Your Research, Beyond the Lab
Your research has the potential to create real-world impact. But how do you identify meaningful applications, understand market needs, or evaluate whether your work could become the foundation of a startup? Venture Exploration is designed for doctoral candidates and researchers who want to explore the entrepreneurial side of their work in a low-threshold, flexible way, whether you already have a concrete application in mind or are simply curious.
| For whom | Doctoral candidates and researchers at TUM from all disciplines |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Format | Seven online modules, self-paced via Moodle |
| Coaching | Optional, on site |
| Start | Anytime |
| Language | English |
How the Course Works
- The course consists of seven modules covering topics such as opportunity recognition, prototyping, and business modeling.
- All modules are available anytime. You choose what fits your current progress and work at your own pace alongside your research.
- After each module, you can book an individual on-site coaching session to discuss your progress and any open questions.
Is Venture Exploration Right for You?
| Good fit if … | Not the right fit if … |
|---|---|
| you want to explore how your research could become a startup project | you aren’t active in research |
| you want to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge | you’re looking for a guided program with a fixed start and end date |
| you’re looking for a flexible program | you have already founded a company |
By the End of the Course, You Can
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explore the entrepreneurial and societal potential of your research
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identify real-world applications and unmet needs connected to your work
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understand basic entrepreneurial and innovation processes
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apply methods for user research, validation, and opportunity exploration
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reflect on possible pathways from research to impact
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explore entrepreneurship as a researcher with more confidence
Registration
Venture Exploration is open to doctoral candidates and researchers at TUM from all disciplines. Participation is free of charge, and you can start anytime. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
- First, register in the Moodle course. To unlock the content, complete the Typeform linked in Moodle.
- If you don’t have a Moodle account, you can sign up as a guest.
Questions About Venture Exploration?
Contact the Venture Exploration team: venture-exploration@unternehmertum.de.
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Bianca Hartmann
Educator
FAQs
Do I Need a Startup Idea Already?
No. The course is designed for researchers who are simply curious about exploring the potential applications and impact of their research.
Can I Participate Fully Online?
Yes, you work through the modules online and at your own pace. The optional coaching takes place on site.
How Much Time Does the Course Require?
You work through the course at your own pace. The workload is designed to be manageable alongside a PhD or research position.
Is the Course Focused on Founding a Startup?
Not necessarily. The course focuses on exploration and opportunity discovery. Founding a startup is one possible outcome, but not the only one.
Can I Join Without Business Knowledge?
Yes. Venture Exploration is designed as an accessible entry point into entrepreneurship for researchers.