Call for Applications: DE-TECH Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring Programme

If you are still interested in joining the programme, this might be possible during the first days of the Programme. To check possibilities, please send an email including your full name, email address, and the name of the university you are affiliated to alpyurttas@itu.edu.tr

The application period is now open for students, academic staff, and non-academic staff from universities wishing 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 2025, 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 (October–December 2025), 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 after 15:00 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:
1. Idea & Technology Valorization – 29 September – October 3, 2025
2. Customer Journey & Need Analysis – 6-10 October 2025
3. Product-Market Fit & QFD Analysis – 13-17 October 2025
4. Market Validation & Testing – 20-24 October 2025
5. Financial Modeling & Funding, 27-31 October 2025
6. Company Scaling & Governance, 3-7 November 2025
7. Intellectual Property Rights & Strategy, 10-14 November 2025
8. Pitching and Entrepreneurial Communication Training, 17-21 November 2025
9. Business Model and Plan Pitching Presentation Submission, -24-28 November 2025
10. Mentoring to the teams/individuals whose ideas were selected for mentoring round

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.

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 26 September 2025.
• Programme starts in October 2025 and ends in December 2025 with a demo session.

Apply now through the application form by clicking here

For questions: detech@itu.edu.tr

MORE INFORMATION