TRACE
"Transforming Academic into Entrepreneurial Minds"
... is an additional qualification for students of FH Aachen and RWTH Aachen University and aims to develop entrepreneurial skills and prepare for a career as a founder or intrapreneur.
Background
In Aachen there are about 26,000 students in degree programmes related to start-ups, but the number of start-ups from this group remains manageable. Two main reasons were identified for this "start-up inertia". Firstly, many students' start-up ideas are not concrete enough, and secondly, most students do not look further into the prospect of an entrepreneurial career, as this is seen as competing with other study goals. For this reason, RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen University, in cooperation with AC.E e.V. and with the support of the EU Regional Development Fund, are launching the TRACE programme to help mobilise students as entrepreneurs.
Target group
TRACE is aimed at students of all subject areas who are interested in starting a business. The programme offers a flexible, 2-semester programme parallel to studies to develop entrepreneurial skills and to gain an insight into the working methods and challenges of founders and access to the growing Aachen network of founders. Furthermore, there is the possibility to stay abroad in the EU within the framework of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme as well as within the framework of scholarships (currently only for RWTH students) at the universities in Austin (USA) and Tongji (China).
Programme overview
The TRACE programme is divided into 3 modules, in which the participants can put together a flexible programme in consultation with the supervisors. The 3 modules are:
Network & Ideas
Participants should generate ideas and expand their network. To do this, they have the opportunity to participate in networking events such as the AC.E Gründernetz or to develop business ideas in team workshops.
This structure gives participants a high degree of flexibility and allows them to combine the programme with their existing interests and projects.
During the entire programme, the participants are supervised and individually supported by experienced advisors from the incubator.
Application
Have we aroused your interest? Then become a TRACE participant and contact us!
It is possible to join the TRACE programme at the beginning of each semester.
Applications for the summer semester 2024 can be submitted until 25.3.2024 using the following form.
Voices on TRACE
"TRACE is a great thing. Above all, the individual coaching has brought our young start-up forward. In numerous coaching sessions, we were able to further develop our business model and even successfully submitted the funding application for the EXIST start-up grant. Now we are funded for a whole year and can realise the dream of our company." Tobias (2019 participant and founder of Herr Westermann)
"I am studying communication design and have already been able to gain my first entrepreneurial experience alongside my studies. The TRACE programme helps me to expand my business knowledge. The regular meetings and events are particularly exciting for me, as I meet like-minded people there and can learn from experienced founders, their successes and especially their setbacks." Maike (Participant 2018)
"As a future entrepreneur, TRACE has given me the chance to further develop my business idea and gain pitch experience. The TRACE meetings offer the perfect opportunity for personal development in a convivial atmosphere and to expand one's network through active exchange with the students and consultants". Jasper (Participant 2018)
