Call for Applications: DE-TECH Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring Programme 2026
The application period is now open to students, academic staff, and non- academic staff from universities that wish to participate in the Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring Programme as part of the De-TECH Project, funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative.
European universities are joining forces to boost entrepreneurial skills and foster innovation in deep tech through the De-TECH Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring Programme 2026, now open for applications. Funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative, the programme will provide students, researchers, and university staff with the tools, mentorship, and networks to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
The call is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students, as well as academic staff (faculty and researchers) and non-academic staff (administrative and professional services) from higher education institutions across Europe. Over a 10-week online training period (April–June 2026), participants will develop essential entrepreneurial and innovation skills while connecting with mentors and peers in the European innovation ecosystem.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
- Provide participants with core entrepreneurship knowledge (idea valorization, market validation, business modeling, financial planning, governance, and IPR strategy).
- Support the commercialization of deep tech research and innovations through structured mentoring.
Build an inclusive innovation community, fostering collaboration between students, researchers, and industry mentors across Europe.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Participants will complete 60 hours of training combining in-class sessions, Innotech Pills videos, self-study, and pitching preparation.
Sessions will run on Friday’s at 14:00 CET,
- 2–3 hours per week.
- 23 of in-class hours
- 3 hours of Innotech Pills Videos
- 20 hours of self-study and pitching presentation preparation
Weekly modules will cover
- Idea & Technology Valorization — 24 April 2026 (Friday)
- Customer Journey & Need Analysis — 8 May 2026 (Friday)
- Product-Market Fit & QFD Analysis — 15 May 2026 (Friday)
- Market Validation & Testing — 22 May 2026 (Friday)
- Financial Modeling & Funding — 5 June 2026 (Friday)
- Company Scaling & Governance — 12 June 2026 (Friday)
- Intellectual Property Rights & Strategy — 19 June 2026 (Friday)
- Pitching and Entrepreneurial Communication Training — 26 June 2026 (Friday)
For Certification and Successful Completion of the Training:
Business Model and Plan Pitching Presentation Submission — 3 July 2026 (Friday)
Alongside training, participants will engage in mentoring sessions led by distinguished deep-tech mentors. Mentors will be drawn from the De-TECH Mentorship Network, including industry leaders, venture partners, and alumni entrepreneurs. These sessions will provide participants to further develop and refine their entrepreneurial projects.
Mentoring to the teams/individuals whose ideas were selected for the mentoring round
First round: July- August 2026
Second Round: September – October 2026
At the end of the programme, the most promising projects will receive further support through three stages of mentoring: Tech-to-Market Validation, Business Validation, and Growth & Communication.
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
- Practical Skills: Innovation management, market validation, funding strategies.
- Mentorship Access: Guidance from experienced mentors across Europe.
- Networking: Opportunities with peers, corporates, and investors.
- Recognition: Certificate of completion, with potential micro-credentials.
SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants must be affiliated with a university.
- Active participation in weekly trainings and mentoring sessions is mandatory.
- Both teams and individuals are welcome to apply.
- Selection will be based on motivation, innovation potential, and commitment.
HOW TO APPLY
- Interested candidates should submit the online application form by 20 April 2026.
- Trainings starts in April 24, 2026 and ends in June 26, 2026.
Apply now through the application form by clicking here
For questions: detech@itu.edu.tr