ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM · NETHERLANDS
Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
4 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4 monthsDuration
- Hybrid (in-person & online)Teaching Mode
- EnglishInstruction Language
- 2.5 ECTSCredits
- Free for UNIC PhD candidatesTuition Fee
The Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI) course is designed to equip PhD candidates with essential entrepreneurial skills to enhance the real-world impact of their research. This hybrid program fosters innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and provides the knowledge and mindset needed to translate research into value. It's ideal for researchers at any stage of their PhD who want to explore career paths beyond academia, such as in industry, startups, or consulting, or to develop leadership and problem-solving abilities within research settings. The course emphasizes experiential learning and peer-to-peer exchange with international researchers. Offered in collaboration with UNIC universities, this course is taught by experts from the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) and guest facilitators from partner institutions in Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Spain. It complements other entrepreneurship courses by offering a more extensive and hands-on experience, focusing on practical application and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset to drive change and create value through research.
Curriculum
The course is structured around a series of sessions designed to immerse participants in entrepreneurial principles and practices. It includes both online and in-person components, along with team coaching.
- Module 1 (Online)
- Kick-off & Entrepreneurial Challenge
- Module 2 (In-person at EUR)
- Entrepreneurship Awakening: Process & Innovation Ecosystem Visit
- Module 3 (In-person at EUR)
- Business Modeling & Pitch Preparation
- Module 4 (In-person at EUR)
- Final Pitches & Certificate Ceremony
- Team Coaching Sessions
- Scheduled based on availability
Careers
Developing entrepreneurial skills can significantly expand your career opportunities beyond academia. This course helps prepare you for transitions into industry, startups, consulting, or policymaking roles. It cultivates essential qualities like adaptability, resilience, and leadership, which are valuable in any professional environment.
- Industry professional
- Startup founder
- Consultant
- Policymaker
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI) course?
- Applicants must be PhD candidates at a UNIC university. No prior business or entrepreneurship experience is required, and researchers at any stage of their PhD are welcome.
- What is the tuition fee for the A2EI course?
- Tuition is free for PhD candidates of all UNIC universities. However, participants should budget for their own travel and accommodation expenses if attending the in-person sessions.
- How long is the A2EI course?
- The course has a duration of 4 months, delivered in a hybrid format with both online and in-person components.
- What is the application deadline for the A2EI course?
- The application deadline is September 1, 2026. Early application is recommended due to limited spots.
- What career outcomes can I expect after completing the A2EI course?
- This course helps prepare you for transitions into roles such as an industry professional, startup founder, consultant, or policymaker, expanding career opportunities beyond academia.
Entry requirements
PhD CandidatesMust be a PhD candidate at a UNIC university.
No prior business or entrepreneurship experience is required. Researchers in all stages of their PhD trajectory are welcome. Participants should have an open mind and be eager to explore new perspectives on their research potential.
Fees
Tuition (international)Free for PhD candidates of all UNIC universities
Tuition (home)Free for PhD candidates of all UNIC universities
LivingExcludes travel and accommodation costs.
While tuition is free for UNIC PhD candidates, participants should budget for their own travel and accommodation expenses if attending the in-person sessions.
How to apply
1. Complete Application FormFill out the online application form provided via the link.
2. Await ConfirmationAfter submitting your application, you will be notified about your admission status as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI) course?
+
Applicants must be PhD candidates at a UNIC university. No prior business or entrepreneurship experience is required, and researchers at any stage of their PhD are welcome.
What is the tuition fee for the A2EI course?
+
Tuition is free for PhD candidates of all UNIC universities. However, participants should budget for their own travel and accommodation expenses if attending the in-person sessions.
How long is the A2EI course?
+
The course has a duration of 4 months, delivered in a hybrid format with both online and in-person components.
What is the application deadline for the A2EI course?
+
The application deadline is September 1, 2026. Early application is recommended due to limited spots.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing the A2EI course?
+
This course helps prepare you for transitions into roles such as an industry professional, startup founder, consultant, or policymaker, expanding career opportunities beyond academia.