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Summer school
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    Idea Validation Accelerator

    From concept to creation, bring your startup idea to life
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    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    intake13th of July - 24th of July, 2026
    formatIn-person

    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?

    • 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

    243days
    :
    19hours
    :
    10minutes

    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.

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      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A panel discussion taking place with three speakers seated in front of an audience.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A speaker on stage at a showcase event for runners-up, enthusiastically starting the pitch presentations.

      Last day

      • Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

    Your First Look at the Program

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    Play
    • 4
      In europe - mba european rankingPitchbook
      October 2023
    • 7
      worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & Quants
      October 2023
    • 4
      worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial Times
      February 2022

    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
    • +1500
      students trained in entrepreneurial management per year

    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

    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

    You’ll walk away with a tested business concept, a refined pitch, and the strategic tools to move your idea toward launch.

    What You're going to do - 2 weeks 

    Program Structure
    WEEK 1
      WEEK 2
      Program Structure

      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

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      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.

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      Discover more

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      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.

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      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.​

        DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

        Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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        A schedule for the University Summer Program showing various courses and dates.
        Abstract for Tuition | IE

        TUITION

        *Early bird

        •  Before March 30th

        2 WEEK PROGRAM

        • 3,500€
        • *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

        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

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        1. Online Application

        You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

        1. Academic transcripts.  
        2. CV (cv template).
        3. 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.

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        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

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        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.

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        From Summer to Your Future at IE. Step Into Your Master’s Journey  

        Take your Idea Validation Accelerator experience further by pursuing our International MBA, Master in Digital Business & Innovation, or Master in Customer Experience & Innovation.

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        Learn more about our Master program

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        New Podcast: Venture Ahead: Explore. Innovate. Succeed.

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        Listen now!

        Read more about Entrepreneurship at IE University

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        START YOUR APPLICATION

        Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

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