Battery Venture Course
About
Battery Venture Course – From Lab to Market
Advancing battery innovation requires more than excellent research. It requires building scalable ventures.
The Battery Venture Course is a project-based program for early-stage researchers and advanced master’s and PhD students who want to translate cutting-edge battery technologies into market-ready companies. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants develop commercialization pathways across the battery value chain.They will be supported by the expertise and network of TUM Venture Labs and the Battery Startup Incubator (BaStI).
Inspired by the proven Climate Ventures model originally developed at Stanford and MIT, which has launched 110+ startups globally. The course adapts this framework specifically to battery innovation, enabling technologies to move from lab to scalable impact.
You could be next.
About the Program
We go beyond theory and focus on execution. The Battery Venture Course is designed for researchers, PhD candidates, advanced master’s students, engineers, and entrepreneurial talents worldwide who want to explore and validate the commercial potential of breakthrough battery technologies.
As a researcher or PhD candidate, you can bring your own technology or scientific insight and assess its pathway to market.
As a talent, you can join an existing project and work hands-on to develop the venture’s strategy, business model, and commercialization roadmap.
Participants form interdisciplinary teams to explore, validate, and shape battery ventures across the value chain - from materials and cell technologies to manufacturing, systems integration, and recycling. Through structured customer discovery, expert mentoring, techno-economic analysis (TEA), financial modeling, and investor-focused pitch preparation, teams build robust, market-oriented venture concepts and present them to a jury of industry leaders, founders, and investors.
The program is open globally to early-stage researchers, PhD students, advanced master’s students, engineers, and professionals from engineering, natural sciences, business, and policy. Applications are welcome with or without an existing technology project.
Target Group
Master’s students (from first semester onwards), PhD candidates, early-stage researchers, and young professionals in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business, and Policy.
Area of Focus
Entrepreneurship and venture building across the battery value chain.
Date & Time
Thursdays, 16:00–18:30 CET
16 April 2026 – 16 July 2026
Language
English
Learning Goals
Gain practical venture-building skills by learning directly from world-class founders, industry leaders, and investors. Then apply these insights to develop a scalable battery venture.
Prerequisites
Enrollment in a Master’s program (first semester or higher), PhD program, or equivalent early-career stage. Professional or industry experience is advantageous but not mandatory. Full commitment and availability to actively participate in all sessions are expected.
Location & Format
Hybrid format.
Online sessions, except for the following in-person sessions at TUM Garching Campus (Munich, Germany):
- Kick-off Session – 16 April 2026
- Mid-Term Pitches – 03 June 2026
- Final Presentations – 16 July 2026
Participants based in Germany are expected to attend the in-person sessions onsite.
FAQs
During the course, you’ll work hands-on with a team to develop a venture concept based on your technology. You’ll gain practical experience in translating research into a scalable business, while connecting with a strong network of founders, experts, mentors, and investors in climate tech.
Have questions or want to discuss your project? Reach out to us at saba.firdousi@tum.de — we’re happy to chat!
The program combines expert input, structured venture development, and hands-on execution:
- Weekly sessions featuring experienced battery founders, industry experts, and investors across the battery value chain. Moreover, including regular fireside chats with battery startup founders who share candid insights on building and scaling their ventures.
- Dedicated mentor meetings to advance your specific venture concept and receive tailored feedback.
- Team-based venture building, including customer discovery interviews, techno-economic validation, business model development, and market strategy.
- Pitch preparation and BaStI Pizza and Pitch event, where you present your venture to a jury of venture capitalists, industry leaders, and battery tech founders.
- Access to the TUM Venture Labs ecosystem, including curated community events and networking opportunities.
The program is designed for individuals who want to translate battery innovation into scalable ventures and operate at the intersection of technology, markets, and impact.
It is particularly suited for:
- Advanced master’s students and doctoral candidates in engineering and natural sciences, especially those working on battery technologies or related fields (materials, electrochemistry, manufacturing, energy systems) with commercialization potential.
- Researchers with promising battery-related IP who are exploring venture creation as a pathway to impact.
