The Certified Innovation Manager Online Training with internship opportunities in Germany, delivered as an e-learning course, equips participants with the skills to initiate and manage innovation processes in start-ups. The knowledge gained throughout the training series will be applied in a virtual Innovation Hackathon, using real cases from German start-ups.

enlarge the image: Picture: Swen Reichhold
Picture: Swen Reichhold

Service Offer

The course emphasizes the successful integration of international academics into the German job market. The outcomes of the Innovation Hackathon connect start-ups and participants through real work scenarios, laying the foundation for internships to follow.

The accompanying summer school including free German language course prepares participants for the specific requirements of the German work environment.

The goal of this initiative is to foster sustainable and impactful integration by supporting individual professional development while promoting long-term collaboration and networking between international professionals and German companies. 

Target group

  • International academics near the completion of their studies or those with completed university degrees who currently reside abroad.
  • The focus is on professionals and experts with higher education in STEM fields.
     

Course structure

The course is designed as an online program, ensuring accessibility for participants from various time zones and those living abroad. It focuses on strategic innovation management, customer-oriented product development, and the development of innovation systems within companies. This equips participants with the skills needed to successfully implement innovation strategies in German SMEs and startups.

A key component of the course will be a range of multimedia tools, such as videos, animations, and real-world case studies, designed to support self-paced learning. Additionally, a series of live online sessions will facilitate direct interaction with instructors. The Moodle e-learning platform will be used to track learning progress and manage assignments digitally.

Completion of the certification course is also a prerequisite for participating in the internship program in Germany and the accompanying summer school.

enlarge the image: Outline of the Certified Innovation Manager Online Training
Outline of the Certified Innovation Manager Online Training

Participants select one of the presented cases and, after four weeks of preparation, present their solutions in an online hackathon. During this period, coaching is available to support participants.

The results provide startups with a comprehensive understanding of the participants’ skills, allowing them to select candidates for internships in Germany after the presentations and, if necessary, personal interviews.

This approach ensures the direct application of the knowledge gained in the CIM training through case-based problem-solving for companies in need of skilled professionals. Participants who successfully match with a startup can proceed to the next module, which includes an internship and a summer school program.

enlarge the image: Outline of the Online Innovation Hackathon
Outline of the Online Innovation Hackathon

International academics have the unique chance to bring their theoretical knowledge to life through a hands-on 8 weeks internship in a German start-up. This experience offers participants the opportunity to:

  • Acquire specialized industry knowledge by engaging in practical, real-world tasks.
  • Expand professional networks within the vibrant start-up ecosystem.
  • Understand the specific demands of the German start-up landscape.

This internship not only lays a strong foundation for your professional growth but also smooths the path to potential employment in the same or a similar start-up upon completion.

Participants will receive a stipend at the minimum wage level, ensuring financial support as they embark on this transformative experience.

International academics need targeted preparation for successful integration into the German job market. This preparation goes beyond language and cultural aspects, focusing on developing a deeper understanding of the expectations and requirements within Germany's vibrant start-up ecosystem as well as the labor market in general.

Key components of this preparation include:

  • Gaining insight into Germany’s unique work culture and professional environment.
  • Familiarizing yourself with the structures and dynamics of start-up companies in Germany.
  • Understanding industry-specific practices and standards that define German start-ups.

Equipped with these insights, international professionals can navigate the German job market with confidence and thrive in its dynamic start-up landscape.

Benefits for participants

  • Gaining industry-specific expertise by working on real projects.
  • Building valuable networks with professionals in the start-up ecosystem.
  • Understanding the inner workings of Germany's innovative start-up culture.
  • Comprehensive preparation for a successful career on the German market.
  • Improving German language skills by participation in a free A1 German language course.

Duration:

  • Kick-off: March 5, 2025
  • Training Course & Coaching:  March 12, 2025 to April 30, 2025
  • Online Innovation Hackathon: May 7, 2025 to May 21, 2025
  • Summer School and Internship in Germany: August and September 2025

Place: E-Learning Platform

Language: Fluent English, spoken and written (at least B2 level)

Participation fees: no fees for international academics from abroad

 

Registration deadline: February 26, 2025, 11:59 PM

Registration form

 

Please register your interest for the course by completing registration form and uploading the necessary documents. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 12. Participants will be selected based on the quality of their applications, depending on the high number of registrations.

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