Find guidance on Activation Labs, thesis support, grading, timelines, and diploma issuance.
🎉 Congratulations on reaching the Activation Phase at Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences!
This is an incredible milestone in your academic journey, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Feel proud of how far you’ve come — now it’s time to bring your ideas to life through research, innovation, and impact. 💪
🧭 What are the Activation Labs?
Activation Labs provide structure and focus for the Activation Phase, allowing learners to tailor their thesis or final project based on their academic and professional interests. 🧑🎓
Each lab aligns with specific program outcomes and degree requirements.
➡️ Learners must identify which Activation Labs are available to their program, as each has its own focus, format, and supervision model.
💡 Entrepreneurship Lab
Focus: Design and test business ideas, leveraging data and research to develop sustainable business models.
Recommended for:
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BA in Responsible Entrepreneurship (BA RE) learners (primary lab)
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BSc learners who wish to take a business innovation approach
Develop entrepreneurial solutions addressing real-world challenges, test prototypes, and refine impact-driven ventures.
🌍 Research & Impact Lab
Focus: Conduct in-depth research on sustainability, technology, and societal impact using rigorous methodologies.
Recommended for:
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BSc learners (primary lab)
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BA RE learners (optional)
Engage in research-based inquiry, collaborate with academic and industry partners, and produce evidence-based insights that advance sustainability practices.
🔄 Transformation Lab
Focus: Design, implement, or evaluate sustainable solutions for organisations.
Recommended for:
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MBA learners
Work on projects related to business transformation, ESG management, sustainability reporting, leadership development, or organisational change.
💡 Innovation & Technology Lab
Focus: Drive innovation at the intersection of sustainability and technology.
Recommended for:
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MSc in Sustainability, Innovation & Technology (MSc SIT) learners (exclusive lab)
This lab supports learners in developing their own innovation projects, joining institutional initiatives, or collaborating with partners such as Fraunhofer AHEAD.
Projects may explore:
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AI- or data-driven sustainability solutions
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Responsible technology and digital innovation
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Circular and impact-focused business models
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Applied research on technology adoption and transformation
Assessment:
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Written Thesis – 70%
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Final Presentation & Oral Defence – 30%
📅 When does the Activation Phase take place?
The Activation Phase is the final stage of your program.
You should have completed the Orientation, Calibration, and Elevation phases before entering this phase.
⏳ Can I start the Activation Phase early?
You should follow your program schedule to officially enrol in your lab.
However, you’re encouraged to begin exploring early:
✨ Explore your interests — identify topics aligned with your mission.
📚 Review literature — understand existing research and practices.
📝 Draft initial ideas — outline potential research questions or project concepts.
🤝 Discuss with peers — share ideas for feedback and inspiration.
🎯 How do I choose which lab?
Think about the output you want for your thesis or project:
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A business venture → Entrepreneurship Lab
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A research study → Research & Impact Lab
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An organizational project → Transformation Lab
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A sustainability and technology innovation → Innovation & Technology Lab
Choosing the right lab ensures alignment with your program focus and academic goals.
Note: If you are an MSc SET learner, please refer to this page for specific guidance.
🔍 Does it matter which program I am from to choose a lab?
Yes. Each program is aligned with specific Activation Labs:
| Program | Recommended Lab(s) |
|---|---|
| BSc | Research & Impact Lab (primary) or Entrepreneurship Lab |
| BA Responsible Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurship Lab (primary) or Research & Impact Lab |
| MBA | Transformation Lab |
| MSc SIT | Innovation & Technology Lab (exclusive) |
Please check your Program Handbook or confirm with your Program Director which labs are open to your degree.
👩🏫 Will I have a supervisor?
Yes — every learner will have an assigned supervisor.
Supervisor allocation varies slightly depending on the lab:
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In some labs, you’ll submit a supervisor request form once your topic is defined.
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The Lab Owner (e.g., Prof. Dr. Jonathan Costa for MSc SIT) reviews requests and allocates learners to the most suitable professor.
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Some labs are supervised directly by the Lab Owner.
You may also have a co-supervisor or mentor if collaborating with an external organization.
🧩 What kind of support will I get?
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Three live sessions at the start to define your topic and proposal.
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Monthly supervision check-ins to review progress and define next steps.
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Peer collaboration opportunities and feedback sessions within your lab community.
You and your supervisor can customize your preferred check-in structure.
📑 What is the format of my thesis?
Thesis structure depends on your degree level and lab type:
| Degree Level | Expected Length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor (BA / BSc) | ~30 pages |
| Master (MSc / MBA) | ~50 pages |
All theses include:
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Abstract
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Literature Review / Context
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Methodology
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Results / Outcomes
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Discussion & Conclusion
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References
📘 Formatting:
There is flexibility in reference formatting styles.
We recommend APA 7th edition as the standard, but other formats are accepted if consistently applied throughout the thesis.
🧾 What are the outcomes of the Activation Phase?
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Written Thesis: A comprehensive academic report that demonstrates your innovation or research process.
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Final Presentation: A professional oral defense of your findings and implications.
Your work is assessed using the Tomorrow University Competency Framework and lab-specific rubrics.
🧮 How is the thesis graded?
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written Thesis | 70–80% (depending on lab) |
| Final Presentation & Oral Defence | 20–30% (depending on lab) |
📘 Note: The Thesis Proposal is evaluated for feedback purposes but does not count toward your final grade.
🕓 When will I receive my final grade?
You will receive your final grade within 7 weeks of your thesis submission date.
📤 How do I submit my thesis and schedule my presentation?
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Submit your final thesis via the learning app at least 2 weeks before your presentation.
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Book your presentation slot via the app or shared calendar (up to 90 days in advance).
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Presentation format: 20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A.
🎓 Diploma & Graduation
Once all requirements are met and your Activation Phase is graded, you may request your official transcript.
Diplomas are issued at the next graduation ceremony.
If you require early issuance, contact the support team through the app for review.
💬 Need Support?
For additional guidance, reach out to your Program Director or contact the support team via the app.
We’re here to ensure your Activation Phase is a success! 🌟
Good luck — you’re about to make your biggest impact yet! 🚀