Business Concept
Date
07.10.2025/ 14.10.2025/ 21.10.2025/ 28.10.2025/ 04.11.2025/ 11.11.2025/ 18.11.2025/ 25.11.2025/ 02.12.2025/ 09.12.2025; 17:00 - 21:00
Location
EPFL Innovation Park, 1015 Lausanne
Register
10x4h semester course
Business Concept: Your Path to Your Own Startup
Overview
The Business Concept course is a hands-on semester program that will give you the essential skills to transform your ideas into a successful startup. In ten engaging evening sessions, you will learn how to build a business from the ground up, collaborate in groups, and receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.
This 10-week program is designed for students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and faculty members from all sectors, who want to turn their ideas into startups. You’re also welcome if you like to contribute to a startup team or engage in intrapreneurship.
What to Expect
In this comprehensive course, you’ll:
- Develop your startup idea: From the initial product idea to market analysis and strategic planning, you’ll refine your business concept with practical tools.
- Gain essential entrepreneurial skills: Learn about business topics like marketing strategies for startups, financial planning, intellectual property, sales techniques, and team building—all customized for science-based and technology-driven startups.
- Receive expert coaching: Get personalized support and feedback on your business idea through dedicated startup coaching sessions.
- Pitch to investors: Perfect your pitch and present it to a jury of experts and investors to get even more input and build connections for your next steps.
Why Attend?
- Transform your ideas into reality: Whether you have a business idea or just a passion for innovation, this course will help you explore if entrepreneurship is your path.
- Learn from the best: Engage with entrepreneurs and industry experts who will share their experiences and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the startup world.
- Build a strong network: Connect with fellow students, researchers, and professionals across various disciplines, creating a supportive startup community.
- Prepare for the future: Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a startup environment, whether you plan to launch your own venture or join an innovative team.
Course Details
- Duration: 10 evening sessions, 5 - 9 p.m.
- Format: Interactive, hands-on workshops held at universities.
- Language: English.
- Eligibility: Open to participants of Module 2.2 (Boot Camp), including students, PhD candidates, postdocs, professors, and alumni interested in science-based entrepreneurship.
- Cost: Free of charge for participants.
Join Us!
Are you ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship? Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional passionate about innovation, Business Concept is your chance to turn your startup dreams into reality. You can also register if you don’t have a business idea yet!
Program
- Foundations of Entrepreneurial Success
- Navigating Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
- Strategic Planning and Business Model Innovation
- Startup Coaching Session 1 - - Protecting and Leveraging Intellectual Property
- Effective Marketing Strategies and Communication Tactics
- Sales and Negotiation Skills for Entrepreneurs
- Financial Planning for Startups
- Startup Coaching Session 2 - - Putting together a Strong Team
- Crafting Winning Pitches & Attracting Investors
- Final Presentations & Ecosystem Support
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
