From idea to action: startup growth in the Summer Entrepreneurship Program
Falling in love with the problem: Vaibhav's story
As a natural problem solver, Vaibhav Jain was drawn to the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) at ESMT Berlin. What he has found is a program that not only offers the practical components he was seeking; it offers a diverse community where curiosity is encouraged, and "classes often feel like conversations rather than lectures."
In this blog, Vaibhav, Class of 2027, shares his MIE highlights so far. This includes insights from the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) that helped him develop an AI-based startup concept by showing him how to fall in love with the problem as well as the idea.
He also explains the value of the MIE outside of the classroom, such extracurricular events that provide chances to grow, and the close-knit, collaborative cohort that makes Berlin feel more like home.
Hi Vaibhav, please introduce yourself
Hi! I'm Vaibhav Jain from India, currently pursuing the Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT Berlin. I've always enjoyed solving problems and exploring how technology can create real-world impact. That curiosity eventually led me toward entrepreneurship.
Since joining ESMT, I've been fortunate to work on exciting projects like OmniTrace through the Summer Entrepreneurship Program, as well as contribute to initiatives like TEDxESMT Berlin, and a lot more.
Why did you decide to study at ESMT Berlin and why did you choose the Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship?
I wanted more than a traditional business degree. I was looking for a program where I could learn by building, experimenting, and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. The MIE stood out because it combines academic learning with practical experiences and encourages students to explore entrepreneurship firsthand.
Being in Berlin, one of Europe's leading startup hubs, made the decision even easier. It felt like the right place to challenge myself both inside and outside the classroom.
What is it like studying at ESMT? What is your favorite place on campus?
"The small cohort means everyone knows each other, and classes often feel like conversations rather than lectures."
Studying at ESMT is highly collaborative. The small cohort means everyone knows each other, and classes often feel like conversations rather than lectures. I've especially appreciated how approachable the professors are as they're always willing to discuss ideas beyond the classroom.
Now, talking about my most favorite place on campus – it is definitely the campus garden. It's where some of my most memorable conversations with classmates have happened.
Did you move from India to Berlin for the MIE? What should Indian students consider when looking at university options in Europe?
Yes, I moved from India specifically for the MIE. My advice to prospective students is to think about the kind of learning environment you want, the opportunities outside the classroom, and how well the program aligns with your long-term goals.
The city matters too. Living in Berlin has exposed me to startups, networking events, and people from around the world, making the overall learning experience much richer.
What is it like studying with a cohort where 83% of students have an international background?
It's one of the best parts of this program. Every discussion brings together different perspectives because everyone has unique cultural and professional experiences. One can quickly realize there are multiple ways to approach the same problem.
Beyond academics, it's also been a chance to learn about diverse cultures, celebrate traditions together, and build friendships that I know will last well beyond the program.
Has being part of the master’s group helped you find friends or community here in Berlin?
“Moving to a new country can be overwhelming at first, but the MIE cohort made that transition much easier.”
Absolutely. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming at first, but the MIE cohort made that transition much easier. Whether it's working on projects, exploring Berlin, or simply grabbing coffee after class, I've found a genuine sense of community here. We have often traveled together as well. It often feels like an extended family.
Was entrepreneurship something you were passionate about before the MIE? How has the program encouraged you to explore it?
I have been keen on entrepreneurship since my childhood. Growing up in a family-business environment always made me enjoy creating things and solving problems.
This MIE program gave it a more practical touch. Instead of only discussing startups, we interviewed customers, tested ideas, and learned through experimentation. It taught me that entrepreneurship isn't about having the perfect idea; it's about staying curious, listening carefully, and continuously improving.
You recently completed the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP). Can you tell us a bit about what the SEP involves?
The SEP is an immersive experience where we spend the summer developing startup ideas and validating them in the real world. Rather than working on hypothetical business cases, we spoke to customers, refined our solutions, and received feedback from experienced mentors. It was fast-paced, challenging, and incredibly rewarding because every week brought new insights that shaped our thoughts.
Your SEP project was OmniTrace. Can you tell us more about the scope of the project? Who was on your team and did you get any mentorship or support?
I grew up around industrial automation through my family's business, SwayamVaha Technologies, which has over 30 years of experience working with manufacturing systems. OmniTrace focuses on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers improve production visibility using AI. This meant OmniTrace is something really close to me.
OmniTrace was a completely solo venture for me. Throughout the summer I received invaluable guidance from mentors, faculty, and entrepreneurs who encouraged me to question my thinking and keep improving. Every factory visit challenged assumptions I had made and helped me build a solution grounded in real needs. With the help of this mentorship, and peer-to-peer feedback, I was able to build a prototype and launch its pilot during the SEP.
What's next for OmniTrace?
The Summer Entrepreneurship Program gave us a strong foundation, but for me, OmniTrace was never meant to end with the final presentation. It helped me validate that there is a real need for accessible AI solutions in manufacturing, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that often don't have the resources to adopt complex technologies.
The next step is to continue validating my approach, deepen our understanding of customer needs, and explore how OmniTrace can evolve into a solution that genuinely supports manufacturers in improving efficiency and decision-making. Whatever direction the journey takes, I'll continue building with customer feedback at the center.
What was the single biggest thing the SEP taught you about building a startup?
"Instead of falling in love with the “Idea”, fall in love with the “Problem.”"
The biggest lesson I learned was that instead of falling in love with the “Idea”, fall in love with the “Problem.” It's easy to become attached to your own ideas, but meaningful progress comes from listening, adapting, and sometimes letting go of assumptions. Some of the most valuable insights came from conversations that completely changed my thinking direction.
That experience taught me to see feedback not as criticism, but as an opportunity to build something better.
You’ve been involved in high-profile extracurricular events like the Munich Young Forum and TEDxESMT Berlin. What did they add to your MIE experience?
These experiences have complemented everything I've learned in class. The Munich Young Forum exposed me to inspiring discussions on leadership and innovation, while TEDxESMT Berlin showed me the power of bringing people together through ideas.
They reminded me that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom, through conversations, collaboration, and stepping into opportunities you hadn't originally planned for.
What is your best overall memory from the MIE so far?
"It's the people I'll remember most...the countless conversations that made this journey both challenging and incredibly rewarding "
It's difficult to choose just one. If I had to, I'd say watching OmniTrace evolve from an idea into something tangible during the SEP.
Looking back, though, it's the people I'll remember most; the late-night project sessions, celebrating milestones together, and the countless conversations that made this journey both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What is your advice for future master’s students thinking about coming to ESMT?
To all the future students, come with an open mind and make the most of every opportunity. This is how I found some of the experiences that have shaped me the most. This really helped me because I was willing to say yes, step outside my comfort zone, and learn from the people around me.
The MIE is more than a degree; it's an experience that encourages you to grow both professionally and personally.
Thank you Vaibhav!
If you would like to hear more from Vaibhav, including insights into his entrepreneurial journey with OmniTrace, you can follow him on LinkedIn.
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