Fireside Chat – Getting Into Startups Without Your Own Idea
Are you interested in entrepreneurship but don’t have that “one big idea” to start your own company? You’re not alone! Many successful entrepreneurs begin their journey by joining an existing startup rather than founding one themselves.
Join us for a Fireside Chat where we’ll explore how to break into the world of startups as a key team member. Ilinka Stanciu (CC Diagnostics) will share her journey – starting as an intern and working her way up to the management team. Together, we’ll discuss how building the right teams is just as important as having a great idea, and how finding the right opportunity can set you on the path to becoming an entrepreneur.

Meet Your Speakers

• Richard Rushby – Head of Innokite and former co-founder of a Groningen University spinout. With years of experience supporting knowledge-intensive startups, Richard now leads Innokite, a program that helps students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs find their place in the startup ecosystem.
• Ilinka Stanciu – A startup professional who began her journey as an intern and worked her way up to the management team of CC Diagnostics. She’ll share real insights on growing within a startup and turning an opportunity into a career in entrepreneurship.

What is Innokite, and how can it help you?
Innokite is a new entrepreneurship program at the University of Groningen designed to help ambitious people—like you—find their way into startups. Whether you have an idea or want to join a startup team, Innokite provides the structure, mentorship, and connections to make it happen.

Not sure where to start? That’s where the Incubate Tier comes in. This entry-level phase allows participants to explore their entrepreneurial mindset, test the feasibility of their ideas, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a startup environment. From there, they can speed up their growth through Acceleration Bursts—short, intensive modules that help refine their business models and strategies.

Innokite is designed to help future entrepreneurs—whether you’re launching your own venture or looking to become a crucial part of an existing startup team.

Make this session yours – Ask Your Questions!
This Fireside Chat is not just about listening—it’s about you! We’ll bring students into the conversation, so start preparing your questions now. Here are some ideas:

• Getting into a Startup Without an Idea
  • How do you find startups that need team members?
  • What are the most valuable skills startups look for?
  • How do you prove your value when joining an early-stage company?
• From Intern to Entrepreneur
  • How do you turn an internship into a leadership opportunity?
  • What does it take to grow within a startup?
  • What are the biggest challenges of working in a young company?
• Building Great Startup Teams
  • How do you find the right people to build a startup with?
  • Why do some startup teams succeed while others fail?
  • How does a program like Innokite help connect aspiring entrepreneurs?
• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Growth
  • Can you develop an entrepreneurial mindset, or is it something you’re born with?
  • What are the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make?
  • How do you balance risk and opportunity in a startup?

Come ready to ask your own questions and be part of the discussion! Whether you see yourself starting a company or joining an existing one, this session will give you practical insights into how to launch your career in entrepreneurship.