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Summer school
    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 Idea Validation Accelerator is an intensive two-week program designed for individuals who are ready to take the next step and transform their concepts into actionable ventures.

    Whether you're exploring a new startup, product, or social initiative, this program 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.

    Located in the heart of Madrid’s financial district, this immersive experience will challenge your thinking and sharpen your execution.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

    • This program is right for you if…

      …you're an aspiring entrepreneur ready to take an idea forward and put it to the test in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. It’s also ideal for early-stage startup teams looking to validate their concept, gather user feedback, and build a foundation for 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 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

    284days
    :
    13hours
    :
    30minutes

    Course Overview – Typical Day in the Idea Validation Accelerator Program

    TheIdea 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.

    • A group of students in a university classroom engaging in discussion with a teacher.

      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A group of people engaging in a collaborative work session at a modern office space.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A speaker presents on stage at IE University, focusing on a mobile device.

      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.

      Validate Your Startup Idea

      Assess the viability of your business idea through expert mentorship, customer feedback, and market research. Learn how to test assumptions, iterate quickly, and refine your concept to align with real market needs.

    • 02.

      Build & Pitch with Confidence

      Develop your prototype through iterative testing, ensuring it solves a real problem. Master the art of pitching by crafting compelling narratives and learning how to confidently present your vision—not just to customers and stakeholders, but also to early-stage investors looking for promising startups.

    • 03.

      Develop a Winning Strategy

      Gain a strong foundation in entrepreneurial strategy, from customer acquisition and retention to understanding critical startup metrics like lifetime value and scalability. Use data-driven decision-making to grow your business effectively in its early stages.

    • 04.

      Fund Your Idea & Find Your Team

      Learn how to attract early-stage investors and secure initial funding to bring your idea to life. Get exposure to investment strategies, funding sources, and financial planning, while also discovering the importance of building a strong, complementary team to scale your venture.

    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.

    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.​

      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

      Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

      If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

      To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.


      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: 

      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.

      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.

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

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      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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