Idea Validation Accelerator
From concept to creation, bring your startup idea to lifeTurn Ideas into Action: Validate, Test & Build Real Solutions
Turn Ideas into Action: Validate, Test & Build Real Solutions
At IE University, we believe that entrepreneurship is not just about having a great idea—it’s about making it happen. The Ideas Validation Accelerator is an intensive two-week program designed for students and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step and transform their concepts into actionable ventures.
This program requires participants to already have a startup idea, which they will refine and validate through real-world testing, expert guidance, and feedback from users, mentors, and early-stage investors.
Whether you're exploring a new startup, product, or social initiative, this accelerator will equip you with the critical tools and methodologies to test assumptions, understand your target market, and validate your business model. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and peer collaboration, you’ll move from idea to evidence-based validation, gaining real-world feedback from investors, experts, and potential customers.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
This program is right for you if…
…you have a defined startup idea and want to validate it with real users and mentors, refine your investor-ready pitch, and build a solid foundation for early growth.
The Idea Validation Accelerator is designed for motivated undergraduate students and recent graduates from any academic background who are curious about launching their own venture. Whether or not you're currently enrolled at IE University, this program offers practical experience, access to expert mentorship, and the chance to stress-test your business idea in real-world conditions.
Participant profile
The Idea Validation Accelerator is designed for motivated undergraduate students and recent graduates from any academic background who are curious about launching their own venture. Whether or not you're currently enrolled at IE University, this program offers practical experience, access to expert mentorship, and the chance to stress-test your business idea in real-world conditions.
Days to start your best summer
Course Overview – Typical Day in the Idea Validation Accelerator
Course Overview – Typical Day in the Idea Validation Accelerator
The Idea Validation Accelerator is designed to keep you on your toes, combining engaging classroom sessions with hands-on activities and peer collaboration. Every day is a chance to put theory into action and accelerate your startup journey.
Week 1:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 2:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Last day
- Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.
Your First Look at the Program
Your First Look at the Program
- 4In europe - mba european rankingPitchbookOctober 2023
- 7worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & QuantsOctober 2023
- 4worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial TimesFebruary 2022
Fostering Entrepreneurial Excellence at IE University
Fostering Entrepreneurial Excellence at IE University
We continually strive to elevate your IE University experience, taking pride in our data-driven successes that reflect your achievements, because your success is our success.
- 25%ie alumni who start their own companies
- +1500students trained in entrepreneurial management per year
Focus Areas
Focus Areas
Whether validating ideas, prototyping, iteration based on expert feedback or learning to pitch like a pro, this module lets you live the startup reality step by step, from concept to creation.
- 01.
Market Validation
Assess the viability of your business idea through mentorship, customer feedback, and market research. Learn how to test assumptions and refine your concept to align with real needs.
- 02.
Lean Startup Tools
Apply agile methods to develop and iterate your prototype step by step, moving quickly from concept to evidence-based validation.
- 03.
Investors-Ready Pitching
Master the art of pitching by crafting compelling narratives and learning how to confidently present your vision to customers, stakeholders, and early-stage investors.
- 04.
Investor Fit
Explore how to secure early-stage funding and attract the right backers for your idea, while also learning the importance of building a complementary team for growth.
Unique Value
Unique Value
A fast-track, hands-on accelerator that empowers you to validate your startup idea with real feedback from mentors, users, and investors—all within two weeks.
Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome
You’ll walk away with a tested business concept, a refined pitch, and the strategic tools to move your idea toward launch.
- Beatriz Bagaces SerranoManager - Global Recruitment
Any doubts?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
Ignacio Larrú Martínez – IE Professor
- Professor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Big Data
- Mentor at IE Venture Lab
- Expertise in Investment & Fund Management
New to entrepreneurship?
New to entrepreneurship?
Start with our Entrepreneurship Bootcamp—a hands-on introduction to the startup mindset, perfect for those exploring ideas or just getting started.
South Summit
South Summit
IE University is a co-organizer of South Summit, one of the most important global events in entrepreneurship and innovation. In fact, for IE University, South Summit is its flagship event in the field of entrepreneurship, as we uniquely foster and promote entrepreneurship and innovation through education, reinforcing these values as fundamental pillars of excellence.
DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.
TUITION
TUITION
*Early bird
*Early bird
- Before March 30th
2 WEEK PROGRAM
2 WEEK PROGRAM
- 3,500€
- *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)
CREDIT RECOGNITION
CREDIT RECOGNITION
If you join IE University’s Summer Program for a two week module and opt in to the additional academic deliverable, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating an academic workload equivalence of 3 ECTS credits.
Completing two modules with the deliverable corresponds to 6 ECTS, and three modules to 9 ECTS.
To qualify for credit recognition, you must fulfill all course requirements and submit the additional deliverable within two weeks of finishing your last module. Recognition of credits is always determined by your home institution.
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
1. Online Application
You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- CV (cv template).
- Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.
*You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.
2. Submit your Application
Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.
*Interviews will be conducted with the IE team to explore entrepreneurship ideas and provide guidance
3. Admissions Final Decision
Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.
New Podcast: Venture Ahead: Explore. Innovate. Succeed.
New Podcast: Venture Ahead: Explore. Innovate. Succeed.
Read more about Entrepreneurship at IE University
Read more about Entrepreneurship at IE University
START YOUR APPLICATION
START YOUR APPLICATION
Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!