Why this program?

Real facilitation experience

You'll coach actual teams - Innovation Sprints, hackathons, startup programs. The kind of experience that shows up on a CV and holds up in a job interview.

A credential that means something

You leave with a certificate as a trained Entrepreneurship Coach - relevant for roles in innovation, consulting, HR, education, or running your own programs.

Your own coaching identity

Through reflection and practice, you develop your own facilitation style. You'll know how to read a room, navigate conflict, and adapt to different groups - skills most courses never teach.

MakerSpace access

Free workshop access for a full semester — Laser Cutter training plus one elective. Hands-on prototyping experience that makes you a more versatile coach for technical teams.

 

What surprised me most about being a Venture Guide: the most valuable thing I could offer wasn't answers - it was asking the right questions."

IMG 8556

Johannes Marsch

 

Is this for you?

Good fit if...

  • Practical & theoretical experience with entrepreneurial methods (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile methods...)
  • You enjoy guiding and interacting with teams
  • You can commit to the fixed program dates and 60 hours of coaching across the semester

Not the right fit if...

  • Minor experience with entrepreneurship
  • Looking for a purely online or theoretical course
  • Can't attend the fixed program dates

  • Uncomfortable in presenting or interacting with entrepreneurial teams

     

How it Works: Structure & Dates

Kick-Off Days: 6 & 7th October, 2026

Mandatory Attendance (overnight stay included)

The program starts with two days away together — and it's not just an orientation. During the day, you'll dive into the fundamentals of team facilitation and coaching: what it means to hold space for a group, how to read team dynamics, how to apply entrepreneurial methods like Design Thinking and Lean Startup, and how to start developing your own coaching style.
You'll also get a thorough preparation for the Innovation Sprint - one of the most important coaching opportunities in the program. In the evening, you stay overnight as a group. The Kick-Off is designed as a mix of learning, getting to know each other, and fun - the foundation for a cohort that actually supports each other throughout the semester.

 

Coaching hours: October 26 - March 27

Flexible

Choose your own coaching opportunities - Innovation Sprints, hackathons, team workshops, startup programs. You’ll learn how to navigate team dynamics, adapt to different group needs, and work with highly motivated, purpose-driven teams in diverse settings. Minimum 60 hours across the semester. You pick what fits your schedule. After each coaching opportunity, write a short reflection. This journal is your final submission and the basis for your grade.

Block your calendar: The Innovation Sprint takes place 5-11. November and is the highlight of the program. We strongly recommend keeping this slot free.

 

MakerSpace scholarship

Flexible

Free access to MakerSpace workshops for one semester. One mandatory Laser Cutter course (Course A) and one elective of your choice. You register yourself on the MakerSpace website.

 

Midterm: 9 & 10th December, 2026

Mandatory attendance

Day one is a full day together in Garching: we check in on your coaching journey so far, share experiences from the semester, and go deeper into team facilitation and problem-solving.
Day two is a half-day (9:00–13:00). In small groups, you design your own facilitation format and run it at a time of your own choosing later in the semester.

 

Final Ceremony: 31st March, 2027 (15.00-19.00)

Mandatory attendance

Close out the semester with your cohort. You'll present your biggest learning and a critical reflection on your coaching journey. Your journal and this presentation together make up your final grade. You'll receive your certificate as a trained Entrepreneurship Coach.

 

Application

Spots are limited to 20. We select based on motivation and relevant experience.
Application Period: Aug 1 – Sep 27, 2026
 

  1. Prepare your CV
  2. Record a 3 minute video - tell us about your motivation, previous projects and relevant experience. No need to be polished, just genuine.
  3. Fill out the application form and include your CV and Video

We review all applications after the deadline and select based on CV and video. You'll hear back from us by September 29th with all details about the Kick-Off Days.

Apply for Winter Semester 26/27 here

FAQs

  • The course is open to Master students from all disciplines. However, high intrinsic motivation and first experience in Innovation Sprints/Hackathons/Bootcamps is a prerequisite.

  • Not necessarily, but you should have (theoretical & practical) experience in innovation methods (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Prototyping). A proactive mindset and strong communication skills are essential too.

  • Very flexible! In addition to the mandatory Kick-Off Days, Midterm, and Final Ceremony, you can choose from a variety of coaching opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Think of it as working like a freelancer – you shape your own path through the course.

  • Coaching opportunities are real workshops, sprints, and team formats where you’ll support groups as a facilitator. Examples include the Innovation Sprint, Hackathons at the MakerSpace, team workshops, start-up coaching and international programs like the Winter or Summer School.

  • Instead of a traditional exam, your final submission is a Coaching Journal. After each opportunity, you’ll write a short reflection on what you’ve learned. These reflections form the basis of your personal and professional development as a coach. Moreover, during the final event you will have to present your biggest learning and a critical assessment of your own journey.
    In a sum this presentation and your coaching journal are assessed for grading.

  • As a participant, you receive free access to the MakerSpace for one semester, including:

    • One mandatory course: Laser Cutter (Course A)
    • One elective course of your choice (Course B)

    This allows you to better support teams working on physical prototypes. You will have to register for this scholarship by yourself on the Website of Makerspace GmbH.

  • The Venture Guide cannot be completed online. The Kick-Off, Midterm, and Final Ceremony are held in person and form a crucial part. However, several of the coaching opportunities throughout the semester are offered online. This means you can still take part in the course even if you’re not always physically present in Munich.

  • No. If you have already completed the “Technology Entrepreneurship Lab” and earned credits for it, you are not eligible to receive credits for the Venture Guide program.

Contact Us

For all inquiries please contact: venture-guide@unternehmertum.de

Bianca hartmann

Bianca Hartmann

Program Coordinator