Extended Study on
Innovation
A premium, hands-on education program
focused on Intra- & Entrepreneurship.
Apply Now
focused on Intra- & Entrepreneurship.
ABOUT THE
PROGRAM
The Extended Study on Innovation is a one-year international curriculum providing a premium, hands-on education on intra- and entrepreneurship for students of TU Wien.
The program fosters innovation thinking and offers a solid education and network for entrepreneurial spirits, business developers and/or innovation managers.
This additional education will enhance your job prospect in research and industry and will prepare you for an entrepreneurial life. The Extended Study on Innovation is a part-time program offered in English in parallel to the study programs of TU Wien.
This additional education will enhance your job prospect in research and industry and will prepare you for an entrepreneurial life. The Extended Study on Innovation is a part-time program offered in English in parallel to the study programs of TU Wien.
Only a limited number of students is accepted every year in the program, enabling them to individually apply the content learned to real projects, and get individual and personalised support and mentorship from experts.
WHY STUDY INNOVATION?
IGNITE INNOVATION
Turn your ideas into reality through hands-on exploration and experimentation.
CATAPULT YOUR THESIS
Turn your thesis projects into successful and profitable business ventures.
BROADEN YOUR HORIZON
Enhance your technical expertise with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.
PIONEER YOUR FUTURE
Explore diverse career avenues or chart your course as a successful entrepreneur.
SCULPT YOUR CAREER PATH
Lay the foundation for a promising corporate career in the field of innovation.
FORGE CONNECTIONS
Expand your network with cross-disciplinary entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.
ESI IN A NUTSHELL
Period
2 semesters (Oct – Jun)
Lectures
Evenings and weekends
Format
In-person, mandatory attendance
Group Size
25 students
Language
English
Total Workload
30 ECTS
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Ability to Reflect
Challenge the status quo and think critically.
Builder Mindset
Doing > Complaining. Focused on solutions.
Dedication
Commitment to realize your ideas.
Ambition
To kickstart a startup upon completion.
Entrepreneurial Knowledge
Eagerness to acquire fresh knowledge.
Motivation
Enrich your skills with a pioneering mindset.
Curriculum
First Semester
• Foundations of Innovation
• Creativity & Ideas
• Team building workshop outside Vienna
• Financing of Innovation
• Innovation Project 1 (Market & Competitor Analysis, Business Modeling & Prototyping, Branding, Business Negotiation)
Second Semester
• Innovation Cases
• Leadership & Human Resources
• Leadership workshop outside Vienna
• Legal Issues
• Marketing, Sales and Public Relations
• Innovation Project 2 (Pitching, Storytelling, Design, Milestone Presentations, DEMO DAY)
Application Process & Criteria
Who can apply
This Program is for
TU Wien Master’s students
Students who are currently enrolled in a Master’s program at TU Wien or have graduated from a TU Wien Master's program.
Students who are currently enrolled in a Master’s program at TU Wien or have graduated from a TU Wien Master's program.
TU Wien Bachelor’s students
Students who will have completed at least 120 ECTS in their TU Wien Bachelor’s program by October (start of the Extended Study on Innovation program).
Students who will have completed at least 120 ECTS in their TU Wien Bachelor’s program by October (start of the Extended Study on Innovation program).
How to Apply
Before you apply
- You have a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
- You are willing to spend evening hours and weekends to enhance your skills and develop innovative ideas (attendance to all lectures is mandatory!).
- You already have an idea or an innovative project you want to develop during the program (not mandatory but a plus).
- You are available for the in-person challenge and interviews.
- You checked out our ESI Info Hour / ESI Info Event, where interested students can learn more about the program.
STAGE 1 - Eligibility check and preliminary selection
DEADLINE: May 4th at 23:59, 2026
In the first stage, you will have to fill out an application form until May 4th at 23:59, 2026.
This is a hard deadline, therefore, applications handed in later will not be considered.
You are required to upload the following:
- 90-second video introducing yourself (in English)
- Curriculum vitae: it should include your education, practical/working experience and additional qualifications
- Proof of academic success: transcript of records of current study program and if it applies, the certificate of a finished study program
- Additional documents (optional): any additional document or certificate that you think can help us assess your application (letter of recommendation, cover letter, certificates, projects you worked on, etc.)
Until the 10th May 2026 you will get notified if you have been selected for the second phase.
STAGE 2 - Challenge
- The second phase is an in-person, 4h challenge, which you need to complete in teams together with other applicants.
- This challenge will take place on the 21st May 2026 between 2pm and 6 pm.
- This challenge aims to evaluate your creativity and critical thinking skills as well as your teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
- Between the 22nd and 31st May 2026 you will get notified if you have been selected for the third phase.
STAGE 3 - Interviews
The interviews will take place on the 10th and 11th of June 2026, so please make sure that you are available and in Vienna on these dates.
Being present in the interview in person is a prerequisite for being accepted in the program.
Between the 12th and 14th June 2026 you will get notified if you have been accepted in the program.
If accepted, you will then have one week to reply to our email by confirming or rejecting your spot.
We are looking forward to receiving your application. Good luck!
Check out one of our demo days
Upcoming Events
Learn all about the ESI program, ask questions and network with future colleagues and mentors.
You need to be enrolled at the TU Wien to attend. Please use your TU Wien email address to register!
You need to be enrolled at the TU Wien to attend. Please use your TU Wien email address to register!
Workshop
ONLINE Info Hour “Extended Study on Innovation” – Ask all your questions
You are interested in the Extended Study on Innovation? Join the ONLINE info hour to get all the information you need before applying! The Extended…
Read more
Workshop
Info Event Extended Study on Innovation – Class 2026
You are interested in the Extended Study on Innovation? Join our #ESI Info and Networking event! The Extended Study on Innovation is a 2-semester international…
Read more
BE TAUGHT BY THE BEST
Meet the esteemed lecturers and mentors supporting the ESI program.
Explore their profiles and connect with them on LinkedIn for further insights.
Explore their profiles and connect with them on LinkedIn for further insights.
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Testimonials
Hear from past participants who have thrived after completing the ESI program.
“It reshaped my perspective, equipping me with the skills and mindset to drive inclusive technological solutions and become a more empathetic innovator.”
Daniel Harringer
Co-Founder Independo
“ESI was my entrance into the startup world, and I haven't left it since. During ESI you'll spend a lot of time applying concepts to your own idea, which will help you refine it and significantly improve the way you communicate it to others. You'll also get to meet many energetic and fun people along the way.”
Thomas Stimakovits
Entrepreneur @docxtract
“The ESI program challenged me to think beyond conventional boundaries, transforming my approach to innovation and empowering me to create solutions that truly make a difference.”
Konstantin Strümpf
Co-Founder Independo
“Before ESI we knew nothing about entrepreneurship, after ESI we successfully started our own startup.”
Team Sonnnig
Startup Incubated by i2c
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Contact
If you have any questions regarding the format or the application process, please contact:
