CAS ETH in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures

The Certificate of Advanced Studies ETH in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures (CAS ELTV) develops expertise in bringing technological innovations to the market and leading entrepreneurial ventures toward value creation.

The programme is tailored to innovative and deep-tech ventures and their specific challenges: complexity, uncertainty, and high resource needs. Participants benefit from research-based education, peer learning, interactive methods and custom-tailored coaching by experienced practitioners, both in further developing their business and in becoming effective leaders of or within a venture.

The goal is to strengthen the entrepreneurial mind-set, aspirations, and strategising skills of participants with predominantly scientific or engineering backgrounds as well as to develop their company-building knowledge, operational competencies and leadership skills. The CAS ELTV equips participants to create and manage technology ventures while at the same time providing opportunities to build strong networks with other start-up owners and ecosystem players.

Programme Details

Block 1 – Five Core Knowledge Modules

Entrepreneurial Strategies; Entrepreneurial Leadership & Teams; Entrepreneurial Marketing & Sales; New Venture Finance and Legal Aspects of Starting & Growing a Business. Each module requires online preparation and 1.5 days of on-campus presence (Fridays/Saturdays).

Block 2 – Business Project

Throughout the CAS runtime, participants work on the development of a business project. Accomplished industry experts and practitioners are available to guide and mentor CAS participants to develop their business skills and move forward with their technology venturing projects.

Block 3 – Leadership Development

Throughout the CAS run-time, senior international executive coaches help participants identify and upgrade their professional leadership profile. They also support participants to develop clear action plans for taking on more responsibilities in their career.

Block 4 – Study Trip

Immersion in an entrepreneurial ecosystem, with strategic networking opportunities and the polishing of pitching and communication skills.

The programme is offered in a “blended” format, therefore the student prepares for sessions at home and comes to class, ready to share their knowledge in interactive discussions with an application-focused style of instruction.

The CAS-programme is taught in English and comprises 15 ECTS credit points for completion of the degree.

Early-career professionals in technology businesses who aim to sharpen their entrepreneurial thinking and skills.
Participants will be actively developing technology-based business opportunities and/or setting up technology ventures (e.g. ETH pioneer fellows) during the course.

Successful CAS ELTV graduates will be able to leverage their knowledge and skills for a number of professional opportunities in technology-based enterprises. The programme prepares participants for roles as founders, CEOs or other top management team members in technology start-ups, but also for careers as corporate entrepreneurs, innovation project leaders, or technology strategists in established technology companies.

A Master’s degree recognised by ETH, or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates should be involved in the set-up and management of a technology-based venture, or else provide documentation of their strong interest and affinity to the CAS theme.

The programme duration is twelve months.
It always starts in September of every year.

The next application window for the CAS ELTV starts on 1 April 2022 and ends on 15 July 2022.

Late applications may be accepted until 17.08.22 if places are available. For late applications, please contact to explore options.

Application Fee

CHF 50 for graduates from a Swiss university
CHF 150 for graduates from another university

Admission Fee

CHF 0 for current employees of the ETH domain
CHF 730 for non-ETH domain participants

Tuition Fee

CHF 13,200 regular tuition fee
CHF 9,200 for ETH Pioneer Fellows (special rates for Pioneer Partners available)

Withdrawal Fee

CHF 0 for withdrawals within 30 days after the date of admission
CHF 2,500 for withdrawals later than 30 days after the date of admission and before the start of the semester

The ETH School for Continuing Education is responsible for admissions and administers the application process from the first contact to matriculation.
Detailed information about the application process can be found here.
Application for all continuing education programmes proceeds via eApply.

"Being involved in a medtech start-up brings with it the challenges of developing different market entry and pricing strategies for different countries. The CAS ELTV gave me the tools to approach these aspects from different angles. The programme helped me to develop my leadership skills, build my network, and find the right strategies for the success of my company."

Ozge Karakas, Founder and COO, Hi-D Imaging

“I am a firm believer in impact through technology. As an engineer I have that part covered. The CAS ELTV helps me to commercialise the technology and transfer it to the industry, where it unfolds its potential.”

Christoph Schneeberger, ETH Pioneer Fellow

"The CAS was for me a great opportunity to gain insights and knowledge in fields that I had no prior knowledge, and this is now extremely valuable in my daily business.”

Michele Gregorini, ETH Pioneer Fellow

If space permits, individual modules of the CAS can be attended against a pro-rata fee by persons who are not enrolled in the CAS programme. Admittance will be decided based on the application dossier.

For more information please contact .