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 pitchdecks ● 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 course embraces a unique perspective combining technology and investor thinking. The seminar is structured around six days with the following themes. 25.09.2024 - In-person - 11:00 to 18:00 What makes a good entrepreneur (5 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, starting with your skillset, purpose, vision, and passion. 16.10.2024 - In-person - 11:00 to 18:00 What makes a good team (5 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes 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. 23.10.2024 - Online - 17:00 to 19:00 The Idea does not matter (1.5 hrs keynotes & Q&A) Learn how successful startups found the best opportunities based on customer contact and their skillset and research. 06.11.2024 - In-person - 11:00 to 18:00 Problem Deep-Dive (5 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to find problems that matter with a customer-centric approach. 11.12.2024 - In-person - 11:00 to 18:00 Validation (5 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to continuously test your assumptions and measure your success with objective indicators that matter. 18.12.2024 - Online - 17:00 to 19:00 Sales Psychology (1.5 hrs keynotes & guided group work) Better understand your own limitations and motivations in sales and how to start and lead a sales conversation for different types of stakeholders and prospects. 20.01.2025 - Online - 17:00 to 19:00 Market Opportunity Navigator part 1 (1.5 hrs keynotes & Q&A) Learn how to find the right market to bring your research into practice and build a successful company 29.01.2025 - In-person - 11:00 to 18:00 Convincing supporters (5 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes and 4 hrs guided group work) Learn how to convince diverse supporters to join your journey with a diverse team and a convincing strategy. 05.02.2025 - Online - 17:00 to 19:00 Market Opportunity Navigator part 2 (1.5 hrs keynotes & Q&A) Learn how to find the right market to bring your research into practice and build a successful company 12.02.2025 - Online - 16:00 to 19:00 System thinking and Culture (3 hrs / around 1 hr keynotes and 2 hrs guided group work) Learn what’s next and how to move forward with a great idea and a strong team.

Resources