Introduction
As a PhD student, you've probably wondered how to make your research count outside of academia. The Academia to Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI) programme is a hands-on, hybrid course designed for doctoral candidates from all faculties of UNIC universities who want to explore the entrepreneurial potential of their research. Whether you're curious about startups, interested in policy work, or simply looking to sharpen your innovation mindset, this programme equips you with the tools and confidence to take that step.
Key Facts & Figures
- Type
- Course
- Start date
- Wednesday 24 Sep 2025
- Duration
- 3 months
- Instruction language
- English
- Mode of instruction
- Hybrid
- Fee
- -
Start dates for: Academia to Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI)
The A2EI programme starts on 24 September with a kick-off and the introduction to the entrepreneurial challenge.
What will you achieve?
- Understand and explain how entrepreneurial thinking can enhance academic careers and research impact
- Apply entrepreneurial tools such as Lean Startup, Business Model Canvas, or Design Thinking to academic projects
- Evaluate potential market opportunities and challenges to research-based innovations
- Develop and pitch a compelling entrepreneurial vision for an academic or research-based venture
Form and time investment
Running from 24 September to 12 December 2025, A2EI combines online learning with a 3-day in-person training in Rotterdam from 24 to 26 November. It is organised by the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) in collaboration with UNIC university partners, and includes a total workload of approximately 56 hours, the equivalent of 2 ECTS, depending on your university's credit recognition policy.
Course Overview
Entrepreneurial skills are becoming increasingly valuable for PhD and doctoral candidates. They help you explore career paths beyond academia and give you the tools to move into industry, startups, consulting or policymaking. Thinking like an entrepreneur can improve how you solve problems, communicate your ideas and apply your research in the real world. It also helps you understand how to pitch ideas, connect with others and explore new funding or collaboration opportunities.
On a more personal level, this mindset builds confidence and flexibility. It prepares you to take initiative, work across disciplines and deal with uncertainty, whether you end up leading a research team, starting your own venture or working in a company. If this sounds like something for you, the A2EI programme offers a practical way to get started. Created by UNIC university partners, the course gives you a mix of online learning and hands-on sessions, including a 3-day in-person training in Rotterdam.
Course Information
The course consists of the following elements.
| Kick-off & entrepreneurial challenge (4 hrs) | Wednesday 24 September 13:00 - 17:00 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Peer-to-peer modules (4 hrs per module, 12 hrs in total) | 24 September - November 7 | Groups continue working on the challenge by:
As guidance in the entrepreneurship process, three online modules (4hrs each) need to be completed.
Deadline for submitting compilation of finished assignments to pass the course: November 7 (Friday) |
Optional: UNIC entrepreneurship seminars (4 - 32 hrs) | September - November | Choose from:
|
| 3-day Entrepreneurship Awakening training (24 hrs) | 24 - 26 November | Let's get to work on your own impact project!
Deadline for submitting individual reflection report to pass the course: December 12 (Friday) |
How to Apply?
The A2EI programme is open to PhD and doctoral candidates from all disciplines at UNIC universities. No prior experience in business or entrepreneurship is required, and participation is completely free of charge. To apply, simply complete your application through this form no later than 8 September 2025. Once accepted, you will receive access to course materials and the full schedule via the online platform.
To successfully complete the course and receive a certificate, participants must submit a compilation of peer-to-peer assignments by 7 November and a two-page reflection report by 12 December. Each of these components contributes 50% to your final assessment.
Please note that while there is no fee to join the programme, travel and accommodation costs for the in-person training may be reimbursed. Check the reimbursement process with your university's central UNIC office.
Learning Goals
The english programme is designed to encourage engaged research, foster cross-and interdisciplinary thinking, and equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to create entrepreneurial impact with their research. After following the programme, doctoral students will emerge as innovative thinkers able to bridge the gap between academia and practice and drive meaningful impact both in and outside academia.
Questions? Feel free to reach out!
Jip Dresia
Head of Education & Partnerships
- Email address
- education@ece.nl
Facts & Figures
- Fee
- -
Free for PhD candidates
Please note that while there is no fee to joining the programme, travel and accommodation costs for the in-person training may be reimbursed. Check the reimbursement process with your university's central UNIC office.
- Tax
- Not applicable
- Start date
- Wednesday 24 Sep 2025
- Application deadline
- Monday 8 Sep 2025
To apply, simply complete your application via this form no later than 8 September 2025. Once accepted you'll receive access to course materials and the full schedule via the platform.
- Duration
- 3 months
- Offered by
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Course type
- Course
- Instruction language
- English
- Mode of instruction
- Hybrid
- Partner
UNIC