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Department Business and Economics

DLAB application phase has started

Picture of the DLAB Cohort © TIE Institute
DLAB is a three-semester extracurricular program for students that connects you with leading companies, driven peers, and the tools you need to launch your own startup. Sound interesting? Then apply to DLAB now!

Semester 1: Lean Startup Seminar (LSS)

Focus: Foundational theory of entrepreneurship
In this semester, you’ll explore the core concepts of startup development and innovation:

  • Identify real-world problems and craft meaningful solutions
  • Understand key startup frameworks like the Lean Startup method
  • Explore funding options and go-to-market strategies

Attend exclusive workshops with:

  • Successful startup founders
  • Experienced investors
  • Leading industry experts

 

Semester 2: Corporate Digital Innovation Seminar (CDI)

Focus: Hands-on experience with real companies
This semester connects you directly with the corporate world:

  • Work in a team on a real innovation challenge from one of our corporate partners
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at innovation efforts

Develop your skills in:

  • Business modeling
  • Market research
  • Creating scalable solutions for new products and services

 

Semester 3: Venture Creation Project (VCP)

Focus: Build your own startup idea
This final semester is where everything comes together:

  • Apply what you’ve learned to develop a startup idea from scratch
  • Receive feedback and guidance from mentors and experts
  • Pitch your idea at the end of the semester
  • Past participants have:
    • Launched their own startups
    • Landed top-tier jobs at companies like BCG, Goldman Sachs, E. ON, and more

 

More Than a Program: Join the DLAB Community

DLAB is not just about learning—it’s about belonging.

  • Meet like-minded students from a variety of disciplines
  • Take part in fun social events and informal meetups
  • Join us on international trips to destinations like the USA and India

Convinced? Apply now at www.dlab-tu-dortmund.de. You’ll find more information on our website and on LinkedIn. Got questions? Use the contact form—we look forward to hearing from you!