Ready to Start

Are you a researcher and do you want to understand what it takes to launch a science-based startup? Ready To Start is a free 4-week online evening course and can be your first step toward making a significant impact with your research.

You will participate in an expert session each Monday and an optional progress session each Wednesday, both running from 20.00-21.00 hours.

What will you learn

Program timeline

Researchers (PhD candidates and up) from Leiden’s renowned knowledge institutes, including Leiden University, LACDR, LIC, IBL, LUMC or Hogeschool Leidenare welcome to join.

Deadline

3 June

June 8

July 1

This is Ready to Start

In this program, we delve into the entrepreneurial sphere, addressing key questions such as:

  • What defines a startup?
  • How can a startup incubator assist me?
  • Is entrepreneurship the right path for me?
  • Can entrepreneurship coexist with an academic career?


You will participate in an expert session each Monday and an optional progress session each Wednesday, both running from 20.00-21.00 hours.

About the trainer

Sven van der Vlies

Talent Scout

With a background in science and business management, Sven supports researchers in taking the first steps toward launching a science-based startup.

Do you have a question about Ready to Start? Get in touch with Sven!

FAQ

Don’t see your question listed here? Ask the program trainer!

I’m an independent founder. Can I still apply?

Yes, as a solo founder you can apply to our programs. However, we strongly believe in strong and diverse teams, so we encourage you to start looking for team members as soon as possible. One of the ways we can support you is through our talent matching events.
Ready to Start is an online program, so you can attend the sessions online.

The expert sessions are mandatory. The progress sessions are optional, but we strongly recommend attending them as well.

No. Ready to Start is designed as an orientation program. You don’t need to have a startup idea or business plan yet, curiosity about entrepreneurship is enough.

Yes. Ready to Start explicitly addresses the combination of an academic career and entrepreneurship, including hybrid careers and the valorisation of research.
Sign up for the program!

Apply directly via the button below. Want to learn more first? Download our brochure.

Other programs

unlock_ acceleration
Acceleration
Sprout
Acceleration
Have you just entered the market with your innovative product or service, or do you have a realistic plan for how you will do so in the...
unlock_ incubation
Acceleration
The unlock_ Incubation Program is an entrepreneurship program to support life science and biotechnology start-ups in this early phase t...
Venture Academy
Validation
The Venture Academy is a free program for motivated early-stage entrepreneurs with a scalable startup idea.
Startup Play
Ideation
Discover the potential of your idea and how to bring it to market during the free validation program Startup Play.