea.
Financial modelling
The workshop covered basic projections for revenue, costs, cash flow, and profitability.
Financial assumptions
Teams were encouraged to identify the key assumptions behind their numbers and consider how those assumptions could be validated.
Scalability and practical application
The session connected financial concepts to startup examples and helped participants think about how the economics of a business may change as it grows.
Speakers & Guests
Mr. Chaaminda Kumarasiri, Chairman & Principal Consultant at H C P Consulting.
Event in Numbers
Event Gallery
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Closing & Looking Ahead
Workshop 02 strengthened the financial foundation of the INSL 2026 journey by helping undergraduate innovators understand pricing, margins, unit economics, and financial modelling when evaluating their startup ideas. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Chaaminda Kumarasiri, the participants, partners, and the organising committee for their support in making the session a valuable part of the INSL 2026 journey.