Courses run by Ilmkubator

Experts from the business world and the start-up and investment scenes, as well as the Ilmkubator team, provide insights into all aspects of business start-ups and start-ups. Working in teams, participants can develop their own and hypothetical business ideas or solutions. The course teaches fundamental skills in entrepreneurial thinking and action. Participants are encouraged to identify problems in their own environment and to develop solution scenarios and/or business models to address them. Soft skills such as problem-solving, cooperation and communication, and the ability to work across disciplines are at the heart of the programme. Participants learn about and apply tools such as the Business Model Canvas, the Value Proposition Canvas and Design Thinking.

The two courses consist of various sessions offered by the Ilmkubator, which participants are free to choose. They differ in terms of the workload required: for the basic course, a total of 30 work units (each 45 minutes) must be demonstrated; for the advanced course, 60 work units. The time commitment required for each session is specified in the event announcement. Ilmkubator events are generally held in German, though some are also offered in English.

If you are interested in the entrepreneurship courses, please register informally by email; we will then add you to our course mailing list and keep you regularly updated on our events. 

We are currently offering our courses in collaboration with our partners from the Thuringian University Start-up Network. An overview of the events currently on offer can be found in the Ilmkubator events overview or at the bottom of the page.

A certificate of attendance is issued for active participation in each event. These certificates form the basis for the recognition of your course performance. They can be collected over several semesters and submitted to the Ilmkubator once the required number of hours has been reached. Please arrange an appointment for this and bring your certificates with you. 

The basic course can usually be completed within one semester, and the advanced course within two semesters. 

Interactive study plan (basic course)

Interactive study plan (advanced course)

The introductory course provides an insight into the topic of entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about the start-up ecosystem centred around the Technical University of Ilmenau and the Thuringian University Start-up Network, as well as nationwide initiatives. Methods for developing solutions to problems and business models, such as the Business Model Canvas, the Value Proposition Canvas and Design Thinking, will be introduced. The course is ideal for anyone interested in entrepreneurship but who does not yet have any specific start-up ideas or experience. The course is taught in German by a rotating team of lecturers. It will generally be possible to ask questions in English as well.

Module description

Registration: via the Ilmkubator by email

Individual sessions of the course may also be attended separately. In this case, please register via Turm II (see below).

The course ‘Introduction to Entrepreneurship and the Start-up Ecosystem’ will not be offered in the 2026 summer semester.