ESMT Berlin - additional session

The Innovation Week at ESMT Berlin, organized within the Executive MBA program at Kozminski University as part of our EMBA journey, was an exceptional experience that combined academic excellence with practical business insights. Over the course of five days, our group explored the most relevant aspects of R&D and innovation, from artificial intelligence and open innovation to deep tech ventures and corporate startup collaboration.

A distinctive strength of this module was the balance between theory and practice. Lectures led by professors such as Linus Dahlander provided a solid conceptual framework, while meetings with representatives of Adidas, Merantix Momentum, Lufthansa Innovation Hub, and Vali – the Entrepreneurship Hub at ESMT  offered real world perspectives on how innovation grows from an idea and is applied in leading organizations.

Equally valuable was the opportunity to learn together with participants from Kozminski University and Porto Business School. The diversity of professional backgrounds, nationalities, industries, and perspectives enriched the discussions and created an environment of openness, curiosity, and collaboration.

This week in Berlin was both intellectually inspiring and personally rewarding. It provided not only tools and knowledge essential for managing innovation and R&D in today’s fast changing environment but also lasting professional and personal connections.

Taking part in the study trip to ESMT was a truly inspiring experience. The sessions combined solid academic content with practical insights, and the professors managed to make complex topics highly engaging and relevant.
What I found most valuable, however, was the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different countries. Working together on case studies, exchanging professional experiences, and looking at challenges from diverse cultural perspectives made the program even more enriching.

Beyond the classroom, the atmosphere was open, supportive, and full of energy. It was a chance not only to grow professionally, but also to build meaningful relationships that I believe will last well beyond the program.

The Residential Week in Berlin, as part of the Executive MBA program, was an incredibly intense and inspiring experience. The sessions led by ESMT professor – such as the Vasa case study, workshops on managing innovation, and the Back Bay Battery strategic simulation – provided highly practical insights into the challenges of innovation and business decision-making. The company visits were particularly eye-opening, offering a behind-the-scenes view of how startups are created and scaled, as well as how innovation is managed within established organizations.

These conversations allowed us to challenge ideas, exchange perspectives, and better understand the dynamics of turning innovation into real business impact. Another valuable aspect of the week was the opportunity to get to know my classmates better. Working together in simulation games, engaging in discussions during sessions, and informal conversations during dinners and social activities helped our group become much more connected. This week was a unique combination of intensive learning, practical inspiration, and relationship-building that will undoubtedly remain an added value for the next stages of the program.

The residential week in Berlin at ESMT, as part of the Executive MBA at Kozminski University, was an extraordinary opportunity to confront theory with practice. Discussions on AI, innovation, R&D and deeptech with experts from Merantix Momentum, Lufthansa Innovation Hub and ESCP lecturers showed me how crucial it is to connect technology with strategy, culture and business value. Above all, it was a chance to learn, share experiences and strengthen relationships with outstanding peers – people with whom I am building not only knowledge, but also future collaborations.

Spending the week in Berlin, as part of the Executive MBA program at Kozminski University, in partnership with ESCP, was an extraordinary experience that went far beyond traditional learning. The blend of lectures, hands-on company visits & start-ups and collaborative discussions created a vibrant atmosphere of growth and innovation. The group had the chance to strengthen bonds with participants—through engaging debates, joint dinners, and teamwork during sessions, we built much more than just professional connections.  The dedication and care shown by the Kozminski team made this journey even more rewarding.