From June 30 to July 2, 2025, the GlaCerHub Training Programme brought together PhD students,  researchers, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs for a powerful three-day onsite workshop focused on Business Plan Preparation, Strategic Decision-Making, and Entrepreneurial Spirit.

Hosted at the FunGlass Centre of Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín, Slovakia, the programme combined theoretical learning with hands-on application to help participants cultivate entrepreneurial leadership and develop market-ready strategies for their innovations.

A Dynamic Learning Experience

Led by Dr. Johan Winbladh, a seasoned lecturer at Vysoká škola manažmentu / City University of Seattle in Bratislava, the event offered immersive modules covering critical aspects of startup development:

• Business Plan Development
  Participants explored the structure and elements of compelling business plans tailored for high-tech and research-driven ventures.
• Strategic Decision-Making with CAPSIM Simulation
  Through the CAPSIM Capstone 2.0 Simulation, teams managed virtual technology companies in a competitive market, making real-time decisions across marketing, finance, R&D, and more.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership & Financial Planning
  Sessions emphasized leadership skills, innovation strategy, financial viability, and methods for securing startup funding.

Programme Highlights by Day:

Day 1: Setting the Strategic Foundation

The programme opened with an introduction to organizational strategy, particularly in the context of research commercialization and university spin-offs. Participants conducted case study analyses and began drafting business plan outlines based on their own innovations. The day concluded with the introduction of the CAPSIM simulation, where participants formed teams and prepared for competitive rounds.

Day 2: From Vision to Execution

Morning sessions focused on crafting vision and mission statements, performing SWOT analyses, and aligning strategic goals with business objectives. In the afternoon, teams engaged in CAPSIM Rounds 2 and 3, balancing real-world financial planning, company valuation basics, and complex multifunctional decision-making.

Day 3: Advanced Strategy and Entrepreneurial Mindset
The final day challenged participants to apply advanced planning in CAPSIM Rounds 4 and 5, integrating financial insights and long-term strategy. Sessions then shifted focus to entrepreneurial leadership, exploring how to foster innovation in research environments, access funding through grants and investors, and transform university-based research into successful spin-offs.

Dr. Johan Winbladh: Bridging Academia and Industry Insight

With over two decades of experience in finance, economics, and strategy, Dr. Winbladh provided not only expert instruction but also mentorship throughout the simulation and business planning exercises. His real-world case studies and practical guidance ensured participants could translate theory into actionable strategies.

Building Entrepreneurial Futures

The GlaCerHub Training Programme offered more than just knowledge—it inspired participants to think like entrepreneurs, strategize like executives, and innovate like pioneers. Through engaging simulations, collaborative exercises, and expert-led sessions, attendees left with sharpened strategic thinking and a clearer roadmap for turning research into real-world impact.

The next training under the GlaCerHub Training Programme will focus on Research Projects Development and Management as well as Building Capacities for Sustainable Innovation. It will take place on September 23–25, 2025, at CEITEC BUT in Brno, Czech Republic.

Stay connected with GlaCerHub for more information and updates on this upcoming event.