Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? We’ve got answers! Check our FAQ section below to find everything you need to know about the Tech Venture Bootcamp. If you still have more questions, feel free to email us at tvb@ie.edu.
Do we need to deliver a Proof of Concept or just present an idea?
The primary focus of the Tech Venture Bootcamp is on technical implementation and problem-solving skills, which is why students are expected to deliver not just a clear idea but also a PoC (Proof of Concept), a partially functional, demonstrable, or technically implemented prototype that shows their solution’s feasibility.
While participants will also develop a business model and consider the real-world potential of their project, the program is designed to help students showcase and strengthen their technological abilities, and the evaluation criteria reflect this priority: Technical Work 50%, Business Model 20%, Impact & Growth 20%, and Presentation Quality 10%.
Because technical work carries the greatest weight, teams are expected to produce the best prototype and working demo they can build and present both a well-defined problem–solution idea and a PoC that demonstrates the technical depth and feasibility of their approach.
Based on previous editions, what progress can people achieve with their idea in the week?
By the end of the bootcamp, participants are required to present their final outcomes to a jury. These presentations include their business ideas and a tech demo showcasing the functionality of their projects with real-world applications, this with the support of the intensive mentorship, resources, and collaborative environment provided throughout the program.
Is it possible to apply with an idea in mind or are ideas assigned as part of the bootcamp?
If you already have an idea in mind or a project you are currently working on, you will have the opportunity to pitch it on the first day of the bootcamp and find team members with the specific skills you need.
However, proposing an idea is not mandatory! 😊 You can join any project or idea that interests you the most.
I have a background in X but not in X and I would like to meet a person with that expertise to help bring my idea to life. Is it still possible for me to apply without this knowledge?
Absolutely! On the first two days of the bootcamp, you will be able to connect with the students who have those skills and invite them to join your group.
Additionally, you will have the tech & business sessions on Thursday, February 5th (check the agenda). These sessions include learning practical skills in design thinking, coding, data analysis, and integrating AI into startup development.
Is it possible to join the event even though I am not in Madrid?
You can absolutely attend the bootcamp in person, even if you're studying in Segovia. We will cover up to three (3) students’ train tickets from Segovia for the full duration of the program (for mandatory sessions). To do so, please send an email to tvb@ie.edu with the following details: your full name, a copy of your ID, your request for transportation coverage, and your preferred travel times. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences. Deadline to request it: January 29th.
Is the event spread over twelve days, or can you choose which days to attend?
You are required to attend all 10 days. However, to receive the diploma, attendance is mandatory for the specific sessions listed below. If any session conflicts with your classes, please let us know via email (tvb@ie.edu) the program you are enrolled in so that we can provide more information about the Attendance Waiver.
Tuesday, February 3rd:
17h30 – 20h30 – Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, February 4th:
16h30 – 19h30 – Team Generation
Thursday, February 5th:
09h30 – 14h00 – Conceptual Foundations
Monday, February 9th:
Only 15 minutes between 15h00 - 20h00 – Project Previews with Expert Feedback 1
Wednesday, February 11th:
Only 15 minutes between 15h00 - 19h00 – Project Previews with Expert Feedback 2
Thursday, February 12th:
Only the students that pass to the final, 17h00 – 21h00 – Final Presentations
If there are any quizzes or exams during the TVB, will I be given a chance to take them at a later date?
Students may be granted a waiver to miss classes that overlap with mandatory TVB sessions, except when they conflict with exams or assessments. In these cases, exams take priority, and an attendance waiver will not be issued for any conflicts.
Before submitting your application, please verify that TVB sessions do not overlap with any assignments or exams.
How can I request the attendance waiver?
Given the diverse backgrounds of our participants, the team will decide which members will attend the elective sessions. Students from the following programs have been granted an Attendance Waiver, allowing them to participate in the Mandatory TVB sessions below without it affecting their academic commitments. This policy is determined by each academic program.
All SciTech graduate and undergraduate programs
IMBA Jan25 (only those students that confirm attendance)
SPEGA Graduate and undergraduate
BBA and any Business School Bachelor program
Law School master programs
EMBA & GOMBA
MIM JAN25/ SEP25/ MIMS SEP25: The majority of the mandatory TVB sessions fall outside of the regular class schedule, so there should not be any collisions with your master program. In the case of a collision, students can attend the TVB session but only if they stay within their 20% absence limit for their Master program. Exception for sessions on February 5th: Students can get a waiver for their Master program’s sessions for that day to attend the TVB, as long as there are no exams or presentations scheduled for that day.
⚠️ Important to Note
The waiver is effective only if the student confirms attendance in each session. Confirmation is required daily.
After the program ends, professors will be notified so that absences are properly justified.
The waiver does not apply in the case of exams or midterm exams.
For more information on Attendance Waiver, contact us via email indicating the program you are currently studying: tvb@ie.edu
You do not need to submit a separate request or obtain special authorization for the attendance waiver. Once you apply for the bootcamp, we will inform your academic directors about your application. To qualify for the waiver, you simply need to attend each bootcamp session and confirm your attendance each day through the attendance form. When the program concludes, we will forward the attendance confirmations to your program directors, who will then notify your professors about your absence. The waiver only confirms your attendance to each day.
Please note that the attendance waiver does not apply to tests, exams, or assessments. If any of these coincide with an important TVB session, you are expected to prioritize your academic responsibilities. In such cases, one member of your TVB team may attend the session on your behalf while you complete your assessment.