Train the Trainer: Highlights from the German BSR DeepTech Launch Workshop Series

How do you transform STEM researchers into future entrepreneurs? This question shaped a series of Train the Trainer workshops in Berlin as part of the BSR DeepTech Launch Project. Each session focused on equipping educators, startup mentors, and innovation facilitators with practical methods to foster deep tech entrepreneurship in students, particularly in quantum technology and photonics. Participants engaged in hands-on makerthons, startup case studies, and interactive learning experiments, discovering new methods to teach deep tech entrepreneurship. Experts from the photonics industry and the startup ecosystem, including Dr. Thomas Lohse (Photonics21) and Dr. Anna Schäfer (Berlin Quantum Alliance), shared insights on bridging the gap between research and commercialization.

Hands-on Learning: The Makerthon Approach

The series kicked off with an interactive makerthon on September 16, 2024, where participants explored hands-on approaches to teaching entrepreneurship in STEM. A key highlight was the Lego-based quantum learning module, demonstrating how to simplify complex scientific concepts while linking them to real-world applications. Prof. Michael Meyer from the Berlin Institute of Technology led a dynamic session on experiential learning, showcasing how educators can foster creativity and problem-solving in science-driven startups.

From Research to Market: Case Studies and Role-Playing

The second workshop in November 2024 introduced startup case studies and role-playing exercises, helping trainers understand the key challenges in translating research into viable business ventures. Dr. Anna Schäfer, a deep tech investor at Photon Capital, provided insights into the commercialization pathway, outlining what investors seek in scientific startups.  Dr. Lisa Meier (Fraunhofer Institute) and startup founder Daniel Köhler (QuantX Technologies) shared insights on the commercialization pathway and the ecosystem’s expectations from academic founders. Industry experts from the German Photonics Association shared practical case studies, illustrating how deep tech startups navigate the transition from lab to market.

Building Entrepreneurial Learning Frameworks

The final session, organized on March 4th, 2025, focused on building structured learning frameworks, guiding students from scientific exploration to entrepreneurial action. Trainers developed tailored curricula and tested innovative teaching techniques under the guidance of Prof. Julia Weber (TU Berlin), strengthening the bridge between academia, industry, and the startup scene. Dr. Sebastian Hoffmann from the Fraunhofer Institute led discussions on integrating entrepreneurship modules into STEM education, ensuring long-term impact.

By the end of the series, participants had developed a structured framework for supporting students in their transition from research to entrepreneurship. The initiative equipped educators with new teaching tools while fostering deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and the deep tech startup ecosystem, ensuring a lasting impact on future innovators.

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