Entrepreneurship

Development of entrepreneurship is of utmost importance. New ideas and applications that should lead to sustainable development only do so when people use them as often and quickly as possible where they are needed most. Users of these applications are typically companies, NGOs or governments with whom we have developed these new ideas. Sometimes the logical technology adopter is not yet present and then a start-up company can be the way to translating the concept into a product or service. At the TU Delft we help students or researchers to become entrepreneurs, and as TU Delft | Global Initiative we add our network and expertise in entrepreneurship in Low- and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) to the mix.

Value for many

At the TU Delft, innovation is a given. Our Delft Global researchers, educators and students are led by the questions of how LMICs can become more resilient, cleaner, healthier, circular and (self)efficient. Their input -always in co-creation with local partners and stakeholders- leads to an abundance of useful concepts and prototypes with potential. From water pumps run by solar energy, to floating homes, and 3D-printed (and therefore locally produced) hand prosthetics.

But a university is not a company. Offering goods and services on the market is a task of other parties. Professional entrepreneurs, whether or not in cooperation with investors, NGOs, or governments, can further develop concepts and prototypes, scale up production and create a market. This way, innovation becomes valuable for many.

Training

TU Delft supports the university community in the translation from concept to end product. We do this for example by teaching students and scientists how to build a business case, with which they can interest already existing companies for their brainchild, or work on their own start-up.

Research

Entrepreneurs have substantive and more long-term questions that researchers can help answer to address. (PhD) students can develop – in close collaboration with stakeholders or partners – a design or prototype, test it, analyse its operation and suggest or implement improvements. In addition, a business case of an entrepreneur from the Global South can lead to a study assignment or graduation project. For instance in the minor- and master programmes of the TU Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship students are addressing such cases.

Network

We have an extensive network of people and organisations that welcome and support innovation in LMICs. In addition to many knowledge institutions, this includes companies, organisations and foundations that pursue ecological or socio-economic returns with their investments. We are happy to use this network to support your entrepreneurship and look for the right partners for each concept or business case. We make potential and existing entrepreneurs aware of burgeoning innovations so that they can develop them further in collaboration with the university. One of the ways we do this is by digitally showcasing ideas and concepts developed in Delft.

Resources

Specifically, we provide students and researchers with access to various relevant training programs, funding instruments and forms of collaboration and guide them in their application. For professional entrepreneurs and potential partners from low- and middle-income countries, TU Delft | Global Initiative functions as a gateway to the university community.

Education programmes (for students)

Startup support

Funding

For companies looking for students


Alumni start-up gallery

TU Delft alumni have created these start-ups. They all target (at least in part) LMICs as their market segment.