Entrepreneurship over 30 years
The EEI’s 30 years
For three decades, the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute (EEI) has been the heartbeat of an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit at Esade. What began as a commitment in 1992 with the ‘Esade Business Program’ has evolved into a transformative force, nurturing over 2,000 entrepreneurs who have collectively secured €3.5 billion in funding since 2016. Our ethos goes beyond business creation; it is about instigating a social impact and shaping leaders who can influence the world positively.
At the core of our success are three pillars: learning to learn (driving students to uncover innovative solutions); research and academic excellence (generating rigorous knowledge for startups); and entrepreneurial drive (catalyzed through initiatives like eWorks that inspire sustainable ventures). As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, the EEI stands as a beacon, highlighting our commitment to education, research, and the inspiration of future entrepreneurial leaders.
Our story
Since its founding, Esade has embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, nurturing the creation of new businesses and supporting our students to become pioneering leaders who make a difference. Our long-term commitment to fostering education and research continually inspires future leaders to have a social impact. At Esade, we believe that entrepreneurship is more than about creating businesses; it is the driving force that empowers individuals to have a positive influence on the world. This commitment materialized in 1992 with the launch of the 'Esade Business Program' the predecessor of the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute (EEI).
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Since then, the EEI has taken bold strides towards connecting research and academic excellence in entrepreneurship with the business world and the entrepreneurial spirit of our students to foster ideation and the development of new ventures. The EEI is an integral part of the foundations of Esade's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem.
'The Esade Entrepreneurship Institute is the culmination of an effort of a lot of people through the years to create one of the most entrepreneurial hubs in Europe and the world.'
George Chondrakis, Director of the EEI, Associate Professor, Department of Strategy and General Management at Esade
Over the past three decades, the EEI and Esade have transformed this ecosystem into a benchmark model throughout Europe and one of the best in the world. More than 2.000 entrepreneurs have gone through our programs, securing over €3.5 billion in funding since 2016.
Esade's entrepreneurship ecosystem operates on three pillars: 'learning to learn', research and inspiration, and entrepreneurial drive.
- 'Learning to learn' is our guiding principle, immersing students in real-world challenges and entrepreneurial projects. Through active methodologies, we embolden them to uncover innovative solutions that elevate our global community.
- Research and academic excellence form our bedrock. We generate relevant and rigorous knowledge on all aspects involved in the entrepreneurial process, aiding Esade's students, alumni, and entrepreneurs in conceiving, launching, and scaling their startups.
- Inspiration and support for entrepreneurs and their ventures. Our eWorks program and robust connections within the broader Esade ecosystem ensure the sustainability, impact, and growth of entrepreneurial projects.
It is an ecosystem that connects Esade's classrooms and students with academic research, entrepreneurial environments both local and international, and experienced founders. Furthermore, through the eWorks initiative, Esade's business creation program established in 2015, we inspire, empower, and promote the creation of new ventures.
This year, the EEI celebrates its 30th anniversary by renewing its commitment to fostering education, research, and inspiring future entrepreneurial leaders who will forge new paths towards a better society. Esade's entrepreneurship ecosystem is unique and has become a role model throughout Europe and one of the best in the world.
'We are committed to fostering an entrepreneurial approach and mindset that goes beyond creating businesses. Our duty is to make a social impact, driving positive change, and benefiting society.'
Marcel Planellas, Professor, Department of Strategy and General Management at Esade.
30 years boosting entrepreneurship
Since its foundation in 1958, Esade has supported startups and the spirit of entrepreneurship among our students and participants. Entrepreneurship is a part of our DNA.
1958
Esade foundation
Business startups and an orientation towards entrepreneurship have been a part of Esade since its foundation.
1964
First MBA program
In the 1963-64 Business Studies Bachelor's Degree and MBA, business startups began to be taught as a subject and students started developing projects for startups.
1986
Publication of the book: ‘How to start your own business, key management criteria’
Esade professors Montse Ollé and Manuel Ludevid published in 1986 the book ‘How to start your own business, key management criteria’ (Cómo crear su propia empresa, criterios clave de gestion - published in Spanish by Marcombo). It was one of the first books on startups published in Spain.
1987
‘Creation and Management of New Businesses’ also offered in the MBA
This course was first taught in the Esade MBA program in 1986. Once again, Montse Ollé was largely responsible.
1988
First ‘Innovative Business Startup Course’
The course was taught for four years from 1988 and was organized jointly with the Centre d'Empreses de Noves Tecnologies del Parc Tecnològic del Vallès.
Professor Marcel Planellas directed the course.
