A speaker presenting on stage at an event for IE University.

NewNew

Idea Validation Accelerator

From concept to creation, bring your startup idea to life

Apply. It will open in a new tab

Apply

duration2 weeks

languageEnglish

locationMadrid

intake13th of July - 24th of July, 2026

formatIn-person

Validate, build, and pitch your next big idea

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?

Days to start your best summer

222days

16hours

04minutes

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

A focused individual in a professional setting surrounded by peers engaged in discussion.

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

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.
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 you’re starting from scratch or looking to take an existing concept to the next level, this program will help you think strategically and execute effectively.

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.
Entrepreneurial Strategy
Learn how to build, refine, and scale sustainable business models.
02.
Market Validation
Understand your customer, analyze data, and test real market potential.

03.
Innovation & Technology
Explore how emerging tech can drive competitive advantage.
04.
Pitching & Investor Readines
Develop a clear, convincing story for your venture.

Unique Value

A hands-on entrepreneurial journey where you’ll turn an abstract idea into a solid business concept, guided by mentors with real startup and investment experience.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the program, you’ll know how to validate an idea, build a business model, and pitch it effectively to investors or partners.

What You're going to do - 2 weeks

Program Structure

WEEK 1
WEEK 2
Final Project

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

Final Project

Program Structure

WEEK 1
WEEK 2
Final Project

Beatriz Bagaces Serrano
Manager - Global Recruitment
ieuniversitysummerschool@ie.edu
Any doubts?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
Book a Call
click to WhatsApp

ignacio-larru-martinez-ie-university-professor

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

Meet your professor. It will open in a new tabMeet your professor

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.

Discover more. It will open in a new tab

Discover more

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.

Explore more. It will open in a new tabExplore more

Slide 1 of 0

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.

undefined. It will open in a new tab

A schedule for the University Summer Program showing various courses and dates.

TUITION

*Early bird

Before March 27th, 2026

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.

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.

Learn more about our Master program. It will open in a new tab

Learn more about our Master program

THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

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.

A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

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

A stylized illustration of a woman walking confidently with a large checklist and a check mark, symbolizing task completion or approval.

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.