June 16, 2026 · 40 years of HWZ
The Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy: driving force for entrepreneurship and continuing education
The departments are a central driving force at HWZ. They develop programmes, promote innovation, and ensure that study, continuing education and professional practice remain closely connected. The Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy shapes key areas of expertise relating to entrepreneurship, innovation and lifelong learning. Its aim is to support individuals and organisations in recognising opportunities, implementing new ideas, and actively helping to shape the future.
This article is part of the content series marking the 40th anniversary of HWZ. Through this series, we aim to showcase the diversity of stories from our university and highlight the topics and individuals that have shaped, and continue to shape, HWZ.
Entrepreneurship and innovation as a core mission
The Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy actively shapes the entrepreneurial future of HWZ. It brings together entrepreneurship, innovation and modern continuing education to create an ecosystem that empowers individuals to turn ideas into impact.
Our focus is on supporting students, participants and organisations in recognising opportunities, implementing new ideas and continuing to develop within a dynamic working environment. In doing so, we make an important contribution to the practical relevance and future viability of HWZ.
Rethinking and shaping continuing education
The department sees itself as a platform for entrepreneurial thinking, applied innovation, and forward-looking continuing education. We develop educational programmes, support companies in innovation projects, and create connections between the university, industry, and the start-up ecosystem.
Through the HWZ Academy, we promote new learning formats, modular educational pathways, and pilot projects that can respond rapidly to technological and societal developments. Our aim is to link learning directly to real-world challenges from businesses and markets, thereby sustainably enhancing the employability of our participants.
Seminar Agentic AI HWZ
Duration 1 Tag
Seminar Innovationsmanagement im Führungsalltag HWZ
Duration 1 Tag
Seminar KI für Startup HWZ
Duration 2 Tage
Seminar KI im Innovationsprozess HWZ
Duration 1 Tag
The team behind the Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy
Our team brings together perspectives from entrepreneurship, academia, continuing education and professional practice. We are united by the conviction that innovation arises through openness, collaboration and a willingness to explore new approaches.
We think in an interdisciplinary way, act pragmatically, and see ourselves as enablers. This approach shapes not only our programmes but also the way we work together: agile, collaborative, and with plenty of scope for creativity.
Acting in a practical, connected and entrepreneurial manner
What sets us apart is the combination of academic quality with genuine entrepreneurial practice. We do not see continuing education as a rigid product, but as a dynamic ecosystem that is constantly evolving.
This is why we create space for new formats, collaborations and experiments. The HWZ DNA is particularly evident in our close links to professional practice, short decision-making processes and the courage to explore new paths. Through modular offerings – ranging from seminars and SAS to CAS programmes – we enable learning journeys tailored to the needs of modern career paths.
SAS AI Business Essentials HWZ
Duration Mind. 3 Seminarmodule
CAS Digital Product Management with AI HWZ
Start Februar
Duration 16 Tage
CAS Entrepreneurship HWZ
Start Frühling (Studiendaten 2027 folgen)
Duration 1,5 Semester
CAS Innovation Management HWZ
Start Jeweils im Oktober
Duration 16 Tage
Future skills for lifelong learning
The world of work is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, new technologies and societal transformations are presenting universities with new challenges. At the same time, they are creating new opportunities for education and further training.
Our aim is to further strengthen HWZ as an entrepreneurial university and to play an active role in shaping the future. To this end, we develop programmes at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, promote practice-oriented learning and research projects, and continuously expand our network with businesses, start-ups and partner organisations.
A particular focus is placed on modular educational formats and lifelong learning. In future, individuals will continue to develop throughout their entire careers. To support this, we aim to create flexible, practice-oriented and compatible educational opportunities.
At the same time, we aim to make entrepreneurship even more visible at HWZ – not only as a subject of study, but also as an attitude: recognising opportunities, taking responsibility, and actively shaping change.
The department’s contribution to the HWZ of tomorrow
The Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy strengthens HWZ’s role as an innovative, practice-oriented and entrepreneurial university. It brings together people, ideas and organisations, creating spaces where new developments can emerge.
With an eye on «40 years of HWZ», we see this anniversary not only as an opportunity to look back, but also as a starting point for the university’s next phase of development: bold, well-connected, and with a clear focus on the future.
