Study Trip "Innovation and Entrepreneurship"
Location
San Francisco/Silicon Valley
Partner University
This program includes lectures from internationally renowned faculty and exclusive visits to top-tier universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford, offering valuable exposure to academic excellence and cutting-edge research.
Date
1 – 6 June 2026
Target Group
LIMAK participants, Alumni and other interested executives, who want to expand their global network, develop cross-cultural competence and learn about global business development
Language
English
Program Fee
€ 4.500,-*
Application Fee**: €690,-
*Travel costs and accommodations are not included in the price. Limited number of participants
**Does not apply for current participants and graduates of LIMAK
Contact
Mag. Claudia Buchinger
+43 676 898 664 482
claudia.buchinger@limak.jku.at
Program Facts
- Learn how business works in the United States, especially in the Bay Area
- Understand the Silicon Valley mindset
- Reflect the elements of starting a business at the silicon valley and how to implement an innovation culture
- Enjoy company visits of global acting companies in Silicon Valley
- Discuss real-life case studies with faculty and guest speaker
- Benefit from off-campus social events, networking opportunities and cultural program in San Francisco
San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Discover the pulse of global innovation in San Francisco, where tech giants and trailblazing startups converge in a thriving ecosystem of opportunity. As a global hub for technology, finance, tourism, and biotech, San Francisco offers an unmatched environment rich in culture, history, and world-class attractions, inspiring bold thinkers to reach new heights.
Just south of the city lies Silicon Valley – the birthplace of transformative companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, Airbnb, and Tesla. In this dynamic region, innovation is a way of life, with groundbreaking ideas constantly reshaping the future of technology and business.
Learn about the USA & Silicon Valley from different perspectives
Discover the Bay Area Business and Innovation Landscape:
Gain an understanding of how business culture and innovation ecosystems operate in the U.S.
- Navigate Cultural Differences: Explore the unique cultural distinctions between the Bay Area and the broader U.S., to enhance your global business acumen.
- Venture Capital and Angel Investing: Delve into how venture capital and angel investing drive innovation in the U.S., and learn how these funding models support entrepreneurial ventures.
- Expand Your Entrepreneurial Mindset: Leverage your learning to enhance your entrepreneurial approach and apply your knowledge in group pitches and real-world problem-solving.
Expand your personal and professional network while gaining invaluable insights into Silicon Valley’s thriving business
environment:
- Experience Silicon Valley Firsthand: Discover why Silicon Valley is renowned as a global center for innovation and technology.
- Learn from Experts: Participate in company visits and discussions with industry experts and guest speakers, fostering an open-minded approach to business and innovation.
- Connect with Founders: Engage with local entrepreneurs as well as Austrian and European founders, learning directly from their experiences.
- Grow Your Global Network: Evening events provide a unique opportunity to build connections with both local
Explore the Bay Area Through a Cultural Lens:
- Dive Into the Bay Area’s Dynamic Culture: Experience the rich and diverse culture shaped by the region’s history, geography, and spirit of innovation. The multicultural population adds a vibrant layer to its identity.
- Discover a World of Art, Cuisine,
and Adventure: From its cutting-edge arts scene to world-class culinary experiences. - Enhance Your Cross-Cultural Competence: Gain a deeper understanding of the local customs, traditions, and mindset that fuel the region‘s entrepreneurial success.
- Return home not only inspired by new perspectives but empowered by the Bay Area’s innovative approach to solving complex challenges.
Academic Supervisor
Rick Rasmussen is a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and creator of ecosystems. A Silicon Valley native, his experience spans across industry, venture capital, academia, and government, assisting with innovation ecosystem development for over 20 governments and economic development agencies worldwide. He is a frequent conference speaker, runs multiple accelerators and serves on several international advisory boards.
Silicon Valley Expert
Mario Herger is a technology trend researcher and author, consulting and conducting workshops on Artificial Intelligence, Foresight Mindset, Automotive, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Silicon Valley, Online Harassment.
He has been living in Silicon Valley since 2001.
Mario looks at signals of emerging technology trends and how they impact society, politics, or employment.
Example of Program Schedule
Study Trip to San Francisco 2024
As part of the International or Global Executive MBA program, our 15 MBA students and Claudia Buchinger, the program manager, had the incredible opportunity to explore the dynamic and vibrant ecosystem of Silicon Valley during a study trip to the United States.
The journey began in San Francisco and started with two days at the Faculty Club at UC Berkley. They learned about the Silicon Valley Ecosystem, the Startup Lifecycle, and Entrepreneurial Mindset 2.0, as well as the importance of Data Science.
After the exciting Learning Journey to the Bay Area the students will keep in mind:
- MOVE FAST
- THINK BIG
- BE EXCITED
Study Trip to San Francisco 2023
Academic program @Golden Gate University and @Berkeley
We offered 11 MBA students the incredible opportunity to visit the heart of innovation, entrepreneurship and high-tech in the Bay Area.
The Study Trip started in San Francisco at the Golden Gate University with a two-day academic program with Robert Shoffner and Joshua Neubert who presented an interesting introduction into the innovation culture and the Silicon Mindset. At the Faculty Club, the Berkeley professor Rick Rasmussen invited us to dive deeper in the exciting topics of Entrepreneurial frameworks and the innovation ecosystems including growth strategies for scaling a startup and the challenges with rapid growth.
