Entrepreneurship Summer School
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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, skills, and strategies to transform vision into reality. In just four weeks, the Entrepreneurship Summer School immerses you in a hands-on experience designed to bring your startup ideas to life. With the guidance of seasoned mentors, you’ll gain the essential tools to test, validate, and refine your business concept alongside professional investors and prospective customers—all in the heart of Madrid’s financial district.
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.
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.
Week 1:
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 2:
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 3:
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 4:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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
- +1500students trained in entrepreneurial management per year
- 4In europe - mba european rankingPitchbookOctober 2023
- 7worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & QuantsOctober 2023
- 4worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial TimesFebruary 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. It’s also ideal for early-stage startup teams looking to validate their idea and build a strong foundation
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.
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.
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.
Validate Your Startup Idea
Assess the viability of your business idea through expert mentorship, customer feedback, and market research. Learn how to test assumptions, iterate quickly, and refine your concept to align with real market needs.
- 02.
Build & Pitch with Confidence
Develop your prototype through iterative testing, ensuring it solves a real problem. Master the art of pitching by crafting compelling narratives and learning how to confidently present your vision—not just to customers and stakeholders, but also to early-stage investors looking for promising startups.
- 03.
Develop a Winning Strategy
Gain a strong foundation in entrepreneurial strategy, from customer acquisition and retention to understanding critical startup metrics like lifetime value and scalability. Use data-driven decision-making to grow your business effectively in its early stages.
- 04.
Fund Your Idea & Find Your Team
Learn how to attract early-stage investors and secure initial funding to bring your idea to life. Get exposure to investment strategies, funding sources, and financial planning, while also discovering the importance of building a strong, complementary team to scale your venture.
- 05.
Leverage Generative AI for Growth
Explore cutting-edge GenAI tools designed to optimize key startup operations, from market research and customer engagement tracking to content generation and process automation.
- 06.
Build Your Network & Gain Exposure
Expand your entrepreneurial network, connecting with mentors, investors, and potential co-founders. Learn how to leverage relationships for insights, feedback, and funding opportunities, ensuring you’re plugged into the right ecosystem to accelerate your startup’s success.
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
- 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: Strategies to scale and grow efficiently.
Week 4:
Innovating with Technology
Focus: Leveraging cutting-edge tools to gain a competitive edge.
- weeks detail
- Beatriz Bagaces SerranoManager - Global Recruitment
Any doubts?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
Ignacio Larrú Martínez – IE Professor
- Professor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Big Data
- Mentor at IE Venture Lab
- Expertise in Investment & Fund Management
South Summit
South Summit
IE University is a co-organizer of South Summit, one of the most important global events in entrepreneurship and innovation. In fact, for IE University, South Summit is its flagship event in the field of entrepreneurship, as we uniquely foster and promote entrepreneurship and innovation through education, reinforcing these values as fundamental pillars of excellence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
University summer program
What if this summer, you could cut through the noise, discover what truly drives you, and learn how to channel it into something extraordinary?
At IE University Summer Program, we’re here for the curious, for those ready to build a life that matters but aren’t sure where to start.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rethingking 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.
LEARN ALL ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT IE UNIVERSITY
TUITION
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.
DISCOVER THE SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR
Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.
CREDIT RECOGNITION
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
1. Online Application
You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- CV (cv template).
- 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.
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
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.
New Podcast: Venture Ahead: Explore. Innovate. Succeed.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!