Wageningen Impact Catalyst Progran

The course is structured as a four-module PhD course that helps Wageningen PhD candidates develop entrepreneurial change agency in relation to their own research. 

The full pathway runs over approximately 18 months and comprises four modules of 2 ECTS each, for a total of 8 ECTS. The modules can be followed sequentially as one developmental route, but each module can also be taken as a stand-alone course. Module 1 is the main low-threshold entry point. Modules 2 to 4 require either prior participation or a separate intake to assess prior knowledge and learning needs. Inspire and Inform focus mainly on reflection, orientation and skills development, while Improve and Impact focus more strongly on validation, implementation readiness and preparation for follow-up through partnerships, application or other impact routes.

 

General Information

Target Group:	PhD candidates and early-career researchers who are curious in what a career in entrepreneurship and business has to offer
Group size:	n/a, you join the running program
Course duration:	2-3 workshops and 4 meetings during a 3 month period
Language:	English
Credits	2 ECTS per module
Self-study hours:	maximum 24
Name lecturer:	Gitte Schober (CVI / Wageningen UR).
Venue:	StartHub, Plus Ultra II
NOTE:	Each module is designed as a 2 ECTS stand-alone course that can be followed separately and leads to a certificate, while together the four modules form an approximately 18-month developmental pathway of 8 ECTS.

 

 

 

Programme

All modules consist of Three full day workshops on Fridays from 10-16 hrs and several community meet-ups on Wednesday afternoon

Module 1 - Inspire: Entrepreneurial Agency and Career Exploration

This entry module helps PhD candidates explore how their research, expertise and professional identity may contribute to societal value. The focus is on reflection, entrepreneurial mindset, opportunity recognition and first impact thinking, rather than venture creation. Participants work on their motivation, strengths, possible future roles and an initial research-to-impact hypothesis. Assessment is based on participation, reflection and a short research-to-impact note.

Module 2 - Inform: Impact Routes, Stakeholders and Problem Framing

This module supports participants in moving from early inspiration to a more structured understanding of how their research could create value in society. It focuses on sharper problem framing, stakeholder analysis, first impact pathways and comparison of possible routes such as policy, practice, educational innovation, licensing or entrepreneurship. Participants use KTH readiness dimensions and the Stanford Impact Compass as reflective tools. Assessment is based on an impact route portfolio and stage-gate presentation.

Module 3 - Improve: Validation and Experimentation for Impact Development

This module is for participants who are ready to test assumptions in practice. The emphasis is on designing and conducting small-scale validation activities with stakeholders, collecting evidence, refining the proposition and learning to work constructively with uncertainty and resistance. The output is a validation dossier containing assumptions, activities, findings and a refined next-step action plan. Successful completion also makes participants eligible for a Road to Innovation Grant or Take-off stage 1 application.

Module 4 - Impact: From Validated Direction to an Independent Impact Proposition

This final module helps participants translate a validated direction into a credible proposition for uptake, implementation or further support. It focuses on adoption conditions, implementation logic, stakeholder and partner strategy, resource needs, IPR considerations, sustainability contribution and a funding plan. The aim is to prepare a coherent next-step proposition that can connect to relevant WUR, national or European follow-up instruments.

Fee

1a) Reduced fee: PhD candidates of Wageningen University with an approved Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) and postdocs of Wageningen University that are registered at one of the graduate schools of Wageningen (EPS, PE&RC, VLAG, WASS, WIAS, WIMEK)	€ 275 per module
2) Full fee: All other PhD candidates / post-docs and staff of Wageningen University	€ 450 per module
3) Extended fee: All other participants	please inquire

Fee includes study and training material, coffee/tea and two lunches and full online functionality.

Cancellation condition:

Until six weeks before the start of the course, you can cancel free of charge. After this date you will be charged with the “Full Fee”. 

Exemption of payment:

• For PhD’s and post-docs of Wageningen University: when you have a valid reason (circumstances beyond your control) to cancel, you will be charged the reduced fee. In this case a written statement of the supervisor/superior is required.

Note: When you do not have a valid reason to cancel or do not show up at courses that are free of charge you will be charged with €100.

Information

For more information please contact Gitte.Schober@wur.nl