International TUD|excite Summer School

The Summer School is at the heart of the Zuse Innovators Program (Z-IP) and has set itself the task of using high-quality university patents for the founding of start-ups by international founding teams. Participants of the Summer School have the opportunity to benefit from preparatory and follow-up measures and thus become part of the patent incubation program.

TU Dresden has been building a Campus Lausitz for several years and is actively shaping structural change in the region. The Summer School shows perspectives in this transformation region and correlates with the special work of Konrad Zuse as the inventor of the first computer in Germany, who particularly distinguished himself through his inventions and his struggle for patents and the founding of a company of digital innovation.

The Summer School program comprises 5 days. We provide intensive training based on inputs, expert panels and group work with accompanied coaching. The one-week summer school is combined with an attractive supporting program and takes place in Saxony. The costs for the program between 24 and 28 August 2026 will be covered. Travel costs are to be covered by the participants themselves. International guests have the option of contacting the ERASMUS program for support with travel costs: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/staff-training/higher-education-staff-training or applying directly to their EUTOPIA university for a fully funded place.

The procedure for participation in the International TUD|excite Summer School and the Z-IP is as follows:

• You are an early-career researcher (Master's graduate or about to graduate, doctoral student or postdoctoral researcher).
• You are enthusiastic about an idea from the following subject areas, among others:

• In particular, economists with a business background and an interest in spin-offs are welcome to contribute their know-how.
• You are interested in developing innovative product ideas and promising business models in interdisciplinary, international teams.
• You are interested in implementing the resulting business idea in your own start-up or in cooperation with an established company.
• You have time from August 24-28, 2026 to participate in the English-language International TUD|excite Summer School in Hoyerswerda.
• It is also possible to apply as a team of max. 3 people.

• You will have the opportunity to deal with the topic of start-ups in a compact way and to receive in-depth training on topics such as the development of business models, financing options, team building and marketing.
• You can choose selected patents as the basis for attractive business models.
• You will have the opportunity to form interdisciplinary, international innovation and start-up teams.
• You will gain know-how from experienced mentors from science, start-ups and companies who will provide support in a targeted manner when creating a business model.
• As part of the Summer School, you can get to know the transformation region of Lusatia with highly motivated participants, exciting Advisors and a unique supporting program and discover Lusatia as an innovative region of the future.
• As the winner of the final pitch, your team will receive a wildcard for the international accelerator program exciteLAB in Dresden.
• By participating in the International TUD|excite Summer School, you will also increase your career prospects in business.