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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

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

51days
:
17hours
:
22minutes

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.

Study Plan

What You're going to do - 2 weeks 

This agenda is subject to change.

Program Structure
2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
WEEK 1
    WEEK 2
    Final Project
      Program Structure
      2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
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      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.

      Your First Look at the Program

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      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.

      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. I Classes.
      • Afternoon: Optional cultural activities. 
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      Week 2

      Monday to Thursday:

      •  9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I Classes.
      • Afternoon: Optional cultural activities. 
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      Last day

      Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.
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      Discover the summer calendar

      Explore the full Univeristy Summer Programs calendar to discover all available courses and dates.

      See the calendar

      Our 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
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      Student Experience

      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
      • 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
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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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      Admissions

      Our admissions process is simple and designed to understand your motivation and goals. Apply online and receive a decision within approximately two weeks.
      We recommend applying early, as places are limited.

      Abstract for Tuition | IE

      TUITION

      2 WEEK PROGRAM

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

      THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

      1
      Online Application
      2
      Submit your Application
      3
      Admissions Final Decision

      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.

      1/3
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      Combine Programs to Build Your Ideal Summer   

      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.​

        From Summer to Your Future at IE

        Step Into Your Master’s Journey

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