In this course, participants will have many opportunities to engage in discussions and student-led activities, and to build relationships with each other and instructors from UiT, UPorto, academic entrepreneurs, and representatives from funding organizations.

This course provides Ph.D. candidates with a unique chance to extend their international network, prepare for a successful entrepreneurial career, and experience the midnight sun at the same time.

The course is structured with an online component that can be completed flexibly and at the learner's own pace, consisting of video lectures, exercises and assessments, followed by an intensive one-week program in Tromsø, Norway. The participants will get the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learning how innovation works, and how to identify opportunities that can lead to commercialization in their research work.

The intensive week will include a combination of lectures, assignments, guest lectures held by academic entrepreneurs, and presentations in plenary sessions. Using a challenge-based approach, participants will have the opportunity to test their creative problem-solving skills by working in groups.

Participants must complete the online module. They must also participate in at least 80% of the intensive course program. In addition, it is also required to submit a pre-assignment which contains answers about research background, motivation, expectations, and previous entrepreneurship experience.

At the end, participants will have an oral exam in the form of a final pitch, presenting solutions to challenges they have been working on. This, along with a written report, will be evaluated by peers and an expert panel and constitute part of a final assessment.

Learning objectives

• This course aims to encourage and provide opportunities for doctoral candidates of all disciplines to develop an enterprising mindset.


• Participants will have the opportunity to gain better understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, teamwork and networking, and know how to spot funding opportunities.


• Upon completion, participants will have an enhanced entrepreneurial mindset and greater knowledge of how to innovate, both inside and out of academia.


• In addition, participants will gain skills in cross-disciplinary project planning and management, taking initiatives, risk management, and collaboration with others with similar interests, but different backgrounds/perspectives.


• Skills in mobilizing resources such as self-awareness, self-efficacy, motivation, financial, and economic literacy are equally essential.

Competences you can enhance by taking the course:

• Knowledge into action


• Creativity & problem solving


• Communication & collaboration  

Selection criteria: 

In the selection of candidates, we strive for a diverse group of creative students. The variables for prioritization of applicants are as follows:

• Diversity of the group (faculty affiliation, country, etc.).


• Ph.D. candidates in their 3rd or 4th year.


• Ph.D. candidates who provide a brief, but exact description of an entrepreneurial idea.


• Number of participants: 30 (two students from each partner university, and 14 from UiT).


• If seats are available, additional EUGLOH candidates may attend.

Open