How do you start a scientific company?
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.
The next Ready To Start program begins on September 8, 2025.
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.
Who is eligible to participate?
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: 5 November 2025
Kickoff: 10 November 2025
Graduation: 2 December 2025
Participation is free of charge.
Program outline Ready To Start
Online plenary sessions:
10 November – Expert session 1 (Kickoff)
17 November – Expert session 2
24 November – Expert session 3
1 December – Expert session 4
3 December – Graduation
Optional online progress sessions:
12 November – Progress session 1
19 November – Progress session 2
26 November – Progress session 3
FAQ
See the most frequently asked questions.
Yes, as a single founder you are allowed to apply to 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.
PLNT does not invest itself in startups. We have a large network of formal and informal investors and we have a good understanding of the funding landscape.
This program is in partnership with UtrechtInc, co-sponsored by Kansen voor West and co-funded by the European Union.
