As part of EELISA’s ongoing effort to amplify student voices and foster meaningful, hands-on communication experiences, EELISA launched the EELISA Student Reporter initiative.
These students have been selected to take part in various multicultural exchange experiences, covering key events across the Alliance, and bringing fresh perspectives to our community. Within the framework of EELISA Days, they will report on major EELISA activities. Last week, ENPC’s Sara Feki travelled last week to FAU to participate in the Entrepreneurship School and contribute not only as part of the School but also as one of our Student Reporters by sharing her unique insights from this vibrant and diverse journey.
From November 10 to 14, 2025, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) hosted the EELISA Entrepreneurship School at its Waischenfeld Research Campus.
This one-week program is designed for students and staff from universities within the EELISA Alliance. Participants can apply either as idea creators, presenting a startup concept, or as co-creators, eager to join an existing project. The EELISA Alliance brings together several European Universities around cooperation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. For more information about its ecosystem, you can visit: EELISA – European University at FAU
Day 1: Arrival, Networking, and Ideas
The first day began with a gathering in Nuremberg, from where we took a bus together to Waischenfeld. By the way, I recommend spending a night in Nuremberg and visiting the Christmas market and the Church of Our Lady. Take some time to stroll around the city, and for those who love museums, I strongly recommend the Deutsches Museum Nürnberg.
I used this trip to film participants, capture their initial impressions, and understand their motivations. After a delicious vegetarian lunch on campus, each idea creator presented their concept to the group, and a vote selected 5 projects, forming five teams.
Day 2: Lego Serious Play and Co-Creation
The theme of the second day was: creativity. Together with the mentors’ team, we conducted a Lego Serious Play workshop: each participant first built a self-portrait with Lego, and then each group modeled their business idea. This method allowed everyone to express themselves visually while strengthening teamwork. Over the following days, the Lego models evolved, reflecting new ideas, connections formed, and daily learning.
Days 3 & 4: Entrepreneurial Skills Development
During these days, we explored essential concepts: Business Model Canvas, Prototyping, Entrepreneurial thinking and Pitching, including exercises on posture, body language, and tone of voice. These sessions were highly engaging. Many participants openly shared doubts, challenges, and enthusiasm. The atmosphere of camaraderie, sharing, and belonging was central to the experience.
Day 5: Final Pitches and Emotions
To conclude the week, each team presented their final project. This moment was both joyful and emotional: after a week of intense collaboration, evenings around the fireplace, card games, and laughter, it was time to say goodbye.
Check the video below by Student Reporters Jihan Hasna Apandi and Mattia Amadei, to see the projects that were presented in this program !
As a participant and reporter, this week at the EELISA Entrepreneurship School opened my eyes to the true meaning of entrepreneurship: not just ideas and business models, but also human relationships, trust, and creativity.
Being at the heart of co-creation and able to document this adventure gave me a dual impact: I learned to build, but also to inspire through storytelling. This event perfectly embodies the values of sharing, inclusion, and collaboration at the core of the EELISA network. For anyone passionate about innovation, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
Practical Information for Future Participants
For those considering joining the next edition:
– Accommodation: The EELISA Entrepreneurship School covers lodging and meals according to the program.
– Transportation: Gathering in Nuremberg and bus transfer to Waischenfeld campus is organized by FAU.
– Participation/Registration: Applications for this edition were open until September 30, 2025.
– Financial Support: Some travel costs may be covered by your national university or the EELISA institution.
Sara Feki
I am Sara Feki, an architect and a master’s student specializing in BIM at École des Ponts (ENPC). I had the unique opportunity to participate in the EELISA Entrepreneurship School 2025 with a dual role: reporter and participant. This experience gave me a distinctive perspective on entrepreneurship: on one hand, the practical side (creation, prototyping), and on the other, storytelling and sharing insights.
