University Partnership Programmes

In 2024, CERN welcomed again executive MBAs from INSEAD, France, and entrepreneurship students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), School of Entrepreneurship. These programmes provided hands-on exposure to CERN technologies, challenging participants to explore their commercial potential.

INSEAD: Deep-tech commercialisation for senior executives

From 30 October to 2 November 2024, 33 Executive MBA candidates from INSEAD, accompanied by two facilitators, took part in an intensive deep-tech commercialisation programme, entitled “Deep Tech Key Management Challenges”, at CERN’s IdeaSquare.

Designed for senior executives, the programme immersed participants in cutting-edge CERN technologies, encouraging them to develop innovative market applications and leverage their extensive managerial experience to identify viable business opportunities. At the end of the 4-day programme, the winning idea involved the use of the ACCURATE 2A chip for Alzheimer’s monitoring.

“CERN is an amazing partner for our Deep Tech entrepreneurship program at INSEAD. The science innovations they provide are key to our students’ deep dive into the unique challenges facing tough tech venture creation. The team at CERN Venture Connect is motivated and collaborative, the perfect partners to help bring our course alive. And, finishing on CERN’s renowned campus is, of course, an incredible capstone to the months-long programme.”

Professors Adrian Johnson and Bill Magill – INSEAD

NTNU: Pre-feasibility studies for technology commercialisation

Continuing a successful collaboration, CERN once again welcomed students from the NTNU School of Entrepreneurship for an intensive hands-on experience at the intersection of deep tech and business innovation. From 21 – 25 October 2024, a cohort of 47 students, accompanied by two facilitators, took part in a pre-feasibility study programme at CERN’s IdeaSquare to assess the market viability of CERN technologies.

Unlike a competition-based format, this initiative focused on conducting in-depth market feasibility studies, helping students bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and commercial viability before presenting their findings on the last day. 

By integrating scientific expertise with entrepreneurial thinking, CERN’s partnership with NTNU equips future entrepreneurs with the skills to analyse deep-tech business opportunities. This initiative underscores the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in transforming pioneering research into real-world impact.