EnterpriseTECH STAR

180 hours – 10 weeks – 20 people

We launched EnterpriseTECH STAR in September 2019 for our first cohort of 20 PhD students and postdocs in response to a clear desire for a ‘next-steps’ experience, beyond EnterpriseTECH. One in which these students could progress and develop both themselves and their embryonic business ideas in a challenging but supportive environment.

We envisioned the programme as a stepping-stone for motivated individuals, still finishing PhDs or in the midst of postdoctoral research, en route to venture accelerators and incubators to become next-generation founders of exciting new companies.

Watch the students’ perspective of the programme: EnterpriseTECH STAR

In short, EnterpriseTECH STAR aims to deliver a curated and personalised journey that nurtures entrepreneurial talent. Our stringent selection process means we restrict applications to those who have completed the team experience of EnterpriseTECH beforehand.

Rather than concentrating on manifesting the business idea into a tangible business plan as the number one priority, we work to develop the entrepreneur within the student. In this way, we take a holistic and individualistic approach to entrepreneurship education.

EnterpriseTECH STAR runs for a tight 10-weeks in an extra-curricular mode and the students are expected to produce:

• Insight journal.
• One-page business plan summary.
• Appropriate business plan.
• Pitch deck.
• Video interview.
• Jobs to-do list.

There are 100 hours of lectures, talks, workshops and activities underpinned throughout with another 80-hours of mentoring sessions and personal research.

Programme format

Weeks 1-4: Discover, explore and absorb

• People & Products, including self-awareness, team building, harnessing systems, IP, product market fit, product development, behavioural design, case studies and fireside chats.
• The Market Place, including business and products marketing strategies, branding, applications, identity and market research.

Weeks 5-7: Refine and commit

• CEO 101, including selling, working with investors, governance, finance, legal details for founding CEOs, fund-raising, adaptability and operations.

Weeks 8-10: Articulate and deliver

• Personal Expeditions, including personal leadership styles, communication, negotiation styles and strategies, storytelling architectures and techniques and business personas.
• First Class Delivery, including voice coaching, practical performance skills, visual communications, pitching.

Programme dates for 2020

Application information

Applications for EnterpriseTECH STAR 2021 open on Monday 8 March 2021 and will on close on Friday 14 May 2021. You will write a project proposal and deliver a pitch as part of the application process. We also review your interaction and experience as an EnterpriseTECH participant.

COVID-19

Ensuring student wellbeing and complying with recommended physical distancing measures is a priority for us. We will adhere to the University of Cambridge’s policies. However, we hope to run as much of EnterpriseTECH as possible in its usual in-person form. There are many benefits to small group interactions.

2021 programme fees

• For applicants registered at the University of Cambridge: £1,400
• For applicants outside the university: £2,250

There is a non-refundable deposit of £250 upon acceptance of a place. For successful applicants at the University of Cambridge, the remaining programme fee will be funded by sponsors and research council funding. For external applicants, the full balance is payable before the programme starts. You will be offered the option of self-funding or providing details of your sponsor or other entity.