Online | 11–13 March 2026 | English
ATHENA is pleased to announce an online training course in English dedicated to PhD candidates who wish to explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and the valorisation of research. This three-day webinar aims to help doctoral students develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and identify opportunities for business creation based on research and major social and environmental challenges.
Practical Information
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Format: Online training
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Dates: 11–13 March 2026
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Language: English
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Registration deadline: 25 February 2026
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Webinar link: Sent by Christelle Rivas a few days before the training begins
Registration – Important Notice
To participate in the training (mandatory for ATHENA):
PhD candidates must register by email with:
Ms Christelle Rivas
Pépite Centre Val de Loire
christelle.rivas@univ-tours.fr
Please note that this is first come, first served registration.
Objectives
The training course aims to:
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Develop an entrepreneurial mind-set applicable to various professional contexts
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Identify business creation opportunities based on research and societal challenges
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Raise awareness of transferable skills shared by researchers and entrepreneurs
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Discover entrepreneurial experiences through testimonials from PhD graduates
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Engage participants in practical entrepreneurial scenarios using lean start-up tools
Programme – 3-Day Webinar
Over the course of three days, participants will benefit from:
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Brainstorming sessions on exploiting research results to meet identified needs
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Exchanges with PhD entrepreneurs who have founded companies
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Expert contributions on entrepreneurship (business strategy, business model canvas, financial tools, marketing, communication, pitching, etc.)
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Analysis and reflection on skills developed during the training
Teaching Team
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Christelle Rivas, Pépite Centre Val de Loire
Teaching Methods
Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams of 4–5 members on an entrepreneurial challenge. Each team will:
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Develop a business creation project inspired by the seminar content
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Submit written elements similar to a business plan
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Present their project orally to a jury of experts (C-VALO, BPI, DRARRI, socio-economic professionals)
Three prizes will be awarded.
Prerequisites
None.
Skills Acquired
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
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Develop an entrepreneurial mind-set
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Identify business creation opportunities
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Strengthen innovation, project management, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
This training contributes to the professional development of PhD candidates, preparing them for careers in both the public and private sectors, in line with the national doctoral skills framework.
