From Research to Real-World Impact
iF Pioneers Idea Lab is a hands-on workshop for PhDs and postdocs from all research disciplines who want to explore the market potential of cutting-edge research. Over 2.5 days in Hamburg, participants work in interdisciplinary teams to analyze markets and customer segments, sketch first solutions, and build the first blocks of an entrepreneurial idea, with experienced mentors guiding every step. No startup idea or prior entrepreneurship experience is required.
The Essentials
Everything you need to know about the format, schedule, and commitment.
Deadline: 10 October 2026
PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from any discipline - deep tech, life sciences, social sciences, humanities, and beyond. Open to individuals or small groups who want to explore whether research (their own or from a different field) could address a real problem and create impact beyond publication. No prior startup, business, or entrepreneurship experience required, only curiosity and openness to working across disciplines.
Not for students below PhD level. Also not for individuals or teams who already have a developed idea - if this describes you, please apply directly to iF Pioneers, our 3-month idea-building program.
The First Step From Research to Venture
Most researchers are trained to ask what is scientifically true, not what problem it solves for someone else. Promising research often stays inside the lab because the leap to market, customer, and business thinking feels far removed from everyday academic work.
iF Pioneers Idea Lab closes that gap by bringing PhDs and postdocs from different research backgrounds together for 2.5 focused days. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants explore the market potential of their own and each other's research, aiming to solve real problems and create actual impact beyond publication.
The format is the first step in a longer journey: participants leave with the first building blocks of a venture idea, market and customer insight, an early business case, and a pitch, and can continue developing it in iF Pioneers, our 3-month idea-building program.
Program Journey
A structured journey from research topic to first venture pitch.
Get Together & Team Formation (evening before)
Frame the Technology (Day 1, morning)
Evaluate the Use Case (Day 1, afternoon)
Sharpen the Story (Day 2, morning)
Pitch & Plan Next Steps (Day 2, afternoon)
From Lab Insight to Market Opportunity
The Goal
By the end of iF Pioneers Idea Lab, teams have worked through a structured technology-to-market process: a completed Technology Canvas, a selected and evaluated use case, first thinking on financing and IP, and a rehearsed pitch deck with a roadmap. The outcome is a concrete starting point — and for teams who want to keep building, a direct path into iF Pioneers.
Program Schedule
From welcome reception to final pitches, the program guides participants from scientific input and team formation to hands-on development and presentation of Deep Tech ideas.
iF Pioneers Idea Lab FAQs
PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from any discipline who want to explore the market potential and real-world impact of research.
No, you don't need a developed idea to apply. The program works with research topics brought by the group and explores them together in interdisciplinary teams. If you already have a developed idea, iF Pioneers is the better fit.
No. Core concepts (market analysis, business models, financing, IP transfer) are introduced during the workshop.
Teams of 3-4 are formed on the first evening through a guided, game-based process. You decide fully which team you would like to be a part of.
Yes, the opening evening is where teams are formed, so full participation across all three days is required.
No.
English.
Teams leave with a completed use case, a first business case, and a pitch. Those who want to keep building are encouraged to continue into iF Pioneers, our 3-month idea-building program.
Ready to Bring your Research into the Real World?
Dive in and start exploring with us this October!
