Impulses for new perspectives on research and careers
On March 18–19, 2026, the sixth edition of the workshop series RISE – Research, Innovation, Science & Entrepreneurship successfully launched with a two-day kick-off bootcamp. Hosted at the Café frei[raum] on the Vaihingen campus, the event brought together doctoral researchers from various disciplines to explore new perspectives on innovation, knowledge transfer, and career pathways beyond traditional academic careers.
The kick-off was organized as part of the QCLUB-2 project at the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI) in collaboration with the Falling Walls Foundation's Young Entrepreneurs in Science (YES) Initiative. The RISE workshop series aims to introduce researchers early on to topics at the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while supporting them in exploring individual career perspectives.
Identifying strengths and reflecting on innovation potential
A central focus of the kick-off was the question of how research competencies can be translated into societal or economic impact. Interactive formats, short inputs, and guided group exercises provided space for participants to reflect on their individual strengths, motivations, and competencies, and to explore initial ideas for possible innovation and transfer pathways.
Engaging with doctoral researchers from different disciplines opened up new perspectives on individual research and highlighted the diverse opportunities for applying scientific expertise beyond academia.
The second day focused on collaboration in interdisciplinary teams. Participants gained insights into the working methods of agile teams and explored strategies for making productive use of diverse perspectives. Particular attention was given to how collaboration can be shaped in innovation-oriented contexts and how challenges such as uncertainty or differing expectations can be addressed constructively.
Insights from practice: learning from role models
The program was complemented by exchange with role models from start-ups and industry. Vera Lyko (econoyou) and Katrin Kreidel (hydrop) shared insights into their personal career paths at the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Their experiences highlighted the variety of possible career trajectories and illustrated how entrepreneurial thinking can play a role across different professional contexts.
We would like to thank the role models for their valuable insights, as well as all participants for the engaging discussions and collaborative atmosphere throughout the workshop. Many thanks also to our partners at the Transfer Center (TRACES), who introduced coaching activities and follow-up opportunities for those interested in founding a company.
From PhD to Innovator: Qualification within QCLUB-2 and QSENS
The kick-off was delivered by experienced trainers from the YES initiative. QCLUB-2 offers qualification formats such as the modular RISE workshop series, which are specifically designed to support doctoral researchers from all disciplines who are interested in developing competencies in the areas of innovation and knowledge transfer.
QCLUB-2 is part of the Cluster4Future QSENS – Quantum Sensors of the Future – funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The initiative aims to strengthen the transfer of scientific knowledge into societal and economic applications while fostering innovation-oriented skills among researchers.
Further RISE workshops ahead – apply now
In the coming months, additional modules will address topics such as Design Thinking, business model development, intellectual property, and pitch training. The workshop series supports doctoral researchers and postdocs in further developing innovation-related competencies and exploring application-oriented perspectives for their research.
Doctoral researchers and postdocs who are interested in thinking about their research in the context of innovation and transfer are warmly invited to participate.