Talent Kick: From Student to Entrepreneur

Abstract

The transfer of the latest research results into scalable start-ups creates the prerequisite forsuccessful innovations. An entrepreneurial spirit and mindset enables young leaders to navigate complex environments and bring their research into practice. Studies are the best time to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and explore the entrepreneurial career path.

Objective

This seminar helps aspiring student/research entrepreneurs to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience on the path from research into practice. The examples and cases will be primarily from software, AI, and other deep-tech ventures. The seminar was created with the support of ETH AI Center and University of St. Gallen and received competitive funding from the ETH Board, Fondation Botnar, Gebert Rüf Foundation, as well as support from the ETH Foundation.

Content

After attending this course, students will be able to: ● Explain the importance and tools to form successful interdisciplinary teams ● Structure customer calls and sales pitch decks ● Build their first prototypes and MVPs ● Find the right markets and customers to bring your research into practice ● Deal with complexity in bringing innovative / novel products into market ● Develop customer-centric business strategy ● Convince first supporters incl. Entrepreneurial mentors, first investors etc. Content & Timeplan The course is practically oriented and features guest speakers from leading start-ups. The seminar is structured around six days with the following themes. 25.02.2026 (half day afternoon) Ecosystem Introduction (6 hrs / around 3 hrs key notes and 3 hrs guided group work) Get to know the support ecosystem for your entrepreneurial journey at your university and around Switzerland. Meet potential co-founders and first supporters. 11.03.2026 (half day afternoon) What makes a good entrepreneur (5 hrs / around 1 hr key notes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, starting with your skillset, your purpose, your vision, your passion. 17.03.2026 (5-7pm) The idea doesn’t matter (2hrs key notes & Q&A) Learn how successful startups found the best opportunities based on customer contact, their skillset and research. 25.03.2026 (half day afternoon) What makes a good team (5 hrs / around 1 hr key notes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to find and work successfully in a diverse team with similar values and different skill sets and personality types, creating a basis for communication and mutual respect. 15.04.2026 (half day afternoon) Problem Deep-Dive (5 hrs / around 1 hr key notes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to find problems that matter with a customer-centric approach. 30.04.2026 (5-6.30pm) Market Opportunity Navigator part 1 (1.5 hrs key notes & Q&A) Learn how to find the right market to bring your research into practice and build a successful company 06.05.2026 (half day afternoon) Validation (5 hrs / around 1 hr key notes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to continuously test your assumptions and measure your success with objective indicators that matter. 07.05.2026 (5-6:30pm) Market Opportunity Navigator part 2 (1.5 hrs key notes & Q&A) Learn how to find the right market to bring your research into practice and build a successful company 20.05.2026 (half day afternoon) Convincing supporters (5 hrs / around 1 hr key notes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to convince diverse supporters to join your journey with a diverse team and a convincing strategy. 17.06.2026 (half day afternoon) Ecosystem Pitching Round (4 hrs / around 1 feedback and 3 hrs presentations) Meet and pitch to valuable ecosystem partners that could support your startup through funding and further support. 18.08.2026 (4-6pm) System thinking in the startup world (2 hrs key notes & guided group work) Problem solving is complex: Learn how to continuously measure, reflect and adapt to ensure your desired impact, focused on culture. Other optional events: • Legal basics for startups (2 hrs workshop & Q&A) • Intellectual Property for startups (2 hrs workshop & Q&A) • Team Building Event (6 hrs guided group work) • Co-founder Networking (2hr networking session) • Networking & Sales in entrepreneurial settings (2h workshop & Q&A)

Resources