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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?

  • 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?

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.

November 2026

November 2026

November 2026

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.

This program is in partnership with UtrechtInc, co-sponsored by Kansen voor West and co-funded by the European Union.

About the trainer

Sven

Programma Manager

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

 

Do you have a question about Ready to Start? Then please contact Sven!

Veelgestelde vragen over Ready to Start

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

Yes, as a single founder you can apply for our programs. However, we are firm believers of strong and diverse teams, so we encourage you to start looking for team members as soon as possible. One of the ways we can help you is through our talent matching events.

Ready to Start is an online program. So you can take the classes online

The export sessions are mandatory. The progress sessions are optional, but we strongly recommend participating in these as well.

No. In fact, Ready To Start is meant to be an orientation program. You don’t have to have a business idea or business plan yet. Curiosity about entrepreneurship is enough.

The entire program is offered in English because the content and examples are internationally oriented.

Yes. Ready To Start explicitly pays attention to the combination of academic careers and entrepreneurship, including hybrid careers and valorization of research.

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