Coaching & Mentorship
Taking an idea forward can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you’re torn between two possibilities—giving stray cats a new chance at life with a campus cat café, or developing a protein-rich beer. Or maybe you’re further along and need help building the back end of an app that improves women’s safety. It’s natural to ask yourself: “Which idea should I explore?”, “Can I really do this?”, and “Who can help me make this happen?”
Whether you’re brainstorming, refining a concept, or tackling development challenges, our coaches and mentors are here to guide you in turning your ideas into reality. And the best part? It’s free!
For Whom?
All UU and UCU students. PhD candidates are welcome too!
How We Help
Our experienced coaches provide personalised guidance at every stage of your journey:
Brainstorm – Have ideas but don’t know where to start? We help you make decisions, shape your concept, and uncover its potential.
Refine & Validate – Stuck on the details? We provide constructive feedback and ensure your idea fits the market before you invest further.
Build & Execute – Ready to bring your idea to life? We guide you in creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or prototype, and testing it with real users.
Unlike traditional incubators, we support ideas from all fields and different starting points—from tech start-ups to psychology projects, agricultural initiatives, and beyond.
What You’ll Gain
Clarity – Streamline your ideas and focus on what matters most.
Actionable next steps – Develop a clear roadmap to move forward.
Skills – Identify the entrepreneurial skills you need and access relevant (Playground) workshops.
Funding insights – Explore financing options and learn how to apply.
Branding insights – Learn how to build a brand that creates impact.
Connections – Access our network of experts, founders, investors, and potential co-founders.
Expert guidance – Get tailored advice from our coaches and industry insights from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.
How It Works
Introductory session – Book a free 45-minute session with a Playground coach.
Refine your focus – Together, we explore your ideas and help you develop a clear direction forward.
Ongoing support – Based on your needs, we match you with the right coach and mentor. Mentors provide tailored advice, industry insights, and valuable connections.
Note: All coaching and mentoring sessions are free. It is also not possible to pick a mentor; our coaches match you with the best fit for your goals.