A2EI - Academia to Entrepreneurial Impact

Duration: 23, 24, 25 November 2026
Format: Online + 3-day in-person training in Rotterdam, (dates to be confirmed)
Organised by: Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship & UNIC partners
For: PhD and doctoral candidates at UNIC universities
Workload: 56 hours (2 ECTS) – recognition depends on your university

This programme is for PhD candidates who:

🔸Are curious about innovation and entrepreneurship

🔸Want to explore impact beyond academia

🔸Are excited to meet like-minded peers from across Europe

Why join?

🔸Apply startup tools (Lean Startup, Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas)

🔸Build entrepreneurial, leadership, and problem-solving skills

🔸Receive expert coaching and grow your network

🔸Develop and pitch a venture idea

You’ll be guided by facilitators from the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship and guest experts from Ruhr University Bochum (Germany), University of Liège (Belgium), University of Łódź  (Poland), University of Deusto (Spain).

📅Programme Overview

Online Kick-Off –  23 September 2026 14:00-17:00 
Meet your team, explore the city challenge, and dive into core startup concepts

Peer-to-Peer Modules – September to November (online)
Three sessions on:

• Team vs. Idea

• Entrepreneurs in a Changing World

• The Case Study + Optional entrepreneurship seminars by UNIC universities

3-Day In-Person Training in Rotterdam – 23, 24, 25 November 2026 
Workshops, ecosystem visits, team work, and a final pitch session

Team coaching sessions (to be scheduled based on availability)

• Module 1 in the week of 5-9 October 2026

• Module 2 in the week of 19-20 October 2026

• Module 3 in the week of 2-6 November 2026

Admissions and Fees

🔸Eligibility: PhD/doctoral candidates from all UNIC universities (no business background needed). To receive potential ECTS credits, please consult your university's policy.

🔸Application deadline: TBC, selection on a rolling basis 

🔸Cost: Free of charge

🔸Travel and accommodation: Check with your local UNIC office

“Enrollment or course related questions Jip Dresia - dresia@ece.nl -  (ECE Head of Education & Partnerships).

Local information from Erasmus University Rotterdam can be found here.

Click here to read about A2EI in previous years .