Founders Workshop: The Spin-Off Journey to Market Fit, from Corporate & University Perspectives.

This workshop brings together two seasoned leaders at the intersection of academia and industry: Riccardo Pascotto, Vice President of Research Cooperation and Funding (RCF) and head of Hubraum at Deutsche Telekom, and Prof. Dr. Peter Ruppel, President of CODE University of Applied Sciences. Both have spent years guiding university spin-offs from early research concepts to market-ready ventures, each offering a perspective on corporate collaboration (e.g. incubation programs) and academic entrepreneurship.

The session blends a masterclass and guided discussion; Participants explore how to sharpen their value proposition for corporate partners, how to leverage university resources more strategically, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the spin-off journey.

Real-world success stories will anchor the discussion, offering practical inspiration. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with a short description of their product or technology and one challenge they face in engaging corporates or navigating university support structures.