Education · Entrepreneurship
How it works
NextGen is built around the principle that the gap between research and venture is not about ideas — it's about methodology. The programme gives participants the frameworks, tools, and practice to close that gap systematically.
1
Foundations in Deep TechnologySolid grounding in AI, blockchain, and quantum — focused on what matters strategically, not just technically.
2
Problem Discovery & ValidationLearn to find real problems worth solving — through structured customer discovery and hypothesis testing.
3
Prototype & Market TestingTurn your concept into an MVP with real feedback loops and evidence-based decisions at every step.
4
Funding & Venture LaunchUnderstand how funding works, what investors look for, and how to position for support and growth.
Programme at a glance
| Duration | 8 days over 4 weekends |
| Format | 4 modules, Fri–Sat · ~8 hrs/day |
| Learning mix | 30% concepts / 70% application |
| Materials | 350+ pages & templates |
| Language | English or Romanian |
| Class size | Up to 50 participants |
| Prerequisites | Laptop & English. No prior background required. |
| Delivery | Universities, hubs, corporate teams |
Who it is for
Researchers turning discoveries into applications
Students working in AI, blockchain, or quantum
Technologists building their first deep-tech venture
Corporate teams developing new innovation capabilities
What participants say — in their own words.
"The Running Lean framework provided exactly the structure I needed to move from idea to viable business model. Before this course, I was guessing; now I have a systematic approach."
— A.M., Software Developer
"The most valuable aspect was learning how to validate assumptions before committing significant resources. This alone saved me from making a costly mistake with my initial product idea."
— D.P., Manager
"I've completely transformed how I approach product development. The MVP concepts have already helped me launch a simpler version that's getting real traction."
— R.S., Entrepreneur
"The pitch preparation and feedback was invaluable. We've already secured meetings with two potential investors using our new pitch."
— C.L., Researcher
"The program gave me the confidence to actually launch rather than continuing to plan indefinitely. The emphasis on 'getting out of the building' was exactly what I needed."
— M.T., Engineer
For corporate teams
Running the programme inside your organisation?
NextGen Enterprise delivers the same methodology for corporate R&D teams — with internal validation against your own strategic priorities and an explicit path to internal launch or spin-out.
See NextGen EnterpriseFrequently asked questions
8 days delivered over 4 weekends (Friday–Saturday, ~8 hours per day). The modular structure allows delivery at universities, innovation hubs, or corporate facilities.
No. The only prerequisites are a laptop and functional English. The programme is designed for participants from diverse backgrounds — researchers, managers, engineers, and founders are all well-served.
NextGen is built around Running Lean and validated learning frameworks — the same approach used by leading startup accelerators globally. The 30/70 split (30% concepts, 70% application) ensures participants leave with real outputs, not just knowledge.
Contact us at info@abq.institute. The programme can be delivered in English or Romanian and customised to your institutional context. For corporate delivery, see NextGen Enterprise.