Changemakers

An entrepreneurial journey that empowers you as an individual

As part of the Changemakers program, you will be exposed to new ways of thinking, you will challenge yourself, access expertise and insightful resources, as well as learn from your peers. You will connect with like-minded students and belong to a community that supports and motivates you. Building an entrepreneurial project will help you develop a new mindset, where creativity and problem-solving are at the core of how you work and approach the world.

The program will teach you design thinking tools, which will benefit your future career path. You’ll practice those tools while building a real startup project.

You’ll connect with like-minded student, coaches and entrepreneurs. The community will support and motivate you to keep learning and growing as an individual.

You’ll learn the art of pitching. Throughout the program, you’ll pitch to different audiences and get coached on to grow into a confident presenter

Workshops are highly interactive with no lectures nor coursework. The program is an entirely different learning format than other EPFL classes.

You’ll learn how to understand your users and validate the potential of your ideas. You’ll grow the confidence to turn your ideas into reality, no matter your career goals.

Changemakers connects you with mentors and coaches to support your project and develop your personal leadership skills.

``Changemakers provided an extraordinary experience. We delved into the startup realm through engaging and interactive learning experiences. The sessions were concise yet packed with invaluable insights. The leadership workshop, in particular, left a profound impact on me. It illuminated the diverse spectrum of leadership styles, highlighting that one doesn't always need to be exceptionally extroverted or eloquent to lead effectively.``

Astha Gupta

PhD candidate in EDRS, Changemakers Fall '22

``Participating in the Changemakers program was the spark that truly ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. After three months filled with engaging workshops, pitches, and hands-on activities, I found myself not just tolerating uncertainty, but actually falling in love with it. It shaped me into a stronger leader and equipped me with the tools crucial for any entrepreneurial challenge.``

Dimitrio Joe Nassif

Bachelor student in micro engineering, Changemakers spring '23

``What's truly inspiring about this program is that you're surrounded by passionate individuals, each harbouring their unique flame of creativity, all working on diverse projects. This collaborative environment not only boosts your confidence but also equips you with the skills to articulate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Through numerous workshops, you'll gain valuable insights into market dynamics, providing you with a solid foundation to navigate the business world. Sometimes, the meetings go surprisingly deep, allowing you to revisit old chapters of your life and uncover new, uncharted paths.``

Polina Holub

Master student in environmental engineering, Changemakers spring '23

2 days to explore the essentials of leadership, while learning how to spot and interview your users.

Identify who your users, beneficiaries and customers are to better understand the problem(s) that you’re trying to solve.

Practice the different techniques for successful pitching.

Pitch & receive feedback from expert coaches on whether your solution matches your users’ insights.

Design in detail how your users will experience your solution through storyboards

Pitch to an audience to get feedback on your pitching style and desirability of your solution

Create a prototype landing page that to test your solution with real users.

Develop communication and leadership skills that are authentic to you and your vision.

Identify how your project will be viable with a positive impact on the planet and society.

Pitch and get feedback from expert mentors on the viability of your project

Create an action plan to move your project forward with your first pilot

Pitch your project for the chance to earn award grants to take your project further.

Pitch and get feedback from expert mentors on the viability of your project

Who can apply?

Do I need an entrepreneurship idea to participate?

What type of ideas are accepted?

Your idea can be tech or non-tech driven and follow a profit or not-for-profit model (as long as it is financially viable). Ideally, it will have a significant positive impact on society and or the environment. Please note that your startup idea must be consistent with applicable law and ethical values. If you are unsure of whether your idea would qualify, please get in touch with us at melis.ataol@epfl.ch

How advanced do I need to be with my idea?

EPFL Changemakers is designed for students who have an idea in mind that they didn’t really start implementing. If you already started working on your idea, feel free to apply too. However, if we consider that you are too advanced for the program, we might redirect you to another more advanced entrepreneurship program (like Blaze).

We want to join as a team, can we do so?

You can! Note that each team member that wants to take part in the program needs to fill out a separate application form including the application video presenting themselves. The Changemaker status is personal. Of course, for some questions, you can answer the same thing (idea presentation, market need) and submit a team video.

What if I can’t join all of the sessions?

We do not want you to miss out, however we are aware of how packed your EPFL schedule is and that you might need to miss a session once in a while.

The best is for you to note your conflicting classes in the application form so we can schedule accordingly.

If you are unsure about your schedule, you can also leave us your comments via email or mark it at the end of the application form.

Note that if you miss too many sessions or don’t participate fully to them, we will not be able to keep you in the program.

Do I have to work between the workshops?

Yes, we are looking for motivated students that are ready to take some of their free-time to make their project move forward. During workshops, you will learn to use tools that will help you advance your project and the evolution of it will also depend on the work you do between sessions.

Do I have to pitch at the Final Award Ceremony?

Yes, each project has to pitch at the Final Award Ceremony. We know public speaking can be (very) intimidating, but this is part of your growing journey as a Changemaker. You will get our full support to prepare! Try, challenge yourself and you will see how good it feels ! 🙂

Ignite your potential and embark on a transformative 12-week program designed to supercharge your learning journey. Unleash your innovation and entrepreneurial skills, increase your impact, and transform your ideas into real-life projects.

Melis Ataol

An entrepreneurial journey that empowers you as an individual

A unique learning experience

Entrepreneurship

Community

Pitching

No coursework

Empowerment

Coaching

Want to be part of it?

What students say

Assia Ouanaya

Lancelot Graulich

Astha Gupta

Dimitrio Joe Nassif

Polina Holub

Program Timeline

1.

Bootcamp

2.

Understand your users

3.

Learn how to pitch

4.

Pitching for Feedback

5.

Design how users will actually use your solution

6.

Pitching for Feedback

7.

Experiment to validate your solution

8.

Develop your leadership

9.

Defining the vision for sustainability

10.

Pitching for Feedback

11.

MVP Planning

12.

Reflection & Next Steps

13.

Award Ceremony

Changemakers in pictures

FAQ

Who can apply?

Do I need an entrepreneurship idea to participate?

What type of ideas are accepted?

How advanced do I need to be with my idea?

We want to join as a team, can we do so?

What if I can’t join all of the sessions?

Do I have to work between the workshops?

Do I have to pitch at the Final Award Ceremony?

Where will the workshops take place?