Content of the Programme
Are you a doctoral researcher, postdoctoral fellow or early-career researcher with a curiosity for entrepreneurship? Would you like to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills, whether or not your idea is connected to your research domain?
The Company+ is a unique, practice-oriented training programme running annually from February to November 2026. You will work in an interdisciplinary team, guided by experienced coaches and mentors. Through workshops and team challenges, you will develop both your entrepreneurial competencies and your transferrable skills.
What can you expect?
- Collaborating within a diverse and interdisciplinary team
- Transforming an idea into a concrete value proposition
- Gaining insight into the basics of intellectual property, legislation, finance and sales
- Pitching your idea to a professional jury
- Strengthening your entrepreneurial and personal skills
You can participate with your own idea or join a team challenge in one of the following themes:
- Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Sustainable Transport & Logistics
- Health & Wellbeing
Detailed information about the programme sessions is available in the brochure.
Not sure if this programme is right for you? Register for the information session, which will be held on 16 January 2026, from 1.15 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. at Campus Middelheim, Building G, room G.005.
Important!
By enrolling in this programme, you commit to taking part in all sessions. After registration, you will be asked to provide a brief motivation explaining why you wish to participate.
Practical Information
Dates and location:
This programme consists of 11 sessions:
Session 1: Presentation domains and getting to know each other | 30 January 2026 | 10h00 - 13h00 (including network lunch) | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.143 |
Session 2: Team Creation | 24 February 2026 | 9h30 - 12h30 | Location TBC |
Session 3: Ideation + Value Propostion | 5 March 2026 | 9h30 - 16h00 | Location TBC |
Session 4: Business Modelling | 17 March 2026 | 9h30 - 14h00 | Location TBC |
Session 5: Legal Basics Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) | 23 April 2026 | 9h30 - 12h30 | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.133 |
Session 6: Market Analysis + Possible Go-to-Market Strategies
| XX May 2026 | 9h30 - 12h30 | Location TBC |
Session 7: Mid-Trajectory Wrap-Up & Pitch Preparation | 22 June 2026 | afternoon | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.133 |
Session 8: Finance & Funding Pathways | 11 September 2026 | TBC | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.133 |
Session 9: Pitching Essentials | 23 October 2026 | 9h30 - 12h30 | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.133 |
Session 10: Optional Pitch Rehearsal | 13 November 2026 | TBC | Campus Middelheim - Building A - Room A.133 |
Session 11: Dragon's Den - Final Pitches | 26 November 2026 | 14h00 - 18h00 | Location TBC |
Programme responsible/Programme coordinator
CREO – Creativity & Entrepreneurship Office:
- Barbara Tan, Head CREO, Programme Responsible Company+
- Janina Meissner, CREO Programme Coordinator Company+
Who are the trainers?
Coaches and experts : see brochure
Language of the course:
English
Docop-points:
This course counts for 3 points in total. Given this course will be spread over 2 academic years, participants will get 2 points for part 1 in academic year 2025-2026 and 1 point for part 2 in academic year 2026-2027.
Registration:
PhD researchers register via Sisa Self Service. Log in with your student account. Registration is possible as from 6 January 2026 and after you've been (re-)enrolled as a PhD student for 2025-2026. Your enrolment will automatically be transferred to the academic year 2026-2027 for part 2 of the programme.
Postdoc researchers can apply for the programme via this form.