Acht Wochen Startup-Spirit: Mitglieder der CEPLAS Graduiertenschule im Women in Entrepreneurship-Programm
Interview mit zwei CEPLAS-Gradschool Mitgliedern, die am Innovationsprogramm Women in Entrepreneurship 2025 teilgenommen haben
Die CEPLAS-Gradschool Mitglieder Büşra Elkatmış und Laura Merx nahmen am achtwöchigen hybriden Innovationsprogramm Women in Entrepreneurship teil, das vom 6. Mai bis 24. Juni 2025 stattfand.
Das Programm wird vom Deutschen Wissenschafts- und Innovationshäuser (DWIH) San Francisco in Kooperation mit der GUILD Academy organisiert. Es richtet sich an Studentinnen und Wissenschaftlerinnen aller deutschen Hochschulen und soll ihre Kompetenzen in den Bereichen Unternehmensführung, Leadership und Präsentation stärken.
Um mehr über Büşras und Lauras Erfahrungen im Programm zu erfahren, haben wir ihnen einige Fragen gestellt. Hier sind ihre Antworten und Eindrücke - auf English:
Question 1: What motivated you to join the program?
I wanted to learn more about entrepreneurship. I had some startup ideas, but I didn’t know where to begin or what steps to take. I saw this program as a great opportunity to explore that path and understand what it really involves.
I am interested in research transfer and patent law, so I was thinking: great opportunity to see how the other site, the startups work by creating my own.
Question 2: Was there a moment—an exercise, speaker, or interaction—that had a lasting impact on you?
I really enjoyed the breakout room sessions because I got to hear different stories and perspectives from other participants. It was incredibly enriching to see how others think and approach challenges. It gave me new insights and inspiration.
Creating the website for my product made me realize how far developed my idea already was.
Question 3: Did your view of entrepreneurship or your role as a woman in research change throughout the program? If so, how?
Yes. I now understand that entrepreneurship is more of a long-term journey, a marathon rather than a sprint. The program helped me realize how essential fundamental research is in developing ideas that can eventually lead to applied science or a startup.
The mindshift between being a German female researcher to a female entrepreneur was hard. As a researcher, I focus on details. As an entrepreneur, I have to see the broader picture. Both worlds can indeed coexist! I now see my PhD project from a different point of view.
Question 4: How did seeing successful women scientists leading startups affect your perception of your own possibilities?
Seeing successful women scientists at the forefront of startups was truly encouraging and inspiring. I think the program gave me some of the tools and confidence to start exploring that path.
It was inspiring to see other women scientists as a role model to see that they also made it and to learn from them.
Question 5: Has this experience influenced your future plans—inside or outside academia?
Yes, the program gave me a clearer understanding of the entrepreneurial process. It also helped me recognize how important fundamental science is in developing real-world solutions or products.
Because of the course I can now imagine to start my own startup or support other startups. Seeing my idea develop into a product was inspiring and amazing!
Question 6: Did the program help you refine or validate a specific idea? If so, how did that idea evolve?
Yes. I was struggling with how to develop my idea and what steps to take next. The program helped me better understand the process and visualize a clear path forward. I now feel more prepared to move ahead with developing my idea, using the tools and insights I gained.
My product idea was already quite clear at the beginning. The course added more depth and more knowledge from my site, a supportive network and especially the braveness to launch.
Question 7: Would you recommend participating in such formats to other CEPLAS Women ECRs?
Absolutely. If they’re interested in entrepreneurship, this program is incredibly helpful. Even if they’re unsure, it’s a great opportunity to explore different perspectives and gain a better understanding of the entrepreneurial world.
I would certainly recommend all female researchers to try something else and to get to know a version of yourself that you did not know exists. Try something new and trust your gut feeling!
