Discover how we champion entrepreneurial spirit and drive forward-thinking solutions for a better tomorrow.
Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE)
The Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT Berlin is a transformative program designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge to launch and scale innovative ventures. Combining rigorous academic theory with practical, hands-on experience, this program prepares students to effectively navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Our students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers vital topics such as venture creation, innovation management, and entrepreneurial finance. Through real-world projects, internships, and access to ESMT’s extensive network of industry experts and entrepreneurs, our students gain practical experience and valuable insights. The program’s international study opportunities and diverse cohort foster a global entrepreneurial mindset.
ESMT Chair in Entrepreneurship
The ESMT Chair in Entrepreneurship is led by Professor Henry Sauermann, who plays a pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurial research and education at ESMT Berlin. As a professor of strategy and as the director of the Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE), Professor Sauermann's work focuses on the dynamics of trust-based networks and leadership within entrepreneurial settings. His research aims to develop scientific knowledge that helps leaders act competently and responsibly, emphasizing corporate responsibility and the role of trust in successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Centers
Vali Berlin
Vali Berlin, the Entrepreneurship Hub at ESMT Berlin, fosters entrepreneurship for economic, environmental, and social value creation in Europe and beyond. This mission aligns with our school's goal to generate and disseminate new knowledge that propels business and society forward. Vali Berlin operates through initiatives in three main areas: venture building, corporate entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship education and research.
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Berlin
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Berlin is a prestigious program supporting scalable, high-impact ventures. CDL-Berlin offers a unique nine-month program that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to help startups achieve significant milestones. It offers two specialized streams: Next-Gen Computing and Health.
The Next-Gen Computing stream focuses on startups developing advanced technologies such as quantum computing, AI, and blockchain. Participants receive guidance from world-class scientists, experienced entrepreneurs, and investors to accelerate their innovations.
The Health stream supports ventures in health tech, including digital health, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This stream connects startups with leading experts to advance breakthroughs in healthcare.
Research and Innovation
DEEP – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation
The DEEP – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation is the newest addition to our institutes. DEEP focuses on transforming the deep-tech value chain by educating and enabling all actors involved, from basic research to creating thriving global ventures. DEEP aims to rebuild the entire path from research to market success by instilling entrepreneurial thinking and acting in the scientific sphere and beyond.
DEEP addresses verticals with high impact on people, planet, and profit, starting with life sciences and expanding to other areas. The institute functions as an incubator, accelerator, company builder, entrepreneurship center, tech transfer office, venture capital fund, and venture lab, tailoring its approach to overcome specific challenges in each vertical.
DEEP provides entrepreneurship education, supports startup creation and acceleration, fosters conducive environments for tech transfer projects, and rethinks entrepreneurial financing mechanisms. The institute draws on insights from the Joachim Faber Chair of Technology and Innovation and the former Center for Decisions, Models, and Data to back its activities with scientific research, ensuring a strong foundation for deep tech innovation.
The recent whitepaper “Biotech Innovation Hubs in Germany – Divided and Conquered?” by DEEP and the Boston Consulting Group introduces the Biotech Innovation Hub Index (BIHI), comparing the effectiveness of biotech hubs in Europe and the US. The study highlights that German hubs excel in academic research but need better collaboration to transform research into successful biotech ventures. DEEP's role in fostering biotech entrepreneurship is crucial in bridging this gap and promoting a more collaborative biotech ecosystem in Germany.
Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE)
The Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance (IFEE) at ESMT integrates activities at the intersection of entrepreneurship and finance. Under the leadership of Professor Henry Sauermann, IFEE focuses on advancing scientific understanding and practical knowledge in these fields.
IFEE is known for its pioneering research and educational initiatives. It offers a range of programs and courses in entrepreneurship, finance, and endowment management. Additionally, IFEE oversees Vali Berlin and the Societal Impact Financing Initiative (SciFi), further enhancing its impact on entrepreneurial finance education and research. These collaborations enable IFEE to offer comprehensive support for startups and innovative projects, providing essential resources and guidance to ensure their success.