Module 31-Neo-3 NEOLAiA – SUMMA – Summer Academy for Entrepreneurship

SUMMA (Summer Academy for Entrepreneurship) is a specially designed Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) within the framework of the "NEOLAiA" European University Alliance. It is organized in close cooperation with the University of Salerno (Italy), the University of Suceava (Romania), and the University of Tours (France), welcoming teams from all NEOLAiA partner universities.

The program is ideally suited for gaining international study experience and enhancing language skills (the program language is English). It consists of a virtual component and a physical component. With SUMMA, students acquire comprehensive professional and methodological competencies in the fields of entrepreneurship and regional development.

SUMMA events are held for various target groups:
BAC – Summer School for Bachelorstudents / MAST – Summer School for Masterstudents / PhD – Summer School for PhD-Students

Students will:

• learn and use entrepreneurial concepts and tools to apply them to real regional challenges.
• develop the ability to collaboratively develop innovative business ideas (co-creation) and design sustainable business models in international and transnational teams.
• acquire competencies in integrating principles of sustainability and the circular economy into new business ideas.
• gain insights into local entrepreneurial ecosystems through practical, experiential learning and acquire design skills for the development of business plans.
• enhance key soft skills, particularly presentation skills (pitching, storytelling), entrepreneurial mindset, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and intercultural communication skills.

The program guides students through a complete innovation process – from identifying regional challenges and idea generation to the development and presentation of a final business plan or prototype.
The content is delivered in a "Blended Intensive Programme" (BIP) format, which uses interactive formats such as a hackathon or a "Business Idea Competition".

I. Virtual Phase (Online Format):

• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship: Introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset (Start-Up Thinking) and its importance for regional development.
• Business Planning & Innovation: Teaching methods for business model development (e.g., Business Model Canvas), design thinking, and innovation management.
• Contextualization: Analysis of regional challenges, sustainability aspects, or new technologies as a starting point for business opportunities.

II. Physical Phase (On-site week at the host university):

• Regional Ecosystem: Excursions to local companies, start-ups, innovative businesses, or cultural institutions to get to know the regional innovation ecosystem.
• Deepening and Application: Intensive teamwork on problem analysis, idea validation, and market analysis, accompanied by mentors.
• Business Model Development: Application of creativity and planning tools for the concrete elaboration of business ideas.
• Business Plan & Pitch Training: Development of a business model or business plan, as well as intensive training in storytelling and presentation techniques (Elevator Pitch).

The module typically concludes with a Final Pitch Competition (presentation to a jury). Learning outcomes are demonstrated through various deliverables (e.g., Business Model Canvas, Business Plan, Pitch Deck).

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