| Title | Time | Room | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|
| IdeaLab | 11.05.2026 09:00 - 17:00 (Mon) | Lichtenbergstr. 6, 85748 Garching, Room EG.002. | Dr. Rosaria Cercola & Lisa Schebitz |
| IdeaLab | 18.05.2026 09:00 - 17:00 (Mon) | Lichtenbergstr. 6, 85748 Garching, Room EG.002. | Dr. Rosaria Cercola & Lisa Schebitz |
IdeaLab is a two-day, hands-on workshop designed to help researchers transform their academic work into solutions that address real-world problems. It’s the first step in a researcher’s entrepreneurial journey.
The participants will form teams and select a technology to explore throughout the two days. Not every technology or topic will be selected, but participants will learn all the necessary tools and techniques to start their entrepreneurial journey while working in their respective team. Participants from all backgrounds can participate in the program, as interdisciplinary teams are highly valued.
During the workshop they learn:
- How to break down research to uncover its core technologies and pinpoint relevant applications
- The foundational knowledge to launch a research-based start-up
- How to articulate their solution's value in a clear and compelling way, to connect with a wider audience beyond their technical field
- About the Munich entrepreneurship ecosystem and the next steps and programs on their entrepreneurial journey
Identifying opportunities:
- Ideation techniques for deep-tech innovation
- Combining cutting-edge technology with market demand Identification of Use case, Value Proposition, Problem/Solution
Communication:
- Communicating an idea to people with different backgrounds
- Pitch training
- Public speaking
Working in interdisciplinary teams:
- Recognizing strengths and weaknesses
- Leveraging team members’ expertise
- Learning to delegate
Business mindset:
- IP strategy
- Financing for start-ups
- Business plan and start-up roadmap
Expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, hands-on team projects, peer-group sessions.
At the beginning of the doctorate | during the doctorate | at the end of the doctorate
Interest in building a deep-tech start-up and dealing with the topics of innovation and tech transfer.
Please bring your laptop.
None.
This workshop is organized by TUM Venture Labs. You can apply until April 15 here: https://www.tum-venture-labs.de/offerings/idealab-workshop/. The status of your application will be communicated in due time.
- You will be invited to a networking event happening a few days before the course. This will facilitate team formation.
- Participation in both full days is mandatory for the course completion.
- Even if you don’t work on your topic, you will acquire all the necessary skills to work on your technology.
Dr. Rosaria Cercola studied chemistry and did her PhD in gas-phase spectroscopy. She leads the TUM Venture Lab Quantum/Semicon entrepreneurship educational strategy and coaches scientists and early-stage start-ups in their journey to spinning off their research.
Lisa Schebitz is a certified business coach and trainer at UnternehmerTUM. She leads the XPLORE Venture Creator program and supports researchers and early-stage teams in translating complex technologies into viable ventures. Her work focuses on early-stage venture development, including opportunity identification, business model design, validation, and go-to-market strategy. She designs and facilitates entrepreneurship and innovation formats for PhDs, postdocs, and deep-tech founders, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.