The Entrepreneurial Experience brings together students and startup founders in a hands-on program focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration. Over the course of two months, participants work on real ideas and challenges while learning from experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts.
Through workshops, company visits, and interactive sessions, students develop practical entrepreneurial skills and gain insight into turning ideas into impact. Startup founders share their experiences, connect with talented students, and explore new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.
The program creates a unique environment where participants learn from one another, expand their networks, and engage with innovative companies in the region. Upon completion, participants receive a digital edubadge and an official certificate recognizing the entrepreneurial skills and experience gained throughout the program.
Business phase: take your startup to the next level.
As a startup, you participate in the Business Phase of the program and join a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Throughout the program, you attend a series of PRO workshops that help you develop essential entrepreneurial skills, validate your business model, and accelerate your venture's growth.
The program provides opportunities to connect with fellow founders, entrepreneurial students, industry experts, and leading companies in the region. Through events such as Founders Meets Founders, you engage with potential partners and expand your network within the innovation ecosystem.
Beyond learning and networking, the program offers visibility for your startup and opportunities to showcase your progress. You exchange experiences with other entrepreneurs, receive valuable feedback, and strengthen your connections within the regional startup community. The program culminates in a pitch event, where selected startups present their ventures on stage and compete for cash and support prizes.
Step into the world of entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurial Experience is for every student who wants to experience what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, develop real-world entrepreneurial skills, and explore new ways of thinking. By choosing the most entrepreneurial university in the Netherlands, you’ve already taken the first step – now this is your chance to dive deeper. You don’t need to have an idea yet; this program is about exploring, learning, and experimenting. Along the way, you’ll meet regional corporate companies, gain hands-on experience with real challenges, and maybe even connect with your future employer.
The Program
-
Ideation Workshops
In the first phase of The Entrepreneurial Experience, you’ll build a solid foundation in entrepreneurship through hands‑on workshops.
-
Business Labs
Experience real-world challenges by visiting and collaborating with innovative local companies. Together with other students, you explore fresh ideas, gain hands-on experience, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how these companies operate.
-
Expertise Workshops
Level up your ideas and skills with practical sessions led by experienced experts. You’ll learn how to pitch with confidence, build strong business models, talk to customers, and lead effectively.
-
Pitch Night
Showcase the idea you’ve been developing during the program and pitch it in front of a jury of experts and entrepreneurs. It’s your chance to get feedback, gain experience, and shine with your project.
-
Edubadge & Certificate
Earn your Edubadge and official certificate to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and achievements. To earn an Edubadge, you must attend at least two Ideation Workshops, one Business Lab, hand in a Lean Business Model Canvas, and deliver a pitch during Pitch Night.
-
Business Phase
During the Business Phase, existing startups will join the program.
-
The finals
Step into the ultimate showdown of The Entrepreneurial Experience and pitch your idea to top judges and a live crowd. Not in the finals? No problem – watch, get inspired, and celebrate the creativity and achievements of all participants in a festive finale.
1 / 7
This is more than just a study.
The Entrepreneurial Experience gives you the chance to explore, experiment, and grow as an entrepreneur while gaining skills, experience, and connections that set you apart
- Get hands-on experience by working on real challenges and turning your ideas into something tangible.
- Develop key entrepreneurial skills like pitching, business modeling, leadership, and teamwork.
- Meet mentors, experts, entrepreneurs, and regional companies – build connections that could even lead to your future job.
- Explore, experiment, and learn without pressure – you don’t need an idea to get started.
- Earn an edubadge and certificate to show off what you’ve achieved.
- Boost your confidence, gain insights, and build connections that give you a head start in your career.
First edition of The Entrepreneurial Experience
The first edition of The Entrepreneurial Experience came to an exciting close during the Grand Finale, where students and startups showcased the ideas, skills, and progress they developed throughout the program. Building on nine successful editions of the UT Challenge, the renewed program combined entrepreneurial learning, hands-on experience, and meaningful connections with founders, experts, and regional partners. After months of workshops, business labs, company collaborations, and pitching opportunities, participants took the stage to present solutions to real-world challenges and compete for a range of awards. Oculoo won the Thales Business Award, Sano Sole received both the Ideation Award and ASML Young Makers Award, and Hemicron was recognised with the Novel-T Impact Award. The finale marked a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the next generation of changemakers.
The journey does not end here. We are currently evaluating the first edition and using the insights gained to shape the future of The Entrepreneurial Experience towards 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can you join if you have no idea yet?
Yes, you can join with or without an idea. If you don't have an idea yet, we will help you develop a good one.
Does it matter which stage of your studies you are in?
No, you can join at any stage. As long as you show commitment, it doesn't matter whether you are a first-year bachelor's student, a second-year master's student, or even a PhD candidate.
What is the workload?
The mandatory sessions are equivalent to 1 EC (28 hours), spread over three months. You will also receive this EC in the form of an EduBadge.
Is it easy to combine with your studies?
Yes, this program is specifically aimed at students, and therefore we take your lectures into account. Most sessions are in the evening.
Can you register alone? Or do you have to do it with a group?
You can register individually or with a group. If you register alone, we will guide you in forming a team during the initial contact sessions.
How large can a group be?
The ideal group size is 2-5 people.
Can you participate in TEX multiple times?
Yes, that is possible. For example, if you want to work on a new idea, or if you already have a startup for the next year – then you join during pitch night.
Can you participate if you already have a startup?
Yes, that is possible. In that case, you will join during the pitch night, because you have already laid the foundation.
Who can join The Entrepreneurial Experience?
For students who want to get acquainted with entrepreneurship in an accessible way, whether they already have a startup idea or not. Even if you have a startup, you can participate: in that case, you start at the pitch night.
Can I participate if I am not sure whether I want to become an entrepreneur?
Yes. TEX revolves around an entrepreneurial mindset and skills that are valuable in any career. It'll always look good on your resume!
Do I need a business or technical background?
No. Diversity in teams is actually a strength of the program.
Does it cost money?
No, participation is free for students of the University of Twente and Saxion.
Where do the activities take place?
On the campus of the University of Twente and at partner companies in the region, such as in Almelo, Hengelo, and Enschede.
Is TEX a competition or a learning experience?
It is primarily a learning experience. The competitive elements are intended to make your growth visible, not to win.
