The QAI Ventures Entrepreneur Workshop is a hands-on, two- to three-day sprint designed for PhD and postgraduate students in quantum and advanced computing. We help young talents explore how their research could form the foundation of a real startup - and what it takes to get there.
Entrepreneur Workshop
What to expect at the Entrepreneur Workshop
Participants work in small, interdisciplinary teams to develop early business cases - either based on their own lab work or real quantum tech patents provided by QAI Ventures and partners.
Our expert mentors — many of whom are entrepreneurs and scientists themselves — guide the teams through startup fundamentals, including:
Intellectual property and tech transfer
Building a value proposition
Identifying early adopters and customer segments
Designing a business model
Pitch training and storytelling
Pitch your idea in front of experts and receive valuable feedback
At the end of the workshop, each team presents their idea to a jury of quantum scientists, business leaders, and startup founders. You’ll receive feedback on the science as well as on your startup potential and next steps.
Follow-up Support
Teams that show strong potential will be invited into a structured bootcamp. There, they can refine their business idea, gain deeper mentorship, and work toward readiness for the QAI Ventures Accelerator.
Who should apply for the Entrepreneur Workshop
This program is designed for:
PhD and postgraduate students
Researchers in quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, or adjacent fields (AI, Advanced Computing, quantum enabling technologies)
No prior startup experience required - just motivation to explore.
Calling Corporates: Join the workshop, submit a challenge
Corporate and institutional partners are invited to take part in Entrepreneur Workshop by submitting real-world challenges for participants to solve. It’s a practical way to engage with top quantum talent, test new ideas, and contribute to the next generation of Quantum AI startups.
If you’re a student, researcher, or aspiring founder: This is your first step. If you’re a corporate or public partner: Bring your challenge, and we’ll help you test and build a solution.
Next workshop
coming up!
Got Questions?
Reach out to Dr. Tobias Denzler, Head of Science and Technology at QAI Ventures. Tobias leads our Pre-Accelerator Programs and will help you explore how to get involved.