Jülich Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
JUICE is more than just a certificate program – it's your chance to embark on a genuine learning journey. Tailored for young scientists, JUICE offers a no-cost training experience where you can explore and shape commercial or social ventures rooted in your research. It's about turning ideas into impactful solutions and addressing real-world challenges. Join the JUICE community in transforming research into meaningful change.
Unlock the economic potential of your research and become part of the JUICE community
At the JUICE Program you will learn how to identify economic potentials and possible fields of application, and to develop the skills and strategies to transform research into real solutions, products, or applications.
Discover your essential Benefits
Your opportunities
- discover new career opportunities in different types of innovation (e.g. licensing agreements, start-ups, social ventures)
- expand your professional network
- unlock new collaboration opportunities
- develop and deliver solutions
- become part of the JUICE community
- win € 2,500 in funding
Your new skills
- how to identify or generate social or commercial enterprise opportunities based on science
- how to validate your idea
- how to identify target groups, seize markets, improve stakeholder engagement
- how to create business models
- how to improve your pitching and negotiation skills
Explore the modules
What to expect
A dynamic and collaborative learning experience
In a combination of online teaching sessions, live workshops, team-based project building and coachings, you will find a framework for developing and delivering value through research and innovation.
You may work on your own project idea or explore the world of innovation and entrepreneurship by joining interdisciplinary groups.
The program is taught entirely in English. Expert consultants and your innovation management partners at UE-I will guide you through this program.
Win € 2,500 in funding
All teams will get the chance to pitch their idea at the final innovation contest and win € 2,500 in funding to participate at conferences or for training opportunities.
Find information on application and requirements below.
Winning project JUICE 23
David Mengen (IBG-3) and Colin Fernandes (IBI-3) have secured victory in the JUICE Innovation Contest 23 with their pioneering transfer project idea, "Drought Analytics" earning them a €2,500 startup grant.
How to apply
Who is the program for?
Both doctoral students and early-career postdocs from Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University can apply for the JUICE Program.
You do not need to have an idea for an innovation project to participate. Participation is free of charge.
Please note: Places are limited. If necessary, applicants will be put on a waiting list.
How to apply for JUICE Program
Please click the button below and fill out our application form. We will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
Please make sure to read our terms of participation before applying to the program.
Application deadline for JUICE 24: 4 February 2024.
Start
March 2024
For the basic "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" course of JuDocS Transferable Skills Program, please visit JuDocS online. Note: It is not required for JUICE Program participation: JuDocS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course

Time Schedule
Phase 1
Set up your case
🟩 Kick-off
🟩 Market Orientation
🟩 Stakeholder Engagement
🟩 Communication Training
Phase 2
Validate your idea
🟧 Online Coaching I
Phase 3
Specify your model
🟩 Business Modelling
🟩 Networking Event
🟧 Online Coaching II
Phase 4
Get on stage
🟩 Pitch Trial
🟩 Innovation Contest
🟧 online class ⠀ 🟩 presence events
Frequently Asked Questions
Join JUICE in 2024
Ready to embark on a transformative journey with JUICE? Take the first step towards innovation and entrepreneurship.
Fill out our application form and share your motivation letter. Let your journey begin – apply now!
We will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
Contact us
Dr. Vanessa Leffler
Innovationsmanagerin
- Corporate Development (UE)
Room 3011