- Students in business, entrepreneurship, or policy with strong entrepreneurial training (e.g., Manage&More, CDTM, or comparable programs) who want to join a technical team and contribute to market validation, strategy, and venture development.
The course is structured around interdisciplinary teams that combine deep technical expertise with business and market competencies - reflecting the realities of building successful battery startups.
You can join the Battery Venture Course in one of two roles:
- Project Tech Lead: If you are a researcher (e.g., master’s student, doctoral candidate, or postdoc) with battery-related research and an interest in exploring its commercial potential, you can apply with your technology and lead its venture development.
- Team Member (Talent): If you do not yet have your own project, you can join an existing team and contribute your expertise. We welcome advanced master’s students and doctoral candidates in engineering, natural sciences, business, or policy who are motivated to work on battery venture creation.
All participants should demonstrate strong commitment, entrepreneurial curiosity, and willingness to engage in hands-on venture building throughout the program.
The required documents depend on your type of participation:
- For researchers with a tech project: Provide your personal information and a brief description of your research or technology. We strongly recommend including a one-pager or poster to help us understand your project and its potential impact.
- For students without a tech project: Submit your study-related information, a 300-word motivational statement, and a one-page CV highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
We are particularly excited to work with people and ideas that have the potential to create meaningful impact in the battery-tech space.
Strong applications come from individuals who are passionate about translating battery research into impactful ventures. We are looking for:
- Clear motivation: Why you want to join the course and how it aligns with your goals.
- Innovative ideas or project potential: The originality and scalability of your technology or your interest in contributing to a battery venture.
- Diverse skills and collaboration mindset: Teams that combine technical expertise with business, market, or policy knowledge tend to thrive.
Ultimately, we value applicants who are driven to make a real impact on the battery-tech space and are ready to engage hands-on in venture building.
No. The Battery Venture Course is first and foremost a hands-on learning experience. You will gain practical skills in venture building and exposure to the battery startup ecosystem without needing to officially start a company.
The course introduces you to the full TUM ecosystem, including incubators, funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and venture support. There are many pathways to continue developing your venture beyond the program.
No. The course is primarily online. You are expected to attend weekly lectures on Thursdays from 4–6:30 p.m. CET except for Public holiday on 14.05.26 it will be held on Wednesday and participate fully in team activities. Only three in-person sessions in Munich are required.
- 26 February 2026: Applications open (reviewed on a rolling basis)
- 27 March 2026: Applications close
- 06 April 2026: Selection announcements
- 16 April 2026: Kick-off and first lecture
The Battery Venture Course is intensive but rewarding. You will:
- Attend weekly lectures and fireside chats with battery founders and experts
- Participate in team meetings, mentor sessions, and social/networking events
- Work hands-on to develop your venture concept
Your experience depends on your commitment and effort. The more time and focus you dedicate, the more you’ll gain.
- 5 tech project leads
- 30 total participants
Team formation starts at the Kick-off on 16 April 2026, designed to help participants meet, network, and form interdisciplinary teams that maximize complementary skills.
It’s simple! Complete the application form at the bottom of this page. Be sure to include all required documents based on your type of participation (Project Tech Lead or Team Member).
The Battery Venture Course features a world-class lineup of guest speakers:
- Guest speakers include leading founders, investors, and academics from the global battery-tech ecosystem.
- Many sessions also feature fireside chats with battery startup founders, sharing firsthand experiences of building and scaling ventures from lab to market.
The Battery Venture Course is completely free of charge.
Apply · until Mar 27, 2026
The Battery Venture Course is open to master’s students, PhD candidates, early-stage researchers, and young professionals from across Germany with a strong interest in battery technologies and venture creation. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
If you are motivated to translate research into market-ready ventures and work hands-on in interdisciplinary teams, we encourage you to apply. Places are limited, and participants will be selected based on motivation and fit.
Application period opens at the beginning of the Summer Semester 2026.
Your personal contact · Dr. Saba Fazal Firdousi Adam · saba.firdousi@tum.de