Unleash personal and professional growth
with the EMDIEL faculty
The right executive master’s degree can enhance your skill set and your personal growth. Our Executive Master in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership (EMDIEL) takes this mission to the next level. It equips you with the knowledge and tools to excel in a dynamic, uncertain and international business environment.
A non-conventional MBA designed by renowned experts
Developed by Prof. Dr. René Mauer in collaboration with a group of cross-functional experts, the EMDIEL redefines traditional learning. This innovative alternative to an MBA challenges conventional thinking, broadens your perspective, and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. With a dual approach, the programme not only strengthens your technical expertise but also nurtures personal development. From day one, you embark on a journey to explore your entrepreneurial identity, and develop your project ideas. Over 18 to 24 months, this personal project evolves through networking with successful entrepreneurs, immersing in diverse cultures and ecosystems, and discovering new ways to approach innovation.
At the same time, you gain knowledge of technology trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and low-to-no-code tools. The curriculum also covers UX design, design thinking, and business modeling, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.
Master entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and VC funding
“Effectuation demands courage due to its inherent chaos. Unlike the structured corporate process—where you move from problem definition to risk assessment and business case development—effectuation opens new pathways for independent ventures and intrapreneurial success.”
René MauerAcademic Director
As an effectuation specialist, Prof. Dr. René Mauer introduces you to entrepreneurial decision-making.
Prof. Dr. Martin Kupp, professor of entrepreneurship at ESCP Paris and co-founder of Europe’s first fusion start-up, emphasizes creative problem-solving. “Executives often believe their challenges are unique,” he says, “but most issues are variations of fundamental challenges leaders have faced before.” During his lessons in prototyping and business modelling, Martin encourages you to step out of your comfort zone to explore problems from multiple perspectives.
To stimulate innovation, I take on different roles when developing ideas. This multi-perspective approach helps create a truly impactful learning experience.
Martin KuppProfessor for Entrepreneurship
Meanwhile, Peter Borchers, venture capitalist and one of Germany’s Top 20 Digital Experts (Manager Magazine), provides mentorship in innovation strategy. In his role as mentor, he shares advice on best practices on securing funding for projects and businesses.
Prepare for success while embracing failure
Not every venture is destined for success, which is why error culture and failure management are integral to the EMDIEL curriculum. Prof. Dr. Christoph Seckler, a specialist in this field, provides deep insights into navigating setbacks and turning failures into learning opportunities. A network of founders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators share their stories of failures and successes with you and act as mentors and consultants.
Classes on design thinking, and creating minimum viable products with no-code and AI code let you prototype and extensively test your ideas before finalizing your project or business idea.
Unlock your potential to build your personal brand
Finally, artist-in-residence Jörg Reckhenrich and psychologist and branding expert Marc Sasserath help you uncover hidden talents and develop your personal brand—identifying values, positioning, and market impact. The art-thinking method Improbable, led by Jörg Reckhenrich, plays a transformative role in business innovation, particularly in today’s paradoxical and complex landscape.
Art-thinking encourages embracing ambiguity, taking creative risks, and exploring challenges from multiple angles. By engaging in experimental, open-ended situations the EMDIEL helps you unlock fresh, unexpected ideas beyond conventional problem-solving methods.
Jörg ReckhenrichArtist-in-Residence
Marc Sasserath invites you on a journey to get to know yourself and develop your entrepreneurial brand from the ground up. “If you know who you are and where you want to be, heading there is much easier. But it also helps you to be self-effective and find happiness in your professional life.
Who should enroll?
This programme is designed for professionals eager to expand their digital expertise, drive innovation, or lead digital transformation within their organizations. It is ideal for (future) entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and curious, open-minded individuals seeking to stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape.
Campuses