Programme overview

The University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Association, Verhaert and the City of Antwerp warmly invite you to join this intensive introduction to entrepreneurship. Students with a keen interest in entrepreneurship, but without any concrete previous experience, will be able to discover entrepreneurship during this hands-on summer school.

First students will be introduced in the theoretical framework of a business idea through eight sessions focusing on different aspects of entrepreneurship.

Prior to the course students will be provided with several preparatory packages, in order for all the participants to have an equal minimum understanding of these topics to maximize the knowledge transfer during the summer school itself. Right before the start of the summer school, participants will have to complete an online test. This test is mandatory for all participants.

All these (basic) theoretical insights will be immediately linked to some practical example sessions. The topics include:

• ideation and problem statement;
• fit of technology and intellectual property;
• market research;
• product definition, market-product fit, added value and pricing;
• business modelling and marketing;
• teams and partners;
• financial plan and budgeting;
• valuation and what’s next.

All these sessions will be taught by international experts from both within and outside the academic world. Experts from at least four different countries are implied to supply the best content currently available in the matter. 

Next to these theoretical sessions, students will engage in a real-life case-based group work which will let the teams apply effectively the knowledge and skills taught during the theoretical sessions. Students will be asked to choose their preferred case prior to the summer school after which interdisciplinary and international groups will be composed. Topics will cover a wide array of products and services, both profit and non-profit as to enable all participants to find an appropriate match. Discover more detailed information on the cases of previous editions here.  To tackle the problems or explore the opportunities put forth in these cases in a holistic way, students are introduced in a unique methodology by Verhaert - Masters in Innovation, as well as provided with an impressive toolbox, including a tailor-made summer school canvas.

At the end of the summer school, groups will need to present their working process and business plan to a professional jury. Ultimately, some social activities will keep the minds relaxed and focused.

​Target group within the current student community​​​

The summer school is designed for master students or bachelor students in their last year who are interested in discovering entrepreneurship. As the summer school is interdisciplinary by nature, students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants are not required to have prior experience with entrepreneurship but should rather be interested in discovering the topic.

Industry collaborators as a second student target group

Many companies have collaborators that might be interested in getting some entrepreneurial skills, be it to start something on their own, or to boost and eventually realise an innovation within the employer’s company. We would like to put an age cap of 30 years to avoid too big a difference with the first target group.
CEOs of companies might be interested to send some of their employees to get a fortnight immersion in innovation and entrepreneurship.
We are targeting also intermediating companies like tech-transfer centres, innovation funds, incubators and accelerators where some of the intended spin off leaders might find some added value in this intense course

Successful completion of the summer school can be awarded with credits according the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits will be awarded on the base of preparatory readings, 100 % (active) participation during the course and final presentations. 

Participants have the possibility to complete an extra assignment if they want to earn 5 or 6 ECTS credits.

• 4 ECTS: Preparatory readings, 100% active participation and final presentations.
• 5 ECTS: Preparatory readings, 100% active participation, final presentations and submission of poster after the summer school.
• 6 ECTS: Preparatory readings, 100% active participation and final presentations and submission of individual paper after the summer school.

To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution.

A certificate will be awarded at the end of the programme. All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.