Lighthouse Launch

Module 1: Setting the Foundation
Tuesday 13 October, 9.30-12.30 + optional lunch to 13.30
Friday 16 October, 9.30-12.30
Tuesday 20 October, 9.30-12.30
Friday 23 October, 9.30-12.30
Tuesday 27 October, 9.30-12.30 - Experiment Design Pitch

Module 2: Experimentation Period
Friday 6 November, 9.30-12.30 - Iteration Day
Friday 13 November, 9.30-12.30 - Iteration Day
Friday 20 November, 9.30-12.30 - Iteration Day

Module 3: Insight Pitch Event
Tuesday 24 November, 9.30-12.30 - Rehearsal
Friday 27 November, 14-17 - Insight Pitch Event

Why Lighthouse Launch?

Early ideas rarely succeed because they are perfect from the start. They succeed because the people behind them learn faster, ask better questions, and adapt based on evidence.

Lighthouse Launch focuses on building exactly this capability. Instead of guessing or building too early, you will learn how to:

• Test your assumptions with real users
• Generate insights through systematic experimentation
• Make informed decisions about whether to continue, pivot, or stop
• Set priorities, allocate your time, and assign resources efficiently

By the end of the programme, you will know much more about the problem you are addressing, the people you are building for, and the direction that makes sense for your idea.

How the programme fits into KU innovation pathways

Lighthouse Launch is designed as a follow-on to the KU Innovators programme. If you’ve got an idea but haven’t yet begun to explore its potential, start there.

Lighthouse Launch is for those who already began work on their idea and want to validate it in practice. Participants are expected to arrive with a concrete concept and a willingness to challenge their assumptions through real-world testing.

Who should apply?

Lighthouse Launch is relevant if you:

• Have a concrete idea or early-stage initiative you want to validate
• Are working solo or as part of a team
• Are motivated to test your assumptions rather than rely on intuition
• Want a structured, practical way to test demand and feasibility

The programme is open to ideas across disciplines and domains, including commercial startups, social enterprises, and non-profit initiatives.

Eligibility criteria

To participate in Lighthouse Launch, at least one member of the team should meet the following criteria:

Required:

• KU Affiliation: Current students and researchers from the University of Copenhagen, or Community Residents of KU Lighthouse
• KU Innovators completion: Ideally completed the KU Innovators programme or can demonstrate equivalent foundational knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Developed concept: A concrete idea or early-stage initiative you are committed to developing
• Commitment to process: Willingness to engage in structured validation and adapt based on experimental evidence
• Time availability: Capacity to participate in all sessions, run experiments between sessions, engage in peer learning activities, and present your learnings on the final insight pitch event!

If you have any questions regarding the requirements, please join one of our online Information Sessions. You will find the dates and links under Practical Information and Application.

What you will work on

Throughout the programme, you will:

• Clarify the problem and the people you aim to serve
• Identify and prioritize the assumptions behind your idea
• Design and run small validation experiments
• Collect insights from real users and stakeholders
• Reflect on results and define clear next steps

Sessions combine short inputs, hands-on exercises, peer learning, and guided experimentation between sessions.

Time commitment

Lighthouse Launch runs over 7 weeks with in-person sessions primarily in the mornings on Tuesdays and Fridays. Active engagement between sessions is essential, as is participation in the final Insight Pitch event. We are unable to offer online participation in these sessions.

How applications are assessed

Applications will be assessed based on adherence to the eligibility criteria. Priority will be afforded to past participants of KU Innovators, commitment of the founder(s) to participate in all sessions, initiatives or businesses started within the last 12 months, and team maturity (as assessed by, for example, team size). Applications will be scored quantitatively*. There is no specified number of seats that need to be granted.

*UCPH Lighthouse is unable to provide individual eligibility assessments both prior to and after the application period has concluded. UCPH Lighthouse also reserves the right to amend the eligibility criteria in the future and without notice.

Application

If you have a concrete idea and are ready to test it through real-world experimentation, you are invited to apply to Lighthouse Launch. You can also sign up for an information session to learn more before applying (see above).