Start-up Launchpad

Welcome to Start-up Launchpad (formerly known as the Business Plan Basic Seminar), a comprehensive and flexible program designed specifically for student teams who want to develop their own entrepreneurial ideas from the ground up. This program bridges the gap between initial concepts and fully thought-through business models, preparing you for the next big step - such as joining our renowned Xplore Program.

The Start-up Launchpad can be completed entirely online, allowing you and your team to participate from anywhere. For those who prefer face-to-face collaboration, we also offer opportunities for in-person teamwork and personalized consultation sessions. This blend of self-study freedom and guided support ensures you can tailor your learning experience to your needs and schedule.

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

• Flexible & Self-Paced

  Learn at your own rhythm with regular assignments and check-ins. Combine self-paced study with optional in-person sessions or collaborate online – whatever fits your schedule best.

• Deep dive into entrepreneurial action

  User & Customer Research: Gain hands-on experience identifying and understanding real customer problems and needs through in-depth interviews and field research.

  Assumption & Hypothesis Testing: Learn to define, test, and validate critical assumptions using prototyping and iterative feedback loops to refine your business idea continuously.

  Prototyping & Testing: Use your Makerspace scholarship to design, build, and test hardware prototypes, or explore AI-powered software prototyping to quickly experiment and validate your ideas.

  Business Model Development: Use proven tools to build a viable, scalable, and financially grounded business model based on data-driven insights.

  Pitching & Communication: Develop the skills to confidently pitch your idea.

• Bi-weekly submissions

  Instead of traditional exams, you’ll complete short “homework” assignments throughout the semester.

• Work smarter with AI and the support of your peers

  In this program, you’ll use AI tools to help with market research, ideation, creating user profiles, preparing interview questions and much more. Every two weeks, you’ll join a peer exchange session with other teams. AI will guide the session, help you think deeper about your ideas, and capture the key takeaways and next steps. These sessions are mandatory and are a great way to learn from others, get fresh perspectives, and keep improving your start-up idea — all with smart AI support to make the process easier and more efficient.

Team up and build tech ventures that matter

You can only apply to Start-up Launchpad as a team—but don’t worry if you haven’t found your crew yet! We actively support the team-building process by hosting several match-making and networking events in the weeks leading up to the program. These events are a great opportunity to meet like-minded students from different disciplines, pitch initial ideas, and form teams based on shared interests and complementary skill sets.

Each team must consist of 2 to 5 students, and we highly encourage interdisciplinary teams to bring diverse perspectives to the table. Whether you already have a start-up idea or are passionate about a problem worth solving, the team application process ensures that you’re surrounded by peers who are just as motivated as you are to build something meaningful.

You’ll find an overview of all upcoming events and team-building opportunities here soon.

Once your team of 2 to 5 students is formed—either on your own or through one of our match-making events—you’re ready to apply for Start-up Launchpad. The application process is simple:

Only one person per team needs to fill out the application form using the link below. After the initial application, all listed team members will receive a confirmation email and must individually confirm their application. Once everyone has confirmed, your team's application will be considered.

We will keep you posted on the status of your application and send you all the details and next steps via email—so you’ll be ready to launch your start-up journey from day one.