Learning Expeditions: a way for doctoral students to plunge into the heart of entrepreneurship

One of Inria Startup Studio’s missions is to raise awareness among PhD students, researchers and research engineers of the entrepreneurial opportunity. A number of activities are carried out throughout the year to raise awareness of the program and identify future project leaders who could join. One of these flagship initiatives is the organization of Learning Expeditions (LEX).

On November 21, 21 PhD students from all over France took part in a LEX for a behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship at Inria Startup Studio’s annual flagship event for deeptech entrepreneurship: the Fête des Startups.

A look back at a day of learning, sharing and inspiration.

The day began with an introduction to entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem, enabling PhD students to understand the challenges involved in setting up a company, from the idea to its creation and development.

Successful entrepreneurs from Inria then shared their inspiring personal experiences, successes and failures, and lessons learned. These testimonials were greatly appreciated by the participants, as they gave them a concrete insight into how research-based technologies can be transformed into successful businesses.

Participating in a learning expedition is an amazing opportunity to see how practical research is applied in the real world. It’s inspiring to witness how theoretical concepts translate into impactful projects and solutions, providing valuable insights and motivation for our own academic and professional journeys. – Selina Cheggour

It was an amazing experience to dive into the world of startups and innovation, surrounded by like-minded people. We had the chance to hear the testimonies of some inspiring and successful entrepreneurs who shared their stories, challenges, and successes. I really appreciated getting a true sense of how everything operates behind the scenes. – Agatha Joumaa

The afternoon was devoted to plenary sessions on the challenges of tech in entrepreneurship and in building entrepreneurial paths.

At the end of the day, many doctoral students expressed their satisfaction and motivation to explore new avenues for their future careers. Some even mentioned the possibility of going into entrepreneurship after their PhD, inspired by the testimonials of entrepreneurs and the practical advice shared during the sessions. Others appreciated the opportunity to better understand the startup ecosystem, its challenges and opportunities.

This event enabled the doctoral students and engineers invited to take their first step into deeptech entrepreneurship, while taking part in meetings and exchanges with passionate professionals and entrepreneurs. It also enabled them to rethink their own career paths and project themselves into a future where research and entrepreneurship become one.

A great learning and discovery experience! Even if you don’t have a project, Fête des Startups allows you to keep another door open for your professional future. – Paul Mefflet

If you are looking to create your startup but have no idea how and what to expect in the process, this even is meant for you !!!! – Mohamad Mohamad

In Fête des Startups we can learn from other people’s experience, share ideas and think about our future projects. – Rafael Da Silva

If you see a startup in your future this event is needed because is a first contact we the real world of entrepreneurship with the possibility to ask professionals and share the learning with other people in your same situation. Otherwise, if you have no idea about your future, it is a good event to have a look to what this world can give you and to meet people to share different experiences – Matteo Azzini

Getting a better idea of possibilities and have a glimpse of the industry – Thibault Clavier

A really nice time of experience sharing and moment to meet potential associates – Romain Tissot

Our warmest thanks to all the speakers, entrepreneurs and participants for their commitment and enthusiasm, which made this day an unforgettable moment of sharing and discovery!

Sophie Barre