Join CERN's entrepreneurship training
Apply by 20 April
CERN Entrepreneurship Academy is CERN’s entrepreneurship training programme for people with CERN affiliation who want to explore the venture potential of their science, technology, or expertise.
Are you curious about entrepreneurship in general or do you already have a venture idea that you would like to take further?
This course will enable you to transform your ideas into real-world ventures - no prior business experience required.
Two info sessions in March and April are scheduled to learn more about the programme. Please see details on the bottom of this page.
A Structured Path from Science to Startup
Over 10 hands-on modules (25 hours total), delivered from May to November 2026 (excluding the summer recess), participants move through four progressive phases: Inspire, Build, Grow and Scale.
All sessions take place from 15:00–17:30 at CERN in-person.
The Entrepreneurship Academy is built around an action-based learning approach: Participants are encouraged to bring forward their own ideas and form teams to develop them into startup concepts, from inception through to scaling. Across ten modules, teams progressively build and refine their venture concepts by applying the tools and frameworks introduced in each session.
Each module features external speakers, including experienced entrepreneurs, investors, specialists, and industry professionals, who bring real-world perspectives and practical insights into deep-tech venture creation. This combination of tools, peer learning, and expert input ensures that learning is both rigorous and immediately applicable.
By the end of the course, each team will have developed a pitch deck presenting their venture from problem statement to scaling strategy, which can be used as a foundation for the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey. Participants will also leave with a supportive network of peers, experts, and professionals to rely on beyond the programme. The course concludes with a live pitching session, giving teams the opportunity to present their ideas to an audience, receive feedback, and build momentum for further development.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
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Assess the commercial potential of an idea or technology
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Identify and validate real market needs
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Translate complex scientific concepts into clear product specifications
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Develop an investor-ready pitch deck
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Build a structured early-stage venture roadmap
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Navigate IP and licensing
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Understand funding pathways for deep-tech ventures
Key Information
Applications are now open. Participants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 24 April. If you are curious about the entrepreneurial potential of your work, we encourage you to apply. Any questions? Feel free to reach out to the entrepreneurship team via email: kt-entrepreneurship@cern.ch
Who Should Apply?The programme is open to any person with a CERN affiliation curious about science-based entrepreneurship, who:
Please note that applicants need to obtain their supervisor's approval before applying to the programme. Selection is based on the applicant’s motivation and fit with the programme, whether or not you already have a concrete idea. No prior business background is required.
Attendance RequirementThe programme is cohort-based and highly interactive. Active participation is essential. To successfully complete the course, participants need to:
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Info SessionsTo learn more about the training, we will hold two information sessions open to all: Info Session 1📍 Meyrin, 40/S2-C01 - Salle Marie Sklodowska-Curie (In-person only) Info Session 2: Scientist to Founder event📍 Prévessin, 774/R-013 (In-person only) |