Deadline: 10 January 2020
Applications are open for Austria to Austin Student Startup Exchange Program which is founded by a diverse group of students that saw unexpressed potential for startups in higher education, the 3 Day Startup program debuted at the University of Texas at Austin in 2008.
The student organization incorporated as a nonprofit in 2010 and began expanding this immersive, short-format model to higher learning institutions across the globe. While early programs focused on strictly technology- and web-enabled startups, the organization has designed and delivered programs across a range of outcomes (economic development, skill building, accelerator/competition readiness) and themes (social innovation, energy, culinary, hardware.)
Flagship Exchange Program, the Austria to Austin Student Startup exchange, is run in partnership with the US Embassy Vienna and brings emerging Austrian leaders and entrepreneurs to Austin, TX. The Austria to Austin exchange features curated site visits and entrepreneurial programing geared towards developing entrepreneurial mindsets and exposing Austrian entrepreneurs to a network of American mentors and experts to help them on their journey.
Program Details
Universities and governments use 3 Day Startup to deliver transformational entrepreneurship education to students across the world through their entrepreneurship exchange programs. Groups of students and educators to travel to Austin for 1 – 2 weeks of hands-on training, networking opportunities, and company visits. These exchanges include:
- Virtual Bootcamp (1 month prior): Participating students meet, get introduced to key entrepreneurship principles, and learn best practices for maximizing the exchange program. The bootcamp will prepare applicants for their trip to the United States and the entrepreneurial journey they will embark on once they reach Austin.
- 3DS Entrepreneurship Program: Spend 72 hours with other international exchange participants at Capital Factory, the epicenter of entrepreneurship in Austin, Texas, to create early stage venture projects. At the end of the camp, they will pitch their ideas to 3DS alumni from their global network and an esteemed group of panelists.
- Global Roundup Conference: Meet the world’s great doers, thinkers, and makers from universities around the world at a 3-day conference, the annual Global Roundup. Continue building their entrepreneurial capabilities through various workshops and panels and maybe build some early partnerships in between.
- Startup Ecosystem Tour: Gain exposure to one of the most innovative cities in America and learn how to transform their communities back home. Visit companies like Facebook, Google, HomeAway, and Rackspace; see coworking spaces like Capital Factory, Geekdom, and Impact Hub; and meet social, business, and corporate entrepreneurs throughout Texas. Startup program will teach applicants how to navigate any startup ecosystem.
- Cultural Activities: Join us for great BBQ, two-stepping, food trucks, summer fun in Barton Springs, Texas history, and more. Alongside building their entrepreneurial capabilities, they will enjoy traditional Texan pastimes and excursions. Get ready for some fun in the sun.
- Post-Exchange Mentorship: After the exchange, stay connected with the entrepreneurs applicants met through one of three mentorship tracks: Entrepreneurs, Corporate Innovators, and Ecosystem Supporters. They will be successful and accomplish their goals in no time.
Benefits
- All expenses will be covered by the US Embassy in Vienna including: international travel from Vienna to Austin, domestic travel for in-country program activities, lodging, required health benefits plans, and most meals.
- Participants will also receive a stipend (issued during the program) to help cover meals that are not provided or any extra expenses participants choose to incur.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily during the program, and snacks will also be provided.
Eligibility Criteria
- This application is for the ATA 5.0 Exchange program, designed for early-stage and intermediate level entrepreneurs.
- Austrian citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and individuals with a strong connection to Austria are encouraged to apply.
- From those who are between 21 and 28 years old on July 1, 2020. To best meet program goals, the selection committee will strongly consider years of experience, education, and future aspirations.
- Participants will be selected in order to represent diverse educational and personal backgrounds from all areas of academic study.
- All applicants must be current students enrolled at an Austrian university or Fachhochschule OR at a university outside of Austria, and planning to return to Austria after graduation.
For more information, visit https://austriastartups.3daystartup.org/home/ataroadshow/