ClikBridge Project: Pilot Microcredential Programme in Start-up Management Concludes with International Summer School in Chemnitz
Students and faculty members from Chemnitz University of Technology’s Ukrainian partner universities worked on startup ideas and gained insights into research
From 30 June to 4 July 2026, Chemnitz University of Technology hosted the International Summer School “Entrepreneurship: Managing Innovation and Building Start-Ups”. The event marked the final stage of the pilot international microcredential programme in start-up management implemented within the ClikBridge project. The project brings together Chemnitz University of Technology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. It is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
Overall, the joint international microcredential programme in start-up management was delivered in a hybrid format from April to July 2026, involving lecturers from the three participating higher education institutions as well as a broader cohort of learners. Throughout the intensive offline week in Chemnitz, students learned from Ukrainian and German academics and entrepreneurship experts. German lecturers Dr. Julien Bucher and Dr. Salman Ahmad presented Germany's innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurial support infrastructure, and European Union funding opportunities for start-ups. Dr. Olha Sych, Associate Professor at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, delivered a lecture and workshop on Social Leadership, while Dr. Marianna Kokhan, Associate Professor at the same university, introduced participants to start-up branding and marketing communication strategies.
A highlight of the programme was a series of visits to the university's research laboratories. Participants explored the Automotive Laboratory and the Drone Laboratory, where they gained first-hand insight into the application of data analytics and artificial intelligence in automotive engineering and unmanned aerial systems.
The Summer School culminated in the Final Start-up Pitch on 3 July, during which interdisciplinary student teams from Lviv, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia presented innovative business ideas they had been developing over several months. The projects included: Sapsan – an autonomous system for analysing agricultural soil conditions; Mobile Waste Processing Station – a mobile solution for municipal solid waste processing; and STEM Educational Products – innovative educational products designed to promote STEM learning.
The presentations were evaluated by an expert jury consisting of representatives from Chemnitz University of Technology and the regional start-up network SAXEED, including Prof. Dr. Stefan Hüsig, Dr. Anja Herrmann-Fankhänel, Marion Mattern, Michael Cherkaskyy, and other innovation experts.
Participants emphasised that the programme provided far more than new knowledge. It became an important milestone in both their professional and personal development. During the course, they experienced the entire start-up journey – from generating an innovative idea and developing a business model to preparing an investment pitch. Students particularly appreciated the continuous support of lecturers and mentors, the interactive learning environment, teamwork in international groups, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a European academic setting.
Viktoriia Volynets (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv): “Before joining the programme, I was worried because I had no previous experience in entrepreneurship and lacked confidence in my English. However, I found an inspiring team, became much more confident, learned how to present my ideas, and realised that I want to continue developing our Sapsan start-up. What I value most is the support of our mentors, the welcoming atmosphere, and their belief in our potential.”
Potap Herasymenko (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv): “The programme gave me a comprehensive understanding of the entire start-up creation process – from an initial idea to launching a business. I improved my teamwork, leadership, communication, and English-language skills. Spending a week at Chemnitz University of Technology was a unique opportunity to work in an international environment, experience European culture, and meet inspiring people. I would highly recommend this programme to every student.”
Yelyzaveta Yerenburh (Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University): “I joined the programme almost by chance, but it exceeded all my expectations. It helped me understand how technological ideas are transformed into real products and inspired me to deepen my knowledge of drone security architecture. I am sincerely grateful to the organisers, mentors, and my teammates for their support, trust, and the opportunity to become part of this international project.”
The Summer School successfully concluded the pilot microcredential programme and became another important step in strengthening German-Ukrainian academic cooperation, fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and supporting the next generation of student start-ups. Furthermore, during the meetings in Chemnitz, the launch of the next phase of the programme in 2027 was discussed. This future phase is expected to involve students from Chemnitz University of Technology as well.
(Authors: Marianna Kokhan, Olha Sych, Oksana Molderf)
Mario Steinebach
13.07.2026
