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Deutsch Who is the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship suitable for?
The Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) Berlin is aimed at young professionals who aspire to build a career in the fields of innovation, start-ups, venture capital or corporate innovation. The target group comprises graduates from various disciplines, preferably with up to three years of professional experience after their first degree. It especially addresses individuals who want to advance their own start-up ideas, shape innovations within companies, or develop new business models as consultants. The programme is also suitable for technology-affine applicants who want to learn how to transfer innovative technologies into marketable business models.
What formal admission requirements apply?
For admission, you need to provide the following documents:
- First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in any subject area
- 0–3 years of professional experience after the first degree; with up to five years of relevant professional practice, a case-by-case assessment is possible
- Proof of English language proficiency at a high level (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or completion of an English-language degree programme)
- Complete application documents, including a motivation letter (essay) and a letter of recommendation
Nationals from China, India, Vietnam and Mongolia additionally require an APS certificate. Applicants from outside the EU need a study visa for Germany.
You should bring creative thinking skills, initiative and willingness to experiment. Key qualities include strong teamwork skills and communication abilities, as many projects are carried out collaboratively. An interest in new technologies and entrepreneurship and the readiness to analytically weigh risks and actively pursue your own ideas are essential. You will benefit from a high degree of self-organisation and the desire not only to understand complex business models but also to actively further develop them.
What content does the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT Berlin convey?
In the Master’s degree programme Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT Berlin, you acquire practical knowledge across the entire innovation and business creation journey. The curriculum covers core areas such as business model development, idea generation, prototyping, validation and scaling. You gain a comprehensive insight into business processes and methods, including:
- Idea generation and innovation management: Identification of market opportunities, development and testing of innovative solutions.
- Business creation and startup management: Business model development, market entry strategies, financing, scaling of startups.
- Innovation in companies: Concepts of corporate entrepreneurship, internal innovation processes, change management.
- Practical projects: Participation in the Sustainability Bootcamp, Social Impact Project, Corporate Innovation Project as well as Summer Entrepreneurship Program and B2B Accelerator (NEXT).
- Technology and data skills: Access to online courses on generative AI, cloud computing, machine learning and data analysis via platforms such as AWS Academy and Datacamp.
- Business skills and leadership: Seminars on leadership, communication, negotiation, talent management and cybersecurity.
- Electives and specialisations: Over 35 elective courses, including the option to obtain a Finance and Investment Certificate.
- Professional network and mentoring: Access to experts, founders and investors within the framework of the Vali Berlin Entrepreneurship Hub and the Deep Tech Innovation Institute.
About half of the programme is individually designed: You can take elective courses from all MSc programmes offered by the university, participate in international exchange programmes, and specialise in specific topics such as deep tech, social entrepreneurship or corporate innovation.
How is the programme structured – process and organisation of the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The programme lasts 24 months and is organised as a full-time on-campus course. The study structure is practice-oriented with diverse learning formats:
- Compulsory modules and innovative practical formats in the first year: Teaching entrepreneurial and innovation-related fundamentals, skill seminars (e.g. leadership and communication), participation in practical projects such as the Sustainability Bootcamp and Social Impact Project.
- Individually selectable focuses in the second year: Elective modules, international study options, optional specialisations (e.g. Finance Certificate), internships (3–6 months) in Germany or abroad.
- Hands-on formats: You work on real innovation projects with companies and startups, take part in lab formats such as the Corporate Impact Lab and Negotiation/Communication Clinic, and develop your own startup ideas in the Entrepreneur Track or contribute to corporate innovation projects.
- Close supervision by lecturers as well as mentoring by startup experts.
- Language courses: Optional German courses to facilitate better integration into the Berlin job market.
- Degree: You graduate with the academic degree Master of Science (MSc, 120 ECTS).
A varied study experience is complemented by contacts with startups, established companies, investors and an international cohort (over 20 nationalities).
Which career paths are open to graduates?
With a Master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you are prepared for diverse professional roles in the innovation and startup landscape. The main career options are:
- Startup founder: Founding and scaling your own companies, often already during the course of study.
- Corporate innovator: Development and management of innovation projects in large companies and corporations, e.g. as innovation manager, chief innovation officer, new business development manager.
- Venture capital analyst or associate: Evaluating startups, supporting investments and portfolio management.
- Consultant for innovation: Working at consulting firms or as an independent innovation expert.
- Rollout of social projects: Leading or supporting impact projects in NGOs or social enterprises, e.g. via the Responsible Leaders Fellowship.
- Advanced research: Starting an academic career (e.g. PhD) with a research focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to the provider, over 230 startups were founded by ESMT students and alumni between 2014 and 2024, creating more than 1,800 jobs and raising around 250 million euros in venture capital for the founding projects. Graduates benefit from an intense alumni network and access to the Berlin startup ecosystem as well as international exchange programmes.
How is the study location Berlin integrated into the programme?
The study location is exclusively Berlin. The programme takes place on the ESMT Berlin campus in the historic Staatsratsgebäude (Schlossplatz 1, Berlin-Mitte). You study in the heart of the German capital, directly at the pulse of one of Europe’s most dynamic startup and innovation landscapes:
- University campus: Modern equipped, listed building with hybrid teaching technology.
- Accommodation: ESMT offers limited housing options in student-focused shared flats near the campus.
- Network: Direct connection to the Berlin innovation and startup ecosystem – regular meetups, pitch events and business contacts.
- Integration into city life: Student clubs, events and cultural activities in Berlin enrich your studies.
International exchange opportunities with over 20 partner universities and internships or projects abroad can be optionally integrated, but the main study location remains Berlin.
What are the costs for the Master’s programme and which financing options are available?
The total costs for the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT Berlin amount to 32,000 euros (24 months, as of 2024). Payments are made in monthly instalments of 1,333 euros. The main financing components are:
- Scholarships: ESMT awards merit-based partial scholarships to students with outstanding academic and professional potential.
- Instalment payments: The tuition fee can be paid in monthly instalments.
- Educational loans: Development banks and private banks finance tuition fees for Master’s students, especially for those working alongside their studies as security.
- Personal savings and part-time jobs: Due to the strong Berlin startup ecosystem, there are good earning opportunities alongside studies.
Additional costs arise for living expenses, accommodation and materials. The university offers accommodation options near the campus and supports in finding housing. Many use a mixed financing model of scholarship, loan and personal funds.
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