Three young adults walking and talking together in a park-like setting.

Entrepreneurship Summer School

From concept to creation, bring your startup idea to life
duration4 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
Intake9th of June – 4th of July, 2025
FormatIn-person

START YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

At IE University, we see entrepreneurship as more than just learning how to start a business; it’s about developing the mindset to transform vision into reality. In just four weeks, this Entrepreneurship Summer School gives you all the tools to test, validate and refine your startup ideas with the guidance of seasoned mentors—right in the heart of Madrid’s financial district.

Immersed in a dynamic, global entrepreneurial ecosystem, you’ll get expert feedback and hands-on experience as you journey step-by-step through the startup process. At the same time, you’ll build essential practical skills in business development, pitching and innovation, especially focusing on data and generative AI (GenAI) tools for entrepreneurs. Think of this as the launch pad for your entrepreneurial journey.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
days to start your best summer
115days
:
03hours
:
49minutes

Course Overview – Typical Day in the Entrepreneurship Summer School

The Entrepreneurship Summer School is designed to keep you on your toes, combining engaging classroom sessions with hands-on activities and peer collaboration. Every day is a chance to put theory into action and accelerate your startup journey.

  • Two young adults studying and discussing notes together at an outdoor table.

    Week 1:

    • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Four young adults enjoying a conversation at an outdoor table with coffee and water bottles.

    Week 2:

    • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • People are conversing and walking in a modern outdoor plaza.

    Week 3:

    • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • A young man and woman walking outdoors, smiling as they talk, with the woman holding a volleyball.

    Week 4:

    • Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Four people walking through a sunny outdoor plaza with contemporary sculptures and landscaping.

    Last day

    • Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Excellence at IE University

We continually strive to elevate your IE University experience, taking pride in our data-driven successes that reflect your achievements, because your success is our success.​

  • 25%
    ie alumni who start their own companies
  • +1500
    students trained in entrepreneurial management per year
  • 4
    In europe - mba european rankingPitchbook
    October 2023
  • 7
    worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & Quants
    October 2023
  • 4
    worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial Times
    February 2022

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    …you're an aspiring entrepreneur eager to learn how to launch a startup step by step, or to fast-track your startup idea validation in a dynamic, practical environment.

  • Participant profile

    The Entrepreneurship Summer School is designed for university students and young professionals seeking to explore the world of startups. Whether or not you're currently enrolled in a degree program at IE University, you can join to gain hands-on experience, invaluable mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch your startup idea.

Focus Areas

Whether validating ideas, prototyping, iteration based on expert feedback or learning to pitch like a pro, this module lets you live the startup reality step by step, from concept to creation.

  • 01.

    Startup idea validation

    Learn how to critically assess the viability of business ideas through expert mentorship, customer feedback and market research, gaining practical skills in testing assumptions, iterating quickly and understanding the needs of your target audience.

  • 02.

    Prototyping

    Recalibrate your product or service through iterative prototyping, honing your ability to develop offerings that meet customer demands and expectations.

  • 03.

    Pitching

    From crafting compelling narratives to practicing your delivery, master the art of pitching business ideas with clarity and conviction to investors, customers and stakeholders.

  • 04.

    Entrepreneurial strategy

    Develop a deep understanding of startup methodologies, focusing on critical metrics like customer acquisition, retention and lifetime value—a skill that will enable you to track your startup’s growth and make data-driven decisions for success in the early stages.

  • 05.

    Generative AI

    Explore the latest GenAI tools for entrepreneurs, learning how to integrate cutting-edge technology to optimize startup operations like market research, customer engagement metrics tracking and more.

  • 06.

    Networking

    Learn how to grow your entrepreneurial network and leverage these relationships to gain insights, feedback and support, building a community that helps you scale your startup.

Unique Value

The Entrepreneurship Summer School offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to building a startup, combining practical tools, expert mentorship, and access to a global startup ecosystem. Participants benefit from a step-by-step methodology, real-time feedback, and the opportunity to refine their ideas with guidance from experienced mentors and investors.

Learning Outcome

Participants will gain the skills to take their startup ideas from conception to pitch, learning how to validate markets, prototype solutions, and navigate real-world challenges. They will leave with a refined business idea, actionable strategies for growth, and experience presenting their startup to industry professionals.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

What Your're going to do
4 Weeks
weeks detail
    • Week 1:

      Building the Foundation

      Focus: Understanding the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and validating ideas.

    • Week 2:

      Testing and PrototypingBuilding the Foundation

      Focus: Turning ideas into actionable models and testing their viability.

    • Week 3:

      Accelerating Growth

      Focus: Turning ideas into actionable models and Focus: Strategies to scale and grow efficiently. their viability.

    • Week 4:

      Innovating with Technology

      Focus: Turning ideas into actionable models and Focus: Strategies to scale and grow efficiently. their viability.

