Does the programme enable students to develop a real entrepreneurial project?
The MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at EDC Paris Business School is built around a founding principle: learning by doing. Students do not simply study entrepreneurship; they practise it by developing a real entrepreneurial project throughout their studies, with the resources, guidance and partnerships they need to make tangible progress.
Real-world projects at the heart of the programme
From the moment they begin their specialisation, students are encouraged to identify an entrepreneurial opportunity and develop a project that will accompany them throughout the programme. The *"I am an Entrepreneur"* ongoing project formalises this approach: it connects each stage of the programme to the student's project as it develops, ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired are immediately applied to a real-world challenge.
These projects are developed within a collaborative ecosystem involving partner companies, including Doctolib, Orange, Thales, Sage and Sodexo, which provide real-world cases, field data and, in some instances, opportunities for co-development. This early exposure to genuine business challenges accelerates project development and grounds practical entrepreneurship in real economic issues rather than purely academic exercises.
Guidance and support for every entrepreneurial project
Each project benefits from personalised support provided by professional practitioners with backgrounds in entrepreneurship. These mentors help students structure their ideas, identify their key assumptions and work towards a viable business model. Regular entrepreneurial coaching sessions provide opportunities to review progress, anticipate potential obstacles and adjust the project's direction.
The EDCUBE in-house incubator plays a central role in project support. It provides a structured environment for project founders, with dedicated resources, thematic workshops and enhanced support for high-potential initiatives. This approach ensures that no student has to develop their project alone, regardless of how mature their idea may be.
Partnerships with companies to strengthen project impact
EDC Paris Business School's network of corporate partnerships provides a tangible accelerator for student projects. These partnerships offer access to hands-on entrepreneurial expertise, opportunities to test ideas in real-world conditions and, in some cases, financial or material resources to support the development of a prototype or initial launch.
The incubators and accelerators within the EDC network complement this support by providing the most advanced projects with specialised assistance after graduation. This combination of academic training and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of the programme's key advantages for students aiming to launch their venture quickly after graduating.
A complete business creation experience, from A to Z
The programme covers the entire development cycle of an entrepreneurial project. Students work progressively on ideation and opportunity identification, business model design and testing, the development of a structured business plan, the definition of a growth strategy and entrepreneurial fundraising. Dedicated modules covering startup finance, marketing strategy and business development provide practical tools for each stage.
The final semester is entirely focused on bringing the project to fruition: students deepen their involvement in the field, write their final dissertation based on a real-world business creation or innovation challenge, and consolidate the skills they have acquired in preparation for launching or continuing to develop their professional project.
Presenting and validating projects before a panel of experts
At the end of the programme, projects are presented to a panel comprising academics, industry professionals and representatives from the entrepreneurial community. This project pitch is a key milestone: it requires students to summarise their approach, defend their strategic decisions and respond to challenging questions from experienced professionals. The final presentation before this expert panel replicates the conditions of a real investment pitch, directly preparing students for the situations they may encounter when raising funds or convincing potential partners.
The panel's feedback helps identify the final areas that need strengthening before an actual launch and may also open up opportunities to connect with investors or post-graduation support organisations.
Joining the MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at EDC Paris means choosing an entrepreneurship programme that places a real-world project at the heart of the student experience. To find out more about the programme and apply, contact an academic advisor or download the programme brochure.