The course structure
HSUP is a two-semester e-learning course. The first semester focuses on innovative thinking and familiarizing yourself with the startup world, while the second semester provides you with practical knowledge on how to build a business.
First semester
Course registration
I. semester
The HSUP course is offered through your educational institution's NEPTUN system. Upon successfully registering for the course in NEPTUN, you will be invited to join the HSUP platform to continue and complete the program.
Learning material
I. semester
You can access the HSUP web application from your laptop, mobile phone, or any device that is convenient for you. Throughout the semester, you will explore the world of innovation and startups through seven modules consisting of videos and podcasts.
Outcome requirements
• Successful completion of the 7 module exams
• Submitted one-pager (presenting your business idea in 1 page).
To successfully complete the first semester, you must pass the final exams at the end of each module. However, HSUP is not a traditional university course, so there is no need to be intimidated by the tests. After completing these exams, you will present your business idea in a form of a one-pager that demonstrates what you have learned so far.
Evaluation of the one-pager
I. semester
Once you have submitted your idea, representatives from your educational institution will evaluate your work. If you successfully convince them that your idea is worth pursuing and you wish to continue the course in the second semester, you could receive a monthly grant of 50,000 HUF to help make your dream a reality.
Completion of the first semester
I. semester
If you have successfully passed your final module exams and submitted a one-pager of your idea, the following options are possible:
A
You are satisfied with the knowledge you have gained but choose not to continue the course with the second semester.
B
Your educational institution or an HSUP partner proposes your idea for implementation. You win a scholarship and can start recruiting a team to bring your idea to life.
C
Your idea presented in the one-pager does not get selected, but you are determined not to give up. You explore the winning ideas and join a team to win a scholarship.
D
Your idea presented in the one-pager does not get selected, you cannot or do not want to join a team working on someone else's idea but continue the second semester with the theoretical part and finish the modules.
Team recruitment
I. semester
Business is a team sport. To advance your future startup, you need to work as part of a team. You can search for a team through the HSUP education platform, and your educational institution can also assist you in forming a team to work on your idea or other scholarship-winning ideas in the second semester. The aim is to create a team with a diverse composition, potentially including students from other universities.
Second semester
Course registration
II. semester
Just like in the first semester the HSUP course is offered through your educational institution’s NEPTUN system. Upon successfully registering for the course in NEPTUN, you will be invited to join the HSUP platform to continue and complete the second semester also.
Finding a mentor
II. semester
You will receive all the support you need to succeed in the second semester. To make the program truly valuable and unique, we have enlisted the help of entrepreneurs from the startup ecosystem, in addition to the university's own faculty. Two categories of mentors have been established:
Advisors:
These mentors will assist you in solving specific business or technology problems 1-2 times during the academic year.
Key Mentors:
These mentors will provide ongoing support through regular meetings, weekly video conference calls, and emails. You can find your mentors through the HSUP platform in the second semester.
Mid-semester and Progress report
II. semester
During the second semester, teams are required to write a mid-semester report in April and a progress report in May on the implementation of their idea. These reports will demonstrate how well the teams are working together and provide an opportunity to address any under-performance by a team member who is not completing their assigned tasks. The reports will determine each team member's continued eligibility for the grant.
Learning material
II. semester
Just like in the first semester you can access the HSUP web application from your laptop, mobile phone, or any device that is convenient for you. Throughout the semester, you will explore the world of innovation and startups through five modules consisting of videos and podcasts.
Outcome requirements- If you work in a TEAM
• Successful completion of five final module exams. • In April 2025 submission of a Mid-semester Report. • Submission of a Progress Report on your business idea, including a 3-minute video presentation of the team.
Output requirement - If you are NOT working in a team
Successful completion of 5 module exams
To successfully complete the second semester, you must pass the exams at the end of each module. However, HSUP is not a traditional university course, so there is no need to be intimidated by the tests. While you complete the course online, you will also work on your idea face-to-face with your team and mentors. At the end of the course, each team will need to submit a Progress Report. A template for this report can be downloaded from the HSUP platