More support for student entrepreneurs at ITU
Many ITU students start their own business already during their studies. With a new start-up programme and free legal and financial counselling, students can now find extra help to get started.
EntrepreneurshipITU Business DevelopmentinnovationITU Innovators
Written 22 September, 2016 12:36 by Vibeke Arildsen
New entrepreneurs looking to translate their idea into a business have plenty to think about besides developing their product and business model – from VAT registration to invoicing, patenting and financing.
ITU Business Development has helped entrepreneurs at the university safely through the start-up phase since 2014 and is now launching Startup Programme, a new initiative for students with entrepreneurial dreams.
Help for idea development
Participants in the programme will be set up with a personal business developer who will help with idea development. They will also have the opportunity to meet mentors from ITU and the industry, access financing and - if the idea is particularly promising – receive a major investment from ITU Business Development.
-We urge all students with an idea to apply immediately. No idea is at too early a stage, as long as it can create value and solve a real problem, says Vlad Gidea, who coordinates the programme at ITU Business Development.
Free legal and financial counselling
With the student organization ITU Innovators, ITU Business Development has also made agreements with two companies about providing free monthly workshops. The law firm Integra Law will discuss legal topics relevant for entrepreneurs, while the accounting firm Billy, which was founded at ITU, will share advice on financial control and provide ITU students with one year’s free access to their accounting software. Both companies offer personal legal and financial coaching for participants in the Startup Programme.
- We have seen that many get stuck and can’t move forward with their ideas because of financial and legal challenges. Integra Law and Billy will be able to point to things you don’t necessarily realize that you need to know as an entrepreneur. For instance regarding intellectual property rights, which is really important, says Anders Aaby Buhl, Deputy Chairman of ITU Innovators.
Many entrepreneurs at ITU
Over 100 start-ups originate at ITU, many of which have become successful international companies, including Configit, Monsenso and Serious Games Interactive. ITU Innovators estimates that at least 10-12 student businesses are in the start-up phase right now.
ITU Innovators and ITU Business Development hope that the new support initiatives will further boost the entrepreneurial spirit at the university.
Kristine Helen Falgren, Director, email khfa@itu.dk
Vibeke Arildsen, Press Officer, phone 2555 0447, email viar@itu.dk