Courses & Coaching

Can’t wait to bring your research results to the real world? Dreaming big but don’t know where to start? You are in the right place!

VUB TechTransfer and StartLAB.BRUSSELS combine forces and launch their ‘StartLAB.BRUSSELS for Researchers’ program in October 2024. We are here to help VUB and EhB researchers that want to take the leap and launch their entrepreneurial project. Whether you want to set up a full-fledged spin-off or turn your hobby into your daytime job: we got you! And no stress—we’ll do it together, one step at a time.

StartLAB.BRUSSELS for Researchers

The program guides you through three phases, from developing your idea to launching your company or spin-off. In the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, we begin with the first phase: Discover.

Phase 1: Discover - Identify your problem-solution fit

Period: 7 October 2024 – 16 December 2024

Frequency: once a year, every first semester.

Do you have an idea - or do you want to be prepared for when you have one? 
In this program, you’ll learn how to develop and explore entrepreneurial ideas and determine if they are a solution to a customer’s problem. During these evening sessions, we cover questions such as:
    •    What does it mean to be an (academic) entrepreneur? Is it right for me?
    •    What makes an idea a good entrepreneurial idea? Do I have one?
    •    Can my idea solve a real problem for my customer?
    •    Am I ready to move to the next phase?

Program

1. Monday 7 October 2024 - Kick-off
2. Thursday 17 October 2024 - Entrepreneurship!?
3. Thursday 24 October 2024 - Towards a Problem-Solution Fit 
4. Monday 28 October 2024 - The First Pitch
5. Wednesday 6 November 2024 - Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
6. Thursday 21 November 2024 - Project update - Pitch
7. Thursday 28 November 2024 - PitchXXL 2024
8. Thursday 5 December 2024 - Collective Coaching
9. Monday 16 December 2024 - Final Pitches

Note: all sessions take place in the evening, 18h-20h30.

What’s next?

In the subsequent phases, you’ll validate your business plan, start, and grow your company with the help of StartLAB.BRUSSELS and the VUB Tech Transfer team. All at your own pace, together with us and with fellow VUB researchers (teamwork is encouraged and facilitated).

Anything else? 

Of course. All participants will have access to the full StartLAB.BRUSSELS offering:
    •    Coaching Sessions: Entrepreneurs that move to the next phase can get a coach. Step into the coaching ring, ready to learn and challenge your ideas. Our coaches will keep you sharp and inspire you how to overcome obstacles.
    •    Masterclasses: Customize your program with tailor-made masterclasses. Whether you want to refine your digital marketing, excel in sales, master the art of pitching, or unlock the secrets of financing or need the fundamentals of management, we have the right session or teaching offering for you.
    •    Experts’ Squad: Do you have specific questions or challenges in finance, marketing, or legal matters? Our team of experts is ready to support you.
    •    Events: Network at inspiring events. Connect with potential investors, clients, partners, and with fellow entrepreneurs.
    •    Coworking Space: Collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs in our coworking space. Use our meeting rooms for important meetings with your guests.