Over the course of two days, the participants focused on the first steps toward starting a company: They worked on understanding a specific real-world problem, identifying potential users, developing a solution, and preparing a pitch.
From Research Questions to Concrete Problems
On the first day, the focus was initially on understanding the problem before developing a solution. Working in teams organized around their research areas, the participants used ideation exercises and personas to identify the needs potential users might have.
An ideation game challenged them to develop solutions for problems they were unfamiliar with. This encouraged them to think beyond their usual areas of expertise and consider how technologies can address various challenges.
A key insight was: First, understand the problem and talk to potential users early on. By having future founders validate their assumptions with potential users
Learning from Founders and Peers
Johannes Zimmer, Founder and CEO of lytris lytris, shared insights into his own entrepreneurial journey. Among other things, he discussed how to identify the right problem, develop a go-to-market strategy, raise capital, and attract investors. He also addressed the personal challenges of building a company.
On the second day, participants used their insights to develop concrete startup ideas. They worked on their value propositions, explored business models and MVPs, and practiced conveying their ideas persuasively through pitches and storytelling.
Für Georgii KolokolnikovFor Georgii Kolokolnikov, an AI Grid member, the workshop established a valuable connection between academic research and entrepreneurship:
“I found it particularly valuable that the workshop focused on how research and technological developments can be translated into a business model. The combination of brief theoretical sessions and practical group work made the workshop very dynamic and varied.”
He also highlighted the community aspect of the workshop and the opportunity to develop a HealthTech idea together with like-minded people.
Discovering Different Paths for the Future Together
Entrepreneurship isn’t the right path for all researchers. That makes it all the more important to learn about this career path. Through events like this workshop, AI Grid provides an opportunity to explore different career paths, meet people with diverse experiences, and discover how your own skills and research findings can be applied beyond an academic career.
