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Mannheim Business School | Heidelberg University Joint Doctorate-MBA Program Application

Shape the Future of DeepTech Innovation – Apply now for the Joint Doctorate–MBA Program of Heidelberg University and Mannheim Business School

The new joint PhD–MBA program by Heidelberg University and Mannheim Business School offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge scientific research with top-tier business education. Over 24 months, doctoral candidates continue to pursue their doctorate while earning an MBA at an internationally top ranked business school, working in interdisciplinary teams to turn top-notch research into real ventures. A great chance to gain the skills, network, and mentorship needed to become a successful science-based entrepreneur. 

Apply by February 27, 5PM CET, by following the steps below. After an initial review process, up to eight applicants are invited for an on-site interview. Successful awardees receive free access to the MBA curriculum. 

Mentors (i.e., doctoral supervisor) need to provide their written endorsement by February 27, 5PM CET, by sending their letter of support to: 

heiinnovation@uni-heidelberg.de

In case of questions regarding the process and eligibility, please contact:

fof1@uni-heidelberg.de

Step 1: Fill out the Application

General Information

Address

Research Project Proposal

list up to five keywords
max. 1 page A4, Arial, 11pt
max. 500 words
max. 1 page A4, Arial, 11pt (Non-confidential information only; include status regarding proof-of-concept, comment on IP already secured if applicable)

References

Supporting statement for the enrolment in the part-time MBA by mentor

max. 1 page A4 Arial 11pt, to be submitted directly by mentor

Please ask your mentor (i.e. doctoral supervisor) to declare their support for a joint doctorate and MBA education, also given the time commitment needed and the potential effect on the length of the doctorate. Please have the mentor comment on the innovation potential of your thesis project and on the proof-of-concept status. Please have the mentor comment on your qualities (particularly regarding excellence, mindset, resilience) and on the coverage of your salary during the MBA period (Sept 2026 – Aug 2028)

Data privacy consent (needed to be able to process your application)

Please choose “yes” to agree that your application will be shared with the reviewers of your proposal. *

We handle your application in a confidential way and will not share any information outside of the evaluation committee for your proposal. The reviewers are subject to strict confidentiality. We store and handle data given in the application for processing and deciding on the application and for statistical, internal and scientific evaluations to monitor the quality of our processes. Data for these purposes are used in an anonymous way.

Please choose “yes” to agree to the storage and handling of your application. *

By choosing “yes” you agree that the foregoing consent also includes processing
of special categories of personal data referred to in Art. 9 Paragraph 1 General
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If you do not consent above, we are unfortunately unable to process your
application.

* Pflichtfelder

Mit dem Abschicken dieses Formulars stimmen Sie folgenden Datenschutzbedingungen zu:

  • Ihre Formulareingaben werden ausschließlich für den folgenden Zweck verwendet: To apply for the Joint Doctorate–MBA Program described on this page.
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  • Für eine Datenauskunft (Art. 15 DSGVO) oder ein Löschbegehren (Art. 17 DSGVO) von Ihren personenbezogenen Daten wenden Sie sich bitte an den angegebenen E-Mail-Kontakt auf dieser Seite (Rote Kontaktfahne unten rechts im Fenster). Bitte geben Sie bei Ihrer Anfrage an, auf welcher Seite Sie die Anfrage gestellt haben und zu welchem Datum und Zeitpunkt.

Step 2: Upload your CV

Upload CV (Secure Upload to heiBOX)

Please name the uploaded file LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Doctorate-MBA

Further Information

 

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Heidelberg University in the natural sciences, life sciences, or engineering sciences.
  • Your PI has his / her primary affiliation at Heidelberg University.
  • At the time of enrolment into the part-time MBA in September 2026, you have at least successfully completed the first year of your doctorate.
  • Your project and results show promise for developing a startup, your research topic demonstrates clear commercialization potential and you are at or near proof-of-concept stage.
  • You have a strong commitment to turn your research into a business.
  • You are willing and able to work in multi-competence teams, collaborating across scientific, technical, and business domains.
  • You are committed to pursue in parallel both the doctoral and part-time MBA program over a 24-month period.
  • You must be available to participate in the program starting September 2026.
  • Your supervisor/mentor must actively support the combined doctorate and MBA curriculum.

 

Selection criteria: 

  • scientific excellence;
  • innovation and startup potential of the research project;
  • demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship;
  • motivation to become a science-based entrepreneur.

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