    Discover the program's agenda

    Dive into a curriculum that immerses you in hands-on learning. Through a mix of interactive classes, collaborative group work, presentations and our innovative media lab, you’ll develop essential skills for success.

    Man giving a presentation next to a whiteboard with diagrams.

    OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

    Ignacio Larrú Martínez - IE School of Business

    • Professor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Big Data

    • Mentor at IE Venture Lab 

    LEARN ALL ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT IE UNIVERSITY

    DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

    With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks, except the Entrepreneurship program, which lasts four, and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

    • Three young adults are chatting happily on a university campus, holding reusable cups and a bag branded with the university logo.
    • A young man and two women smiling and talking at a cafe table.
    • A group of young people walking in a park, one carrying a bag with a motivational message.
    • A young man and woman are walking and smiling together in a sunny, outdoor setting, with the woman holding a volleyball.
    • A group of young adults studying and discussing together outdoors on a grassy area.
    Three young adults are chatting happily on a university campus, holding reusable cups and a bag branded with the university logo.

    Upskilling for Professional Development

    Turn your strengths and ambitions into real-world growth by exploring self-discovery techniques, learning practical strategies and gaining insights to help you take control of your career.

    • (1st Edition): Monday, May 26 – Friday, June 6.
    • (2nd Edition): Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
    A young man and two women smiling and talking at a cafe table.

    Customer Experience Innovation

    Learn how the pros design seamless, unforgettable customer experiences that help businesses stand out through deep dives into design thinking and customer-first strategies.

    • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
    A group of young people walking in a park, one carrying a bag with a motivational message.

    Breakthrough Tech & AI

    Explore emerging technologies like AI, robotics and quantum computing in our state-of-the-art IE Robotics & AI Lab—and learn how to leverage them for your future.

    • (1st Edition): Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
    • (2nd Edition): Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
    A young man and woman are walking and smiling together in a sunny, outdoor setting, with the woman holding a volleyball.

    Rethinking Sustainability

    Gain new perspectives, practical strategies and a personal action plan for creating sustainable change through hands-on VR simulations and group projects.

    • Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
    A group of young adults studying and discussing together outdoors on a grassy area.

    Humanities in Action

    Experience an immersive journey in arts, culture, and contemporary issues in Madrid, broadening your perspectives on politics, diversity, and sustainability while enhancing both personal and professional growth.

    • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
    • Two women walking and chatting in a modern outdoor shopping area.
    • Two young adults, a male and a female, are looking at a red folder together at an outdoor table surrounded by others.
    • A group of people conversing on a modern outdoor plaza with transparent barriers and urban buildings in the background.
    • Three young adults walking and talking on a tree-lined urban street.
    Two women walking and chatting in a modern outdoor shopping area.

    Fashion Styling & Media

    Master the latest fashion trends and cover must-know basics of styling, photography and visual communication, all while gaining firsthand studio experience to build your professional portfolio and craft a stand-out personal brand.

    • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
    Two young adults, a male and a female, are looking at a red folder together at an outdoor table surrounded by others.

    Law & Innovation

    Explore the intersection of law, technology and policy through real-world case studies, interactive workshops and a two-day competition, sharpening your skills in negotiation, public speaking and legal analysis.

    • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
    A group of people conversing on a modern outdoor plaza with transparent barriers and urban buildings in the background.

    NextGen Public Changemakers

    Dive hands-on into topics like global governance, leadership and geopolitics to understand complex policy and global issues and gain a leadership mindset fit for the future.

    • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
    Three young adults walking and talking on a tree-lined urban street.

    IE Entrepreneurship Summer School

    Develop your startup idea and refine your entrepreneurial skills alongside like-minded peers, with insights from IE Alumni and IE Startup Mentors to support you as you prepare for a final pitch competition.

    • Monday, June 9 – Friday, July 4.

    SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR

    Take a look at how you can structure your summer with our wide range of combinations.

    Abstract for Tuition | IE

    TUITION

    *Early bird

     Before March 30th

    4 WEEK PROGRAM

    • *6,900€ Price for the Entrepreneurship Program (4 weeks, Early Bird Price 6,210€).
    • Interviews will be conducted by our team to explore and advise on entrepreneurship ideas.

    CREDIT RECOGNITION

    Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

    If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

    To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.

    THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

    A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

    1. Online Application

    You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

    1. Academic transcripts.  
    2. CV (cv template).
    3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

    *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

    A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

    2. Submit your Application

    Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.

    *Interviews will be conducted with the IE team to explore entrepreneurship ideas and provide guidance

    A stylized illustration of a woman walking confidently with a large checklist and a check mark, symbolizing task completion or approval.

    3. Admissions Final Decision

    Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

    A man in a yellow cap is checking a large checklist on a blue document.

    START YOUR APPLICATION

    Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

    Read more about Entrepreneurship at IE University