university certificate or transcript
Climate Action
MSc Students
PhD Candidates/Researchers
Description
The Energy Launchpad Summer School 2026 is a three-day, highly interactive learning and networking programme designed to equip participants with practical tools and a strong foundation to accelerate science-based energy innovations from research to venture readiness. Organised by the Energy Launchpad (https://launchpad.energy) and hosted at ETH Zurich from 8-10 September 2026, it targets PhDs, postdocs, advanced MSc students, and future founders with technology hypotheses in energy resilience and AI/energy. Participants will gain practical tools, real-world insights and hands-on exposure to early-stage entrepreneurship through expert inputs, interactive workshops sessions while fostering a strong cross-university network across ETH Zurich, TU Munich and TU Vienna. Participants leave with actionable frameworks and tools as well as a strong network and peer community to support their entrepreneurship journey.
Expected learning outcomes
Over the course of the summer school, participants will gain a practical and hands-on introduction to early-stage entrepreneurship, with a focus on building relevant skills, understanding key challenges, and developing the foundation to advance their idea or technology beyond academia. By the end of the summer school, participants will have:
- A realistic understanding of what it takes to found a company in the energy sector
- Hands-on entrepreneurial experience through interactive formats (A first problem solution snapshot of their idea-to-market hypothesis
- Basic awareness of pricing and intellectual property considerations
- A strong motivation to found a company and clear next steps for the following 60-90 days
Prequisites
The Summer School targets advanced Master's and Doctoral students, postdocs, and future founders with technology hypotheses in energy resilience and AI/energy.
Learning opportunity structure
Participants will gain:
- Practical tools and checklist they can apply beyond the programme
- A strong network across leading technical universities
- Access to mentors and other ecosystem partners
- Idea of how to turn an idea / technology into a venture (what to prioritise, which mistakes to avoid early on etc.)
- Increased confidence in engaging with lawyers, investors and partners
- Insight into the specifics of entrepreneurship in the energy sector.
Quality assurance
n/a
Schedule Information
Learning Assessment
Not yet available.
How to enroll
As soon as more information are available, we will publish them here.
Location
ETH Zurich
Additional Notes
A scholarship from ETH Zurich of CHF80 per day will be provided to ENHANCE students. For sustainable travel (tickets for proof required) additional CHF100 will be paid. No double funding is permitted. After selection and your acceptance you will be contacted with the scholarship arrangement.