Start-up Launchpad
Team up to build tech ventures that matter! The Start-up Launchpad (formerly Business Plan Basic Seminar) is your gateway into the world of entrepreneurship. This course will equip you with the necessary entrepreneurial basics to get your idea off the ground. With flexible online learning, coaching support, and practical tools, you’ll explore everything from opportunity identification to pitching. Whether you’re fresh out of the Innovation Sprint, bursting with ideas or passionate about a problem worth solving, this course gives you the freedom, structure, and community to take the next big step—towards real start-up action.
Target Groups: PhD Students, Students
Area of Focus: From idea to business concept
Times offered per year : Every semester, beginning of April or October. Next program starts in October of 2025
Duration: 1 semester (12 weeks)
ECTS : 6 ECTS (accreditation depends on the study program, Campus TUM ID: MGT000159)
Language: English
Learning Goals: Develop and validate your own start-up idea using proven methods; Conduct user research and test key assumptions through prototyping; Build a sustainable business model; Pitch your idea with confidence and prepare for next steps like Xplore
About the program
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:
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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.
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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.
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Bi-weekly submissions
Instead of traditional exams, you’ll complete short “homework” assignments throughout the semester.
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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.
Application
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.
The application phase for Start-Up Launchpad in the Winter Semester 25/26 runs from September 1 to October 12, 2025
FAQs
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Is this course open to everyone?
Yes! Whether you are a student, a PhD student or an aspiring entrepreneur, this course is open to anyone. You do not have to be matriculated at TUM.
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How many ECTS do I get for this course?
The Start-up Launchpad is accredited for 6 ECTS. But accreditation depends on the study program that you are in. You can check accreditation in your study tree or search for Start-up Launchpad in TUMonline. If you can’t find out, if the Start-up Launchpad is accredited in your study program, get in touch with your study coordinator.
Please be aware, that you can only receive ECTS for this course, if you haven’t completed the Business Plan Basic Seminar before! -
I registered for an UnternehmerTUM Academy course through the website, but the course is not appearing in TUMonline. Am I actually enrolled? Will I get ECTS?
To receive ECTS credits for Start-up Launchpad, you’ll need to register for the exam on TUMonline. Your course organizer will explain when and how to do this during the official exam registration period.
Important: The course will only appear in your TUMonline account after you’ve successfully registered for the exam. For now, the registration through the Academy for Innovators Website is sufficient.
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Do I already have to have an idea?
No. You can apply with a specific idea that you want to validate and develop further, or simply bring a challenge or topic you find exciting as a team and would like to solve. Either way, the program will guide you through a structured process to turn your starting point into a viable business concept.
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Can I do this course on my own?
No—you’ll need to form a team before submitting your application for the Start-up Launchpad. Each team must consist of 2 to 5 students. If you haven’t found a team yet, don’t worry! We offer several team-matching events where you can meet students from all disciplines, exchange ideas, and build your team. You’ll find more info and event dates in the section above.
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Can I do this course completely online?
Yes! Start-up Launchpad is fully digital, so you can complete the entire course remotely—from anywhere in the world. All learning materials, and assignments are available online. However, if your team prefers to meet and collaborate in person, you’re welcome to do so. We offer optional in-person feedback, consultation sessions and team work sessions for those based in or near Munich.
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How is the course graded?
There is no written exam. Instead, you’ll submit "homework" assignments throughout the semester. These submissions are the basis for your final grade.
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