Minor “Entrepreneurial Thinking and Action”

Banner Minor

In this application-oriented minor, bachelor's and master's students can learn and test entrepreneurial skills.

Course content
Students develop entrepreneurial skills as a basis for trendsetting careers and projects in art, culture and the creative industry.

Skills acquired in this minor
Students learn

  • to shape the entrepreneurial foundations of their artistic or design practice autonomously
  • to position their own ideas in a larger context and to position themselves innovatively in a relevant market or cultural sector
  • to harmonize their vision, personal values and work so that they are able to tackle opportunities and obstacles
  • to design entrepreneurial strategies in transdisciplinary collaboration.

More about this Minor

Modules autumn semester 2026/27

Entrepreneurial Basics
Content: Introduction to entrepreneurial thinking & action, legal forms of organisation, self-employment basics, insurance & social security, financing
Dates: Kick-off Friday, 18.09.2026, 1-4pm, roundtables Fridays, 1-4pm from 25.09. - 30.10.2026, plus self-study
Type: Compulsory module, 1 ECTS
Leadership: Philipp Kotsopoulos, Z-Kubator
Other participants: Subject matter experts

Wellbeing and Entrepreneurial Thinking & Action
Content: Reflection techniques, personal development & wellbeing in an entrepreneurial context, self-efficacy, mindfulness
Dates: 5x Friday, 1-4pm from 13.11. - 11.12.2026 plus self-study
Type: Compulsory module, 1 ECTS
Leadership: Malin Fluri, Z-Kubator
Other participants: Subject matter experts

Individual Entrepreneurial Project
Content: Development of an individual project, project planning & reflection, self-management
Dates: Monday - Friday, 04. – 22.01.2027, 9am - 5pm
Type: Compulsory module, 6 ECTS
Leadership: Philipp Kotsopoulos, Z-Kubator
Other participants: Mentors, subject matter expers, alumni case studies

Modules spring semester 2027

Take-off: Mein Projekt vermitteln
Content: Systemic thinking, methods and tools for project development and mediation, self-leadership, presentation techniques, case studies and expert inputs
Dates: Monday - Friday, 15. - 19.02.2027, 9am - 5pm
Type: Compulsory elective, 2 ECTS
Leadership: Johannes M. Hedinger, Head of ILEA, curator, artist, lecturer
Other participants: Experts from the arts and culture

(Self-) Marketing and Communication
Content: Introduction to culture and self-marketing, marketing and communication channels, target groups & community, branding, realisation of a prototype brand with directions & coaching
Dates: Monday - Friday, 22. - 26.02.2027, 9am - 12pm plus self-study and project work
Type: Compulsory module, 2 ECTS
Leadership: Marisa Burn, Founder House of Change, Co-Head e-Learning ZHdK
Other participants: Experts from the arts and culture

Minor Closing Week
Content: Reflection entrepreneurial knowledge & skills from the minor, self-reflection and career/project planning
Dates: Block week Monday - Friday, 01. - 05.03.2027,  9am - 12pm plus self-study and project work, follow-up dates Friday, 19.03.2027 and Friday, 02.04.2027, 1-3pm
Type: Compulsory module, 3 ECTS
Leadership: Philipp Kotsopoulos and Yves Joel Burgener, Z-Kubator
Other participants: Experts from the arts and creative industries

Practical information

  • Admission requirements: Suitable for students from all disciplines without prior qualifications
  • Study level: BA and MA
  • Course work: 15 credits
  • Teaching languages: German / English (good understanding of presentations in German required)
  • Timing: starts once per year in the autumn semester

More information

Information about the minor selection process and important deadlines

Discover all major and minor programmes

Contact
Philipp Kotsopoulos, +41 43 446 20 65