Sigmund Academic Partnership Program

Unlocking entrepreneurial potential in university students around the world.

There are several ways academic institutions can partner with The Sigmund Project:

• Startup Exchange Program

• Sigmund on The Syllabus Program

• Solve A Challenge on Sigmund

• Joint Case Studies

• Business & Marketing Plan Projects

• Coding/ IT Support

• Research

Through Sigmund's OPEN · SOURCE platform, we are connecting ambitious students with innovative startups, enabling them to apply their classroom knowledge in a dynamic business environment.

Here is an example of a startup from Sigmund:

Sigmund's Collaborative Role As The Bridge Between Academia & Startups

To make this partnership a success, we will work closely with you to integrate these real-world experiences into your existing curriculum and ensure your students are matched with the perfect startups based on their interest and studies. Rest assured, TheSigmundProject.org is committed to supporting you in every step, ensuring a fruitful collaboration for both your students and the startups.

Example of student deliverables at end of project:

Project Report or Case Study: A comprehensive document detailing the project's objectives, the strategies implemented, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. This report should also include an analysis of the project's impact on the startup and the lessons learned.

Seven Reasons To Join Sigmund’s Startup Exchange Next Semester

1. It's Free! We are a not-for-profit and exist only to facilitate more innovation and collaboration between startups and academic institutions.

2. Practical Application of Classroom Knowledge: Your students will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, working directly with startups. This approach bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application.

3. Skill Enhancement: In the dynamic environment of a startup, your students will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.

4. Academic Credit & Tangible Outcomes: These collaborations can be structured as student projects, where the results can be developed into white papers, case studies, or other academic publications. This not only provides students with class credit but also a valuable addition to their portfolios.

5. Career Preparedness: Exposure to the startup world offers your students a unique perspective on their potential career paths, equipping them with insights and experiences that are invaluable in today's competitive job market.

6. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The program cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging your students to approach challenges with innovative solutions and perhaps even inspiring them to embark on their entrepreneurial ventures.

7. Networking and Professional Opportunities: Through this partnership, your students will build valuable connections in the industry, opening doors to future career opportunities and collaborations. Participating in this program can elevate your department's profile as a hub of practical learning and innovation, attracting future students and research opportunities.

Still Not Convinced?

Here is what our university partners are saying about working with Sigmund

We see great merit in The Sigmund Project’s business model and goals, and feel confident we can work together to bring greater innovation to the global tourism industry. Fueled by the Tisch Center’s world-class hospitality program, we look forward to seeing what innovative ideas are presented on Sigmund’s OPEN SOURCE platform by our students and by the hospitality industry community at large.
- Nicolas Graf, Associate Dean of the NYU Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality

“This was fantastic! I am very happy we set this up and I think it is a great project for this course and fun too. When we are all done, I would like to discuss a set up for my spring course. I have some other big plans for that course and this will accompany the ideas in that course well.” - Roy Jantzen, Professor of Natural History, Ecotourism, Tourism and Climate Change, and Environmental Stewardship in the Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Capilano University

"At HCT, we were trying to create more collaboration opportunities between academia and the industry, and gladly we found Sigmund. Sigmund allows students to increase their learning experiences and empowers them with the crucial competencies for future careers related to the industry's latest trends. HCT students achieved a higher level of authentic learning and satisfaction and, together with faculties, look forward to repeating this experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Sigmund to all education institutions worldwide". -Dr Sara Nunes Academic Program Chair Tourism Management, Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates

Latest Student Idea Submissions Resulting From Partner Programs

Sigmund Support Program
COMING SOON

Do you have an idea to advance the global travel and tourism industry for good? Do you have a business model, proof of concept and plan?

If so, here is your opportunity to find financing, access our advisor network, launch your idea and help define your future. Your idea should not be a variation on a theme, it should be truly creative.Your idea must give back to the community and should have a path to profitability. We believe the best way to create true innovation in the travel industry is through collaboration, so we encourage you to pitch with at least one other individual or entity you’ve connected with through the SIGMUND platform.

UNIQUELY STRUCTURED

We are not micro-financing. We are not an incubator. We are looking for profitable ideas that also give back to the community and the planet. SIGMUND will become your partner and help you grow to the next level. Like you, we aim to see a financial return from the business. All of our return on investment goes back into the Sigmund fund allowing us to invest in other like-minded companies. That’s how we stay sustainable.  

TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE

We believe in a balance of people, planet and profit. When evaluating proposals, we want to make sure the business can operate on its own. We want to support ideas that are sustainable and have a path to profitability. Once that is established, we want to see how your idea will contribute to positive social and environmental impact.

CREATIVE CAPITAL VS. TRADITIONAL CAPITAL

Rather than just investing traditional capital, we invest creative capital that provides startups and founders with the flexibility and security to grow their business in a way that makes the most sense. So, we might provide you technical assistance, connect you with vendors to help you overcome your current challenges, and provide other tools to upskill you and your team. To help you grow and scale, we offer active post-program support and guidance in the areas of strategy, governance, customer insights and other important disciplines. 

ACCESS TO EXPERTISE

If selected, you will have access to our expertise and networks of advisors who have deep sector, channel and customer experience. Once you submit your plan, we will pick the best advisors from our network to evaluate your concept. If approved, our advisors will offer post-investment support and guidance in the areas of strategy, governance, customer insights and other important disciplines.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS