GUILD Women in Entrepreneurship Program

DWIH is fully sponsoring a hybrid innovation program for German students or researchers. Offered in cooperation with GUILD Academy, this program is a combination of online and in-person learning experiences. The online program spans eight weeks, from April 1, 2024 to May 24, 2024. The in-person component will be from September 2-6, 2024. It is designed to be conducted online, employing asynchronous learning modules comprising video content and practical exercises.

Join this program to take action together with a community of diverse entrepreneurs. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their ideas within the first 8 weeks of the program and submit their proposal to get the opportunity to be selected to be one of 10 participants who receive an invite to the sponsored one-week program to present to investors and startup leaders and deepen their understanding of the opportunities.

Program Objectives:

  • Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among women in scientific research roles.
  • Equip participants with the skills and resources to effectively commercialize their scientific ideas.
  • Facilitate an exchange of ideas and knowledge between the German and US innovation ecosystems.
  • Provide exposure to successful female entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Program Components:

Online Learning (8 Weeks)

  • Asynchronous modules featuring video content, a resource library, and exercises.
  • Weekly 2-hour video sessions for interaction, speaker Q&A, and guidance.
  • Continuous support during the program for questions and mentoring.
  • Submission process management and review at the end of the program for sponsorships for the 1-week visit.
  • Open for up to 100 participants.

Bay Area Visit (only for those selected): September 2-6, 2024.

  • 1-week visit to Silicon Valley.
  • Programming for each day incl. workshops, challenges, guest speakers, company visits and dinners, and logistical coordination.
  • Networking opportunities with successful female entrepreneurs.
  • Engaging with tech companies and startups led by women with scientific backgrounds.
  • Time to work on challenges and network with contacts identified before the visit.
  • Open for up to 10 participants.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must have an affiliation with a German university or research institution (Universität, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften – HAW or staatliche Forschungseinrichtung).
  • German citizenship is not required.

Further information on the program can be found here.