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      Elevation Challenge: Become a Visiting Entrepreneur at Fraunhofer AHEAD

      This challenge offers you a hands-on opportunity to work as a visiting entrepreneur, bridging academic innovation with industry expertise

      Tomorrow University is excited to invite you to our exclusive Elevation Challenge in collaboration with Fraunhofer AHEAD! This challenge offers you a hands-on opportunity to work as a visiting entrepreneur, bridging academic innovation with industry expertise—all while earning 10 ECTS.

      Eligibility:

      This challenge is open to MSc in Sustainability, Innovation and Technology learners and Impact MBA learners.

      🎯 What's in it for you?

      • Earn 10 ECTS: Complete this challenge to earn 1 full elevation challenge credit toward your curriculum.
      • Real-World Experience: Collaborate with diverse teams at Tomorrow University and Fraunhofer AHEAD, working on market analysis, team leadership and product development.
      • Networking: Build connections with industry experts and mentors from Fraunhofer AHEAD.
      • Travel & Accommodation: All train travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed (see details below).

      📅 Challenge Timeline

      1. AHEAD Bootcamp (10–13 March 2025 in Nuremberg)

      • In-Person Kick-Off: Dive into an intensive four-day bootcamp.
      • Role: Work “for and with” two or three teams, taking on a hybrid role as both coach and team member.
      • Focus Areas:
        • Market: Identify problems, assess market attractiveness, analyze competition, and strategize risk reduction.
        • Team: Evaluate your strengths, harmonize team roles, and build high-performance dynamics.
        • Product: Understand target group requirements, define measurable added value, and develop a product MVP.

      • Pitch Presentation:
        • On the final day, teams will deliver a 90-second pitch (without slides) to the AHEAD jury, followed by a 3.5-minute Q&A session.
        • Note: Students will co-create the storyline and practice with the teams, though they will only join the jury pitch as visitors.
      • Entrepreneurial Deep Dive:
        • Participate in tasks the discovery journey on team, market, and product domains.
        • Act as both a coach and a part-time team member, ensuring teams apply the methods and tools effectively.
      • "Washing Machine" Session (Day 2):
        • Engage in this interactive session where experts challenge the teams with tough questions.
        • Support teams in market and product areas and help them reflect on feedback to prioritize actionable steps.

      2. Virtual Follow-Up (17–31 March 2025)

      • Team Selection:
        • Before the Bootcamp: Select 2–3 teams you wish to accompany (detailed project descriptions will be provided).
        • After the Bootcamp: Choose one team to support further until the Sprint.
      • Ongoing Support:
        • Collaborate with your chosen team to iteratively develop a pitch deck covering key elements of a business plan.
        • Include at least two feedback calls with the team, ensuring they work independently while receiving your support.

      3. AHEAD Sprint (31 March–02 April 2025 in Munich)

      • High-Energy Sprint:
        • Provide final support during the Sprint by engaging in individual tasks (e.g., application field search, customer discovery, communication prototyping).
        • Actively participate in discovery calls and market research.

      • Final Deliverable:
        • After the Sprint, hold a feedback call with your team and deliver an updated pitch deck incorporating the latest insights.
        • Optionally, submit a 3–5 page project review as part of your deliverables.

      🚄 Travel Expenses

      Travel expenses will be reimbursed, subject to the following conditions:

      • Expense Report:
        • The travel expense report must be submitted collectively by the university. Please submit your expenses here
      • Train Travel:
        • Travel must be by train with second-class tickets.
        • First-class tickets may be reimbursed if the travel time exceeds two hours.
      • Hotel Costs:
        • Covered up to a limit of €91 per night in Nuremberg (or €99 per night in Munich and Berlin), including breakfast.
      • Important Dates:
        • Bootcamp: March 10–13, 2025, in Nuremberg
        • Sprint: March 31–April 2, 2025, in Munich

      📚 ECTS and Student Responsibilities

      To earn the 10 ECTS for this challenge, students are expected to:

      1. Team Selection:
        • Before the Bootcamp: Select 2–3 teams you wish to accompany. Detailed project descriptions will be provided.
      2. Pitch Presentation:
        • During the Bootcamp: Help teams prepare for a 90-second pitch (without slides) followed by a 3.5-minute Q&A to convince the AHEAD jury.
        • This pitch is crucial for the teams’ acceptance into the AHEAD program, which includes six months of support and a funding amount of €50,000.
      3. Entrepreneurial Deep Dive:
        • Act as both a coach and a part-time team member throughout the bootcamp.
        • Support teams in applying discovery tools and methods for market, team, and product development.
      4. "Washing Machine" Session:
        • Participate on the second day as teams face challenging questions about their projects.
        • After the session, assist teams in reflecting on feedback to derive and prioritize actionable improvements.
      5. Post-Bootcamp Support:
        • Between Bootcamp and Sprint:
          • Choose one team to support further.
          • Work on an iterative pitch deck process with at least two feedback calls.
      6. Sprint Responsibilities:
        • Provide final support during the Sprint by handling individual tasks (e.g., market research, customer discovery).
        • Engage in discovery calls and assist with final pitch preparation.
      7. Final Deliverables:
        • After the Sprint, conduct a feedback call with your team and deliver an updated pitch deck.
        • Optionally, you may write a 3–5 page project review.

      Note: Teams may continue to receive support after the Sprint by arranging individual agreements with the students.

      💡 Application Process

      We are excited to offer 6 exclusive spots for this immersive experience. Ready to elevate your impact and drive innovation in sustainability?

      Apply now by 15 February 2025!

      👉 Submit your application here 👈

      📆 Office Hours

      Got questions or need more information before applying?

      Book an office hour slot with the Program Director here:

      👉 Book Office Hours 👈

      ❓ FAQ

      Q: My elevation phase hasn't started yet (normally, the elevation phase takes place after the calibration phase). Can I still apply for this?

      A: Absolutely! Even if you haven't completed your calibration phase, you can still apply as long as you feel you have the necessary skills to support the AHEAD teams. The credits you earn from this challenge can count toward your final degree, meaning you'll be able to skip one of the Elevation challenges later on.

      📞 Questions?

      For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact the program director’s office at Tomorrow University.

      Elevate your potential. Transform the future. Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!

      👉 Apply Here 👈