1991
European Small Business Seminar: ‘Entrepreneurship and Growth’
The 21st European Foundation for Management Development European Small Business Seminar was held at Esade in 1990. These seminars focused on startups with the participation of renowned European experts.
1992
Esade Startup Program
The Startup Program brought together the startup training activities in the Esade bachelor's degree, MBA, and Executive Education programs. This initiative started in 1992 and is considered the first predecessor of the current Esade Entrepreneurship Institute.
1993
European Community-Rio Group Program: Eurocenters for training trainers
As part of cooperation agreements between the European Community and the Rio Group, Esade was selected in 1992 to develop a training program for trainers of business startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
In 1993, the Chile Eurocenter was launched, followed in 1994 by the Brazil Eurocenter, and the Mexico and Colombia Eurocenters in 1995.
1997
Publication of ‘How to plan a business startup’
The book ‘How to Plan a Business Startup’ (‘El Plan de Empresa, cómo planificar la creación de una empresa’ in Spanish and published by Marcombo) was launched at Esade in 1997 at an event chaired by the Spanish Minister for Industry.
1998
Creation of the Esade Center for Entrepreneurship
The center was created in 1998 to bring together Esade's training, research and social debate activities related to startups, SME growth management, and family businesses. Professor Eugenia Bieto was the first director of the center.
2005
Official recognition of the Entrepreneurship Research Group
The group was recognized in 2008 as a consolidated research group by the Catalan Government. The first main researcher was Dr. Marcel Planellas and the current one is Dr. Jan Brickman.
2006
Esade Business Angels Network (Esade BAN) initiative is launched
Esade Alumni sparked the creation of a network in 2006 that acts as a bridge between private investors and innovative startups with high growth potential. Esade BAN has been recognized as the best private network of ‘business angels’ by the main Spanish and European networks of private investors.
2008
Launch of the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute
The Center for Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurship Research Group merged in 2008 to form the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute (EEI). Its activity is based on knowledge generation, action-oriented training, and social debate. Professor Luisa Alemany, Professor Lisa Hehenberger, and, as of 2023, Professor George Chondrakis have successfully led the EEI. At the same time, the managerial roles have been filled by Mercè Saura in the past and currently by Josep Alias.
2009
KIC Innoenergy and ‘From Science to Business’
Esade was chosen as the reference business school for KIC Innoenergy. Esade Creapolis was also established as the headquarters of the Innovation Development Center, which enhanced the excellence, network development, and collaborative innovation of the six European operations centers. This program has been led by Professor Jordi Vinaixa
2010
Observatory on Multinationals in Spain founded
The observatory was launched in 2010, led by Esade with the collaboration of public (ICEX) and private sectors (EY). Its reports have become crucial for studying the challenges faced by Spanish multinationals in an advanced stage of internationalization. Led by Professor Xavier Mendoza, the observatory is part of the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute.
2011
White Paper on Entrepreneurship in Spain published
The 'White Paper on Entrepreneurship in Spain', commissioned by the Prince of Girona Foundation, was developed and led by Professor Luisa Alemany and Professor Marcel Planellas in 2011. It was unveiled at the Impulsa Forum in 2011.
2011
Launch of MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) was introduced in 2011, targeting graduates seeking specialization in entrepreneurship and startup business. The prestigious magazine 'Poets&Quants' ranked the program as the third best entrepreneurship program globally in 2023. The academic director of the MIE is Professor Dr. Jan Brickman.
2011
Social enterprises
Between 2011 and 2016, several ‘Momentum Project’ programs were taught at Esade (supported by BBVA with the collaboration of PwC). These programs promoted social entrepreneurship through training and the creation of a support ecosystem for social entrepreneurs.
In the same year, the Prevent Foundation and Esade launched the ‘Entrepreneurial Classroom’. This free program trained people with disabilities to support business initiatives. The program was also available for people without disabilities who intend launching projects with a social impact in the field of disability.
2012
Launch of eGarage and publication of the book ‘Entrepreneurship is possible’
As part of the new Esade campus at Sant Cugat, the eGarage opened in 2009 as a space for entrepreneurship students.
In the same year, the book ‘Entrepreneurship is Possible’ (‘Emprender es posible’ in Spanish) was published to publicize the main conclusions of the White Paper on Entrepreneurship in Spain. The book was published by Deusto, the Princess of Girona Foundation, and Esade.
2014
CBI and C4BI Challenges
Challenge Based Innovation (CBI) was launched with CERN in 2014 with the participation of students from Esade, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, and the European Institute of Design.
Also in 2014, the first Challenge for Business Innovation (C4BI) was organized by the elBullifoundation and Esade, with the participation of students from Copenhagen Business School, Aalto University, Sloan MIT, Berkeley, and Saïd Oxford.
2015
eWorks
Established in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Dr. Jan Brinckmann and managed by Davide Rovera, eWorks emerged as a platform to empower and assist students and alumni in their entrepreneurial ventures and with the robust support of Esade's entrepreneurship ecosystem. eWorks offers training (Accelerator), valuable resources and tools, strategic connections, and unwavering support to accelerate business creation and foster entrepreneurial ideas.
2017
STEP Project for Family Enterprising
The STEP Project report, entitled ‘Understanding Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices in European Family Businesses’ was published in 2017 by the European Council with the collaboration of a team of Esade professors. The project investigated entrepreneurship in family businesses.
The project, focused on entrepreneurship in family businesses, originated from the collaboration of six international universities and involves Esade professors specialized in family business management. Led by Professor Alberto Gimeno and Professor Maria José Parada, the project is a culmination of years of collaboration and expertise.
2017
Business cases
As a benchmark in the field of entrepreneurship case writing, the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute has had its own section on The Case Centre website since 2017. This successful dissemination has been recognized with various prizes and awards, such as the EFMD Case Writing Prize. Lourdes Urriolagoita, Suzanne Jenkins and Charlie Harris coordinated the project.
2018
Rambla of Innovation
The Rambla was opened on the Esade campus in 2018. It is a learning ecosystem aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The Rambla complex hosts up to five experimentation and learning laboratories (Fab Lab, Fusion Point, E-Works, E-Garage, Decision Lab) that apply innovative educational dynamics to entrepreneurship.
2018
Publication of the book ‘Entrepreneurial Finance’
Cambridge University Press published in 2018 the book ‘Entrepreneurial Finance: The Art and Science of Growing Ventures’ edited by Professor Luisa Alemany (Esade Entrepreneurship Institute) and Job Andreoli (Nyenrode) with contributions from a team of lecturers and financial experts.
This book was recognized in 2021 by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association as the best textbook for finance programs specializing in business startups and development.
2018
Esade Students Association for Entrepreneurship
Founded by a group of students in 2018, the association (Ennova) currently drives ‘IdeaUp Challenge’, ‘Health4Good’, ‘Female Founders Night’ and ‘Ennova Ventures’.
‘E3 Initiative’ supports entrepreneurship among Esade students and organizes events – the best known of which are the ‘TED×Esade’, ‘Startup Turbo’, ‘Company Visits’ and ‘Garage Talks’.
2019-2021
Esade Best MBA for Entrepreneurship
In its Best MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship ranking the specialized magazine Poets&Quants ranked Esade's Full-Time MBA as the best in Europe (for three consecutive years) and fourth in the world.
The program curriculum and the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the campus where it is taught are factors in this recognition. Currently, the MBA is led by professors Luis Vives and Jan Hohberger and its Entrepreneurship Lab is led by Professor Jan Brickman.
2021
Esade Center for Social Impact
The Esade Center for Social Impact develops rigorous and relevant social impact research and disseminates knowledge and tools to help people better understand and solve complex global challenges.
The center was created in 2017 as part of the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute and became an independent Esade center in 2021. Lisa Hehenberger directs the center.
2022
eWorks, a top-tier European university accelerator
Esade eWorks Accelerator program was recognized in 2022 as the second of the top 10 European university accelerators according to EU Startups.
2023
EEI's 30th anniversary
The Esade Entrepreneurship Institute (EEI) is celebrating 30 years of connecting Esade’s research and academic excellence to the business world and empowering new venture creation.
2023
Launching the Esade Entrepreneurship Summit and the Promoting Entrepreneurship
The Esade Entrepreneurship Summit, led by Professor Dr. Jan Brinckmann to strengthen the relationship between Esade and the entrepreneurship community, is a three-day get-together of international fast-growth entrepreneurs, investors, and talent in Barcelona with a 0-bullshit approach.
Promoting Entrepreneurship, led by Professor George Chondrakis, is a one-day event that connects researchers with entrepreneurs, founders, and investors while leveraging new research on entrepreneurship to promote successful and evidence-based startups.
Highlights of 2022-23!
Promoting Entrepreneurship: lessons learnt from research
A one-day event to connect researchers with founders, professionals, and investors while leveraging research on entrepreneurship to promote successful and high-impact startups. The entrepreneurship journey: from ideation and testing, to scaling up successfully and entrepreneurial investing.
Esade Entrepreneurship Summit
A three-day summit of international fast-growth entrepreneurs, investors, and talent in Barcelona with a 0-bullshit approach. An inspiring and down-to-earth experience with dynamic and genuine discussions in an informal setting.