The Researcher-to-Founder Program
Our Goal
The researcher-to-founder program is designed to turn the groundbreaking research and talent of universities and research organisations into investable deep-tech startups.
Talentik is offering a fast, evidence-based process that identifies promising founders within academia and supports them as they transform ideas into validated business cases.
This 10-week journey serves as the “Proof of Engine” — demonstrating that the universities and research organisations can repeatedly create market-ready ventures, not just one-off success stories.
How We Work
At the heart of the program lies an iterative system built
on five core principles:
Data Assessment
Participants are measured across 11 dimensions of founder–market readiness using objective signals and structured criteria.
Expert Collaboration
Startup-sector coaches and specialists actively contribute to program design and implementation.
Lean Execution
Fast cycles, minimal bureaucracy, and efficient tools enable the model to scale easily across cohorts.
Evidence First
Real-world validation comes before the story—startup narratives emerge from proven insights, not assumptions.
Ecosystem Bridge
By connecting research-driven talent with Talentik’s founder and investor network, the program accelerates paths to market.
Engine Building
Focus on creating a repeatable process that consistently delivers startup. Ready outcomes, rather than depending on a single success.
Why it Matters
Universities and research organisations are home to world-class scientists and technologies — a goldmine for innovation. Turning these innovations into real-world solutions requires a structured journey from research to entrepreneurship — and that’s where we come in!
The program bridges that gap. In just ten weeks, it shows investors and partners that talent can build fundable, market ready companies.
It’s a fast, disciplined way to turn scientific breakthroughs into business traction.
1-3
Scouting & Selection
Identifying founders
Interviews and hands-on challenges evaluate seven key traits like action bias, coachability, and technical edge.
4-6
Discovery Sprint
Market validation
Founders conduct real customer interviews, test assumptions, and clarify IP
7-8
Assessment & Insights
Strategic review
A panel of experts reviews evidence, challenges assumptions, and selects finalists for the final sprint.
9-10
Proof of Engine
Market traction
Finalists secure tangible market signals — signed LOIs, test commitments, or data access — and compile investor-ready documentation.
The 10-Week Journey
PHASE
0
Preparation
Setup
Tools, calls for applications, short video submissions, and classification into “Starter” or “Seeder” tracks.
FOCUS
WHAT HAPPENS
What Comes Out of It
Validated Ventures
Founders finish the program with real customer traction, a clear IP plan, and a 12–18-month growth roadmap.
Measured Results
Every case is scored across 11 transparent criteria — from “Bias-to Action” to “Pre-Seed Narrative Strength.”
Studio-Ready Data
The results feed into the creation of a researcher-based Venture Studio, a platform that systematically turns research into startups.
Investor Confidence
Venture capital partners gain access to de-risked, evidence-based deal flow.
From Proof to
Venture Studio
After the 10-week pilot, Talentik aims to establish a full-fledged venture studio. — a long-term, data-driven engine for startup creation.
Each new cohort strengthens the foundation for sustainable innovation: transparent governance, milestone-based funding, and a community of founders growing from within the studio.
Entrepreneurship
We´re developing and managing projects in the area of entrepreneurship - might it be a workshop for scientists to sketch out their business idea, a networking event for AI scientists or personal growth plans.
