EIT Manufacturing Doctoral Winter School

Experience a transformative learning journey at the EIT Manufacturing Doctoral Winter School in Estonia. As part of this esteemed programme, we are empowering PhD students in connecting their thesis research with entrepreneurial ventures. The programme aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to design and develop business ideas that align with their professional and personal backgrounds. Whether you are a student of the entrepreneurship program or an external participant, this immersive two-week event promises to unlock your entrepreneurial potential.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore how cutting-edge technologies and emerging business trends are implemented in an industrial setting during their visit to various innovative Estonian companies. Additionally, a cultural program will provide a glimpse into the Estonian lifestyle.

In addition..

• The programme will be accompanied by two days of company visits in Tartu and Tallin. These visits provide valuable firsthand experiences from thriving startups, complementing the knowledge gained during the programme and enhancing the learning journey
• Participants will have the opportunity to engage with students from the previous cohort of the EITM Doctor School’s Entrepreneurial Programme. This interaction will serve as a source of inspiration as they learn about the progress and outcomes achieved through their entrepreneurial projects

Business Design and Development

During the programme, students will delve into the intricacies of business design and model innovation. By leveraging group dynamics and visual thinking tools, participants will learn how to craft, refine, and effectively communicate their business models through compelling elevator pitches. The curriculum places emphasis on fostering creativity and ideation techniques, enabling students to apply convergent thinking to their entrepreneurial endeavors. Moreover, students will gain invaluable insights into Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and how to safeguard their research and ideation outcomes from their competitive landscape.

Programme Structure

The EIT Manufacturing Winter School starts on 23rd November with a first week dedicated to entrepreneurship education, company visits and networking, while the second week merges the entrepreneurship aspects with an advanced training about Product Service Systems.

Students will work in groups and by themselves under the supervision of different experts

At the end of the two weeks students will have to present the results of their work to a panel of experts, through a short pitch.