LEARN / SOiE / Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
Fall Semester 2025 - 3 ECTS
Start your journey now!
The aim of the course is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and to develop your entrepreneurial mindset and competencies. This course is designed to inspire you to create impact and implement societal change. By fostering creativity and innovation, you will be empowered to develop your own venture ideas and be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to bring them to life. Entrepreneurial competences are crucial not only for future employment in the startup world, but also in industry and academia.

What will you gain?
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Comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship: Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and develop an understanding of how creativity, innovation, and risk-taking are essential for driving change.
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Key business and life skills: Enhance leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, all tailored to meet the unique challenges of starting and managing entrepreneurial ventures.
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Inspiration to drive change: Be inspired to drive societal change and develop your own venture ideas, whether you have an idea or are just getting started!
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Hands-on learning: Apply theory to real-world challenges through team projects, interactive learning, and practical experiences.
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Expertise: Learn from experienced professionals and academic experts who bring real-world expertise to course lectures.
The course underscores the importance of teamwork and active participation in class discussions. It is structured around lectures, teamwork, and the development of venture ideas, emphasizing practical relevance by applying theoretical concepts in real-world contexts.
At the start of the course, you will form teams focused on real-world innovation or entrepreneurship examples. Throughout the course, teams will collaborate on developing new venture ideas through hands-on learning by doing.

Tuesday, 23rd of September | 16h30-19h30
• Overview of different ways of entrepreneurship
• Developing entrepreneurial thinking: risk-taking, creativity, and innovation
• Entrepreneurship competences and self-reflectionTuesday, 2nd of October | 16h30-20h30
• Idea generation
• Formation of interdisciplinary teams
• Importance of team work and collaborationTuesday, 07th of October | 16h30-19h30
• Human resources in startups: building and managing effective teams
• Leadership and teamwork skills: fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation
• Conflict management and team motivation
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and using emotional intelligence for better leadership and positive team dynamicsTuesday, 14th of October | 16h30-19h30
• Defining the value proposition
• Understanding customer insights and market analysisTuesday, 21st of October | 16h30-19h30
• Developing a sustainable business plan (BMC)
• Leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and validation
Tuesday, 28th of October | 16h30-19h30
• Marketing strategies for startups
• Building a brand identity• Leveraging AI tools in marketing
Tuesday, 04th of November | 16h30-19h30
• Pitching toolbox
• Audience analysis
• Body language and voice
• Practicing and getting feedback
Tuesday, 11th of November | 16h30-19h30
• Exploring avenues for securing startup funding
• Walk-through of a business case (from start to exit)
• Overview of fundamental financial principles for entrepreneursTuesday, 19th of November | 16h30-19h30
• Role model talks
• Guest lecture from successful entrepreneurs
• Case studies of successful companies and lessons learned
Tuesday, 25th of November | 16h30-19h30
• Strategies for sustainable business growth
• Challenges and opportunities in internationalization
• Learnings & best practices from an investor; what investors look out for
• Funding opportunitiesTuesday, 02nd of December | 16h30-19h30
• Presenting final business ideas and business plans
• Peer evaluation and feedback
• Reflecting on personal development & learning, and planning for future endeavors in entrepreneurship
Fall 2025 Schedule
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Fall Semester - 3 ECTS
Bachelors, Masters

Applications will open in April 2025, and enrollment guidelines will be available at that time. If you'd like to be notified when the application opens, please join our email list.

If you'd like to be notified when the application opens,
please join our mailing list.

The rich variety of presentations and expert feedback made the experience truly inspiring. The networking opportunities and team connections gave us a solid foundation to kickstart our entrepreneurial journey. I especially appreciated the hands-on practical insights and technical know-how—it was the perfect mix of learning, collaboration, and action!
Ivana Kocisova
B.A., English and Media

Coming from a science background, the prospect of exploring the entrepreneurial and business world initially seemed daunting. However, thanks to the well-structured sessions, motivated trainers, and inspiring classmates, this has proven to be the most valuable course I've taken.
Usman Mahmood
MSc Drug Sciences

Throughout this course, I have gained valuable insights into the process of developing a successful entrepreneurial venture. From understanding opportunities and team dynamics to applying practical knowledge in product development, market research, and financial planning, this experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship. It has also allowed me to collaborate with a team, gaining first-hand insight into various entrepreneurial aspects and applying them to real-world challenges through team-based decision-making. I highly encourage all students, regardless of their entrepreneurial background, to join this course. It offers a unique opportunity to gain an excellent foundation in entrepreneurship.
Enea Pinchetti
MSc Molecular Biology and Cell Biology

The 'Foundations of Entrepreneurship' course was a truly exceptional experience that offered me an invaluable interdisciplinary perspective. Coming from a legal background, I found it particularly enriching to explore how entrepreneurial principles and innovation intersect with my field. The course gave me a deep understanding of the many facets involved in creating and sustaining a business, from ideation to execution. For a law student like me, this course provided a rare opportunity to step outside the confines of legal theory and engage with practical, real-world challenges. It highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability – all of which are crucial, not only for entrepreneurship but also for understanding what it takes to pursue self-employment. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and gain a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. It equips students with the tools and confidence to turn ideas into impactful realities, regardless of their discipline or background.
Kaltrin Maliqi
Masters Student of Law

Joining the first Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship course by the Innovation Office was an incredible learning experience. Whether you already have a business idea or not, it’s the perfect place to explore entrepreneurship, connect with likeminded students, and get inspired by experienced founders and coaches. I especially appreciated the hands-on approach — working in small teams on our own ideas and being encouraged to talk to real customers early on really pushed us out of our comfort zone. It was the most impactful entrepreneurship course I took during my studies and gave me the confidence to start building something of my own.
Julian Kempf
MSc Business and Technology

Taking the Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship course was a great experience that significantly enriched my studies at the University of Basel. This course provides hands-on exposure to the entrepreneurial world, equipping you with practical skills, real-world insights, and the confidence to turn ideas into action. Working in a team of students from various departments, you’ll develop a startup idea while receiving weekly coaching from experts — an invaluable opportunity to refine your ideas and expand your network within the Swiss startup ecosystem. Whether you plan to start your own venture or simply want to build an entrepreneurial mindset, this course is definitely a must!
Emil Kitzing
MSc Business and Technology

Testimonials
Trainers

Patrycja Pielaszek
Trainer, Facilitator & Entrepreneur, Innovation Catalyst & Lecturer, University of Zurich

Alberto Ribeiro Silveira
Founder, Rebel Forward LLC

Mauricio Campos Suarez
Eng. & MBA, Founder, Coach & Consultant

Marta V. Gehring
Senior Account Director, RHA Communications & Senior Fellow, EPFL Innovation Park

Arthur Krause
Life Science Consultant & Educator

Oskari Vinko
Entrepreneur, Scientist & Coach

Isabelle Siegrist
Founder & CEO, Sandborn

Ruben Herrendorf
CEO at NXI Therapeutics

Prof. Dr. Pascal Gantenbein
Prof. Dr. Financial Management,
University of Basel

Anna-Elina Pekonen
Head of Entrepreneurship Education, Innovation Office, University of Basel

Christian Elias Schneider
Managing Director, Innovation Office, University of Basel

Dr. Alessandro Mazzetti
Head of Innovation Office, University of Basel

Lara Brantschen
Junior Innovation Manager, Entrepreneurship Education
Contacts
