The European Venture Programme is the EuroTech Universities Alliance’s contribution to a more vibrant scene of scalable start-ups in Europe. We do this by offering up to 25 young EuroTech start-ups per year exclusive access to the entrepreneurship expertise and networking resources available at the six EuroTech Universities, i.e. Technical University of Denmark (DTU), École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and Technical University of Munich (TUM).
An intensive programme takes entrepreneurs on a journey to multiple EuroTech ecosystems to boost their business beyond borders! Per location, there are thematic workshops in venture creation, plenty of time for peer feedback and networking opportunities with local start-ups, companies, governmental and public organisations, technology experts, business coaches, VCs and more.
This unique chance is offered every year to about four start-ups from each EuroTech University and is fully funded by the EuroTech Universities Alliance.
Programme details
Who are we looking for?
- You are affiliated with one of the six EuroTech Universities (student, PhD, postdoc or alumni).
- You have a business case beyond the idea phase and have most likely participated in a local incubator programme.
- You already have some traction, for example raised first funding, LOIs, pilot studies, won prizes etc. and are interested to explore other ecosystems, markets, cultures, and networks.
Our unparalleled benefits
- Unique training workshops that will present you the best approaches for becoming an international entrepreneur.
- Valuable insights and testimonials from successful entrepreneurs from the EuroTech ecosystems.
- An opportunity to build your network across Europe‘s finest technical institutes, with the possibility to arrange face-to-face meetings with large corporations, technology experts, local start-ups and investors from the six ecosystems.
Our six innovation ecosystems
When and where?
The programme is split into two sessions, delivered in different EuroTech ecosystems.
Edition 2025
- Session 1: 20-22 August 2025 at EPFL (Lausanne)
- Session 2: 25-28 August 2025 at DTU (Copenhagen)
Detailed programme 2025
This year’s programme will take place at EPFL (Lausanne) & DTU Skylab (Copenhagen). Besides expanding your European network and understanding, the programme this year will focus on how to do a good actionable elevator pitch when networking and will put you to the test at Tech BBQ in Copenhagen August 27-28.
- EPFL Lausanne Programme
The first part of the programme “Road to TechBBQ” will be held at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will offer a dynamic mix of networking, pitching, mentorship, and market insights. It features interactive sessions such as pitch roulette, customer experience workshops, founder talks, campus tours, and industry ecosystem presentations, all complemented by social gatherings and shared traditional meals for immersive learning and connection-building. - DTU Copenhagen Programme
At DTU in Copenhagen we will build on the content from Lausanne and give you some concrete tools on how to: Map your assumptions and design an actionable networking experiment, build your confidence, and prepare you for “rejection” and introduce the concept of universal design principles. On top of that there will be an expert talk on how to utilize the EU as a startup, founder talks and insights from business angels. There will of course also be some Danish Smørrebrød & hygge throughout.
Expenses for travel, accommodation, tickets for Tech BBQ and some meals will be covered. There will be some meals etc. at your own expense.
Application requirements
The deadline for applications will be communicated in due time.
Before applying, please get in touch with your local European Venture Programme Manager (see at the end of this page).
Your application needs to contain:
- A ½-1 page description about how participation will move your start-up, why you want to visit and/or (virtually explore) these locations, and at least 2 stakeholders you are interested to set up meetings with at each location.
- A 2-page description of your start-up project (template can be downloaded here)
Please send your application documents to your respective European Venture Programme Manager. They can also provide answers to any questions you might have.
Impressions 2024
Photo credits: Institut Polytechnique de Paris
