The University of Luxembourg Incubator and Entrepreneurship Programme celebrated a record-breaking turnout at its fifth International Summer School on Knowledge-Driven Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Over five enriching days, 49 visionary entrepreneurs-to-be from around the world converged in Marienthal, under the mentorship of renowned educator Prof. Ted Zoller, making this edition the most attended since its inception in 2018.
Diverse Participation Fosters Rich Collaboration
The diverse participation included PhD candidates and researchers from faculties and interdisciplinary centres, as well as PhD candidates from LIST (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) and LISER (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research), and attendees from the University of Craiova, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Gateway Excellence Start-up Center University of Cologne, and the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. This international dimension added significant value, enhancing the learning environment and promoting a broader exchange of ideas. "I plan to apply the knowledge and skills I gained from the Summer School by first crafting a plan to materialise my project idea, and second by following up with the people who showed interest in my ideas and also with those I promised to support in any way with their own projects," shared Dr Katerine Saleme, Postdoc at the Department of Computer Science. Karan Singhal, a PhD candidate from LISER added: "It provided me a safe space to think about entrepreneurial ideas with the instructors, mentors and organisers all pushing us in the right direction. It’s not easy to find such an environment."
A transformative Journey
Participants worked on innovative projects with the potential to drive real-world impact, aligning with the mission of the University of Luxembourg in topics such as AI, quantum computing, space, materials science, and health, showcased interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Postdoc Mila Marinova highlighted: "This Summer School was easily one of the most transformational experiences in my academic career. I think that the lessons learnt from the 6M model and many of the components we talked about can be applied in various endeavours (e.g., research, academic tenure etc. I wholeheartedly recommend the Summer School to anyone who is interested in personal development, career development or becoming independent."
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Professor Ted Zoller, alongside 20 experienced mentors, guided participants through the process of valorising innovative research ideas into viable business ventures using the 6M model (Meaning, Model, Market, Money, Management, Milestones). "The level of venture projects proposed by PhDs and researchers was very high in terms of concepts, products, and services, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit, drive to innovate, and desire to reshape the world of tomorrow." witnessed mentor Serge Borg. Luciana Restivo also found the experience rewarding: "I believe that sharing professional knowledge to make younger generations develop should be a mission for more experienced professionals".
Ted Zoller emphasised the training’s impact, stating: "This Summer School brought together an amazing group of doctoral-trained researchers from across Europe who are top in their respective fields. They rendered their biggest dreams visible with an actionable strategy to go and grow. I am so optimistic about our future in the hands of these young innovators now equipped with the entrepreneurial mindset to render their best ideas visible and have an impact on the human condition."
A Legacy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Since its launch in 2018, the International Summer School on Knowledge-Driven Innovation and Entrepreneurship has become an annual training that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation within the research community. It provides a robust platform for nurturing entrepreneurial thinking and preparing participants for commercial challenges.
"Interdisciplinarity and multiculturalism are hallmarks of the University of Luxembourg," stated Prof. Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice-Rector for Partnerships and International Relations. "Providing training for our researchers that integrates both aspects is invaluable, benefiting not only the University community but also the broader ecosystem. Allowing the research to become real-world solutions can be transformative for the communities that stand to gain from it. We are delighted to be able to host Prof. Ted Zoller, whose training and methodology have contributed to the ongoing success of our Summer School."
