Eindhoven University of Technology

What you'll study

The Graduate Certificate focuses on the intersection of technology, business and entrepreneurship. Teaching combines conceptual frameworks and hands-on project work so you learn to evaluate opportunities, design business models and take technical innovations towards market. Typical modules and themes include:

• Technology Strategy and Management — frameworks for assessing technology trajectories, disruption, and strategic decision-making in R&D-driven organisations.
• New Venture Creation — opportunity validation, customer discovery, lean start-up methods and the stages of building a scalable technology venture.
• Business Models and Commercialisation — value proposition design, revenue models for hardware and software, go-to-market strategies and channel selection.
• Finance for Entrepreneurs — basics of startup finance, financial modelling, fundraising routes (angel, VC, corporate) and term-sheet essentials.
• Intellectual Property and Legal Issues — IP strategy, licensing, patents and contractual considerations relevant to deep-tech ventures.
• Product Development and Project Management — stage-gate processes, agile development for hardware-software integration and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Marketing and Business Development — market segmentation, customer acquisition strategies and partnerships for scaling technology businesses.
• Capstone / Applied Project — a practical, team-based project that applies course tools to a real technology idea, often in collaboration with industry or a startup on the TU/e campus.

Instruction methods typically include seminars, case studies, guest lectures from entrepreneurs and industry, and supervised project work. The programme emphasises practical outcomes such as investor-ready pitches, prototype roadmaps and go-to-market plans.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a completed bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied science, computer science, design, or a related discipline. Relevant professional experience in a technological or product role is advantageous and may be requested, especially for applicants without a closely related degree.

Typical application materials include a CV, a personal statement outlining motivation and entrepreneurial interests, academic transcripts and references. As instruction is in English, proof of English proficiency is required from applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English; accepted tests and minimum scores follow the university’s standard English-language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates use the certificate to accelerate careers where technical expertise must be combined with business leadership. Common roles and pathways include:

• Founder or co-founder of a technology startup, particularly in deep-tech domains such as advanced materials, semiconductors, medtech or robotics.
• Product manager or head of product in tech firms, responsible for roadmaps and market fit of complex products.
• Corporate innovation manager or intrapreneur leading new business initiatives inside established companies.
• Business development or technology commercialisation officer at research organisations, incubators and accelerators.
• Advisor, consultant or venture builder supporting early-stage technology ventures or corporate venturing units.

The programme is designed to deliver practical skills valued by employers in the regional innovation ecosystem and beyond, helping participants move from technical contributor roles into strategic and leadership positions.

Why study at Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology is located in the Brainport Eindhoven region, a dense ecosystem of high-tech industry, research institutes and startups. This proximity offers strong opportunities for industry collaboration, guest lectures and applied project partnerships. TU/e’s approach combines technical excellence with an emphasis on innovation and design, making it well suited for programmes that bridge engineering and entrepreneurship.

Students benefit from access to campus innovation infrastructure, connections with incubators and accelerators, and a network of researchers and entrepreneurs experienced in commercialising deep-technology. The learning environment encourages interdisciplinary teamwork and direct engagement with real-world technology challenges, preparing participants to lead or launch technology-driven ventures.