GSI and CERN with HEPTech

HEPTepreneurs is a new online event series organized by GSI in collaboration with HEPTech and CERN, designed for all members and partners of the network. The series focuses on entrepreneurship in high-energy physics and covers a wide range of relevant topics. These inspirational and interactive sessions are aimed at individuals interested in entrepreneurship, young professionals exploring alternative career paths outside of research, and technology transfer officers seeking fresh ideas. Each session includes a presentation, Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

"Startup Secrets – How to Turn Your Idea into a Successful Product & Learnings from a Real Founder Story"

As part of this initiative, Venture Wizards conducted the "Startup Secrets" workshop, guiding participants through the process of building their own startup. The goal was to provide deep insights into the journey from idea to market-ready product, supported by the experiences of a successful founder.

Key Workshop Topics

1. Understanding the Startup Process
   • A comprehensive overview of the journey from idea to successful company
   • Common challenges and strategic solutions to overcome them
2. Problem Discovery
   • Identifying real customer needs through interviews and research
   • Understanding why problem validation is the most critical step in building a startup
3. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) & Business Models
   • Developing early-stage prototypes with minimal resources
   • Iterating based on customer feedback for fast, flexible product improvements
4. Founder Mindset & Entrepreneurial Resilience
   • Emphasizing the importance of agility, adaptability, and learning from failures
   • Cultivating a growth-oriented startup mentality
5. Startup Frameworks: Design Thinking & Lean Startup
   • Implementing structured methodologies for business model validation
   • Using rapid prototyping and iterative testing to minimize risks

High-Energy Physics & Entrepreneurship

A core focus of the workshop was entrepreneurship within high-energy physics. Participants explored how scientific discoveries and technologies from high-energy physics can be transformed into market-ready innovations and business models. The session highlighted successful examples of knowledge transfer from research to industry, showcasing real-world applications of advanced technologies.

Live Q&A & Real Founder Insights

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to:

• Ask individualized questions
• Discuss specific challenges
• Receive tailored advice from industry experts

Additionally, a guest founder shared their personal entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into:

• Real-world challenges and solutions in startup development
• Lessons learned from successes and failures
• Practical takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs

By combining theoretical frameworks, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, the workshop equipped participants with the tools and confidence to move forward with their startup ideas.

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