About ESCP Founders Summer Lab 2026 

Applications are open! June 29–30, Madrid, ESCP Spain Campus

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What is this programme?

ESCP Founders Summer Lab is an exclusive, high-energy, 2-day immersive experience bringing together the most ambitious founders, corporate innovators, and investors from across Europe.

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This is not a conference. It is not a lecture series. It is a working programme: active, experimental, and built around real outputs.This programme exists because startups do not grow in isolation. They grow through people, exposure, and momentum. 

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For whom

This programme is designed for real builders, buyers, and investors who are genuinely looking to connect, collaborate, and move forward:

• Founders of early to growth-stage startups
• Venture capital investors
• Corporate innovation leaders
• Entrepreneurial ESCP alumni and professionals
• ESCP students from all campuses with an advanced project in Blue Factory

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What participants will get

• Access to workshops, Startup Safari, and pitch competition
• Meals and transportation during the Safari
• Direct engagement with corporate buyers and investors
• Exposure to Madrid's leading innovation hubs, organisations, and startups
• A clear narrative and sales strategy ready to deploy after the event

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Programme overview

Day 1: Explore & Connect

Understand the two forces reshaping every industry ( AI and Space) and how they are redefining sub-sectors including climate, energy, food, data, connectivity, and travel. The day combines structured content with direct access to the people building and buying in these spaces.

• Startup Safari across Madrid's top innovation hubs. Visit leading Spanish organisations, businesses, and startups shaping Europe's future today

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Day 2: Build & Pitch

Move from understanding to action. Day 2 is entirely hands-on.

• Learn how to land your first corporate clients (B2B)
• Learn how to work with the public sector and European institutional opportunities (B2G)
• Learn how to turn your project into a scalable startup
• Build your own story: develop a compelling startup narrative and the sales strategy behind it — not just another deck, but a clear articulation of who you are, what you solve, and why now
• Pitch in front of real decision-makers during Meet the Buyer

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Key dates

Applications are open

May 31 - Selected participants notified

Early June - Application deadline

June 29 - Day 1. Explore & Connect, Madrid

June 30 - Day 2. Build & Pitch, Madrid

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Participation fee & selection

€250 (all-inclusive)

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The fee covers full access to workshops, the Startup Safari, the pitch competition, meals, and transportation during the Safari.

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🎓 Blue Factory projects and ESCP alumni may be selected for a 100% discount.

No payment required to register. Fee and discount details are confirmed after selection.

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⚠️ Limited spots available. This is a selective programme.