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Logo TIE Institute with Text
Department Business and Economics
Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

DLAB application phase has started

Group photo of DLAB participants © DLAB
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 Start-up Seminar (LSS)

Focus: Learn how to found a startup | Entrepreneurial skills

In the first semester, you gain a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and innovation:

  • Learn the basics of entrepreneurship, from idea generation to product development
  • Gain real-world insights from experienced founders and venture capitalists
  • Engage directly with experts, ask questions, and receive practical feedback

Through interactive sessions and workshops, you build a solid entrepreneurial mindset while learning from industry experts

 

Semester 2: Venture Creation Project (VCP) – Shape your initial idea

Focus: Shape your initial idea | Financial model & Pitching skills

In the second semester, you turn theory into action:

  • Collaborate in teams on innovative ideas
  • Develop and validate your financial model to support your concept
  • Receive continuous feedback and guidance from mentors and experts
  • Strengthen your pitching skills while refining your idea

This semester is about transforming your knowledge into a structured, validated business concept with direct input from experienced professionals.
 

Semester 3: Venture Creation Project (VCP) – Create your own startup 

Focus: Create your own startup | Early prototype & Go-to-Market

In the final semester, you take full ownership of your venture:

  • Work on your own business idea with the support of a dedicated mentor
  • Deep dive into marketing strategies and build your first MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  • Receive ongoing feedback from mentors and experts to sharpen your strategy
  • Pitch your venture in front of peers, professors, and investors

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

DLAB Trailer

 

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!


Apply now!