Winter School: Innovation Ecosystem & Business Design

EITM Doctoral Winter SchoolEITM Doctoral Winter School

Applications for 2024 are yet to open

We encourage Non-EU students to apply as early as possible in order to obtain your Visa in time.

Winter School at a glance:

  • Programme for 2024 yet to be updated

Introduction

Experience a transformative learning journey at the EIT Manufacturing Winter School in Estonia. As part of this esteemed programme, we are empowering PhD students in connecting their thesis research with entrepreneurial ventures. The programme aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to design and develop business ideas that align with their professional and personal backgrounds. This immersive two-week event promises to unlock your entrepreneurial potential.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore how cutting-edge technologies and emerging business trends are implemented in an industrial setting during their visit to various innovative Estonian companies. Additionally, a cultural program will provide a glimpse into the Estonian lifestyle.

In addition…

  • The programme will be accompanied by two days of company visits in Tartu and Tallin. These visits provide valuable firsthand experiences from thriving startups, complementing the knowledge gained during the programme and enhancing the learning journey
  • Participants will have the opportunity to engage with students from the previous cohort of the EITM Doctor School’s Entrepreneurial Programme. This interaction will serve as a source of inspiration as they learn about the progress and outcomes achieved through their entrepreneurial projects

Programme structure

During the programme, students will delve into the intricacies of business design and business model innovation. By leveraging group dynamics and visual thinking tools, participants will learn how to craft, refine, and effectively communicate their business models through compelling elevator pitches. The curriculum places emphasis on fostering creativity and ideation techniques, enabling students to apply convergent thinking to their entrepreneurial endeavors. Moreover, students will gain invaluable insights into Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and how to safeguard their research and ideation outcomes from their competitive landscape.

The first part dedicated to Intelectual Property Rights and application in teams of the learnt Business Design concepts on their ideated sustainable packaging solution, while the second part will be focused on applying the learnt concepts on their individual entrepreneurship projects finishing with the individual presentation of their work to a panel of experts.

How much does it cost?

  • Main fee: 800 €
  • Women and students from the RIS countries: 500 €
  • Students and professionals from EITM partners: 700 €
  • Students from the universities belonging to the EITM Doctoral School (but not enrolled into the Doctoral School): 500 €
  • Professionals from the companies belonging to EITM Doctoral School SIC*: 500 €
  • EARLY BIRDS you get a discount of 100€ of the prices above, if you apply before 31 October 2023

What is included in the programme fee?

  • Travel from Tallinn to Tartu during the weekend of Nov 25 & 26
  • Similarly, travel will be organized to the company visits (6 companies in total – 3 in Tallinn and 3 in Tartu)
  • Snacks during the coffee breaks, and lunch
  • There is also dinner organized on a few days as indicated in the programme brochure (on our website)
  • Note: Before the onsite programme commences, there are also 2 days of online programme (14 & 17 Nov) as seen on the brochure.

Get a glimpse of our Doctoral Winter School

EITM Doctoral Winter SchoolEITM Doctoral Winter School

Key learning objectives:

  • Intercultural Learning and Networking: Engage in a diverse and enriching experience, connecting with fellow students from different countries and cultures on both professional and personal levels.
  • Entrepreneurship Skills and Competencies: Acquire a comprehensive set of entrepreneurial skills by learning and applying various business design and development techniques.
  • Innovation Skills and Competencies: Embrace Design Thinking principles throughout the Bootcamp, honing your innovation skills to drive creative problem-solving.
  • Value Judgments and Sustainability Competencies: Develop a deep understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and learn to evaluate and protect the value of your entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • Leadership Skills and Competencies: Enhance your leadership skills through dynamic teamwork and co-creative decision-making exercises.

Who should attend: Eligibility criteria

Mandatory: Applicants should have a Master of Science degree

The EIT Manufacturing Winter School 2023 is open to the following individuals with relevant background in the manufacturing industry and interested in deeping their knowledge about sustainable manufacturing.

  • PhD students
  • Researchers
  • Professionals

A word from our EITM Winter School alumni

EITM Doctoral Winter School - Student TestimonialEITM Doctoral Winter School - Student Testimonial

Career opportunities

  • Become an entrepreneur for 2 weeks and learn how to design a business model through a real-life business case study
  • Explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and get in touch with entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs by visiting different startups and companies based in Estonia
  • Have a birds-eye view of the Entrepreneurship Program of EITM Doctoral School and with a possibility to join the program in the future
  • Learn business basic concepts and techniques that would be useful in your professional career development, both in your company or as a scientific staff member

Apply now!

Join us at the EIT Manufacturing Doctoral Winter School to unlock your entrepreneurial potential, connect with a diverse network of like-minded individuals, and acquire essential skills to turn your ideas into viable business models. Apply now to secure your spot and embark on an immersive journey towards entrepreneurial success.

Applications are open until 10 Nov 2023

We encourage the Non-EU students to apply as early as possible in order to obtain your Visa in time.