Tech Startup Academy: A springboard into the startup world

Discover the Tech Startup Academy, a pioneering initiative that we have launched together with “DESY for Startups” to further promote entrepreneurial potential in science. The program, led by Dr. Fateme Jaleh, offers comprehensive support from idea generation to market launch from October 18 and is free of charge for all participants. We asked the director three questions in the run-up to the event.

Hello Fateme,

What specific challenges does the Tech Startup Academy program aim to address?

Despite their expertise, many tech founders often lack the necessary entrepreneurial skills and tools to successfully launch their startup, develop business opportunities, secure funding and present themselves convincingly. The Tech Startup Academy aims to tackle these specific challenges by providing founders with the crucial know-how.

How were the mentors and speakers for the webinars selected and what criteria were decisive?

The mentors and speakers for the webinars have been carefully selected to ensure that they can impart both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the tech industry. The presenters, who come from renowned business schools or consulting firms, are responsible for creating interactive presentations and conveying theoretical content complemented by relevant examples from the tech industry. A particular selection criterion was the ability to transfer practical knowledge, which is why experienced founders and CEOs from the Hamburg startup scene were recruited as speakers and coaches. These experts share their experience in moderated webinars and also offer 1-to-1 coaching sessions. After the CEOs have imparted their knowledge, the moderators ensure that the participants are actively involved by providing valuable feedback, answering questions and supporting the learning process with tasks for further work after the webinar.

What success stories are there from former participants who were able to establish their start-ups through the program?

Since 2021, DESY has held the DESY Startup School every year, which focuses on promoting science-based service companies. The participants had ideas for a new scientific service company based on an advanced analytical technique, for example in a large research infrastructure such as a synchrotron. There are several international spin-offs, some of which are already very successful, that have emerged from the DESY Start-up School. Example: AMB With the introduction of the Startup Port Edition, DESY is expanding the program to support founders with hardware-based tech product ideas that have high scaling potential.     Further information on the Tech Startup Academy Participants benefit from an intensive two-month program led by experts from the field. Without participation fees, it offers access to customized webinars and valuable 1:1 consulting sessions with experienced CEO mentors from Hamburg’s startup scene. “Our aim is not only to impart knowledge to the participants, but also to actively involve them in the startup community,” explains Fateme. Network and support in Hamburg A key aspect of the program is building a sustainable network. The Academy makes it possible to establish contacts with like-minded people and industry experts who want to shape the future of technology together. View of the events The program begins with a kick-off event on 18 October and includes various modules such as business model development, financial management and pitching. The program concludes with an event on November 16, at which the participants present their projects to an experienced jury. Registration and participation Interested parties have until October 10, 2024 to register for this unique program. “Take the opportunity to expand your entrepreneurial skills and become part of a dynamic community,” invites Fateme. Conclusion The Tech Startup Academy is an unparalleled opportunity for scientists and engineers to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Led by Dr. Fateme Jaleh, this program not only provides education, but also a platform to bring ideas to life and successfully launch them into the market.   Link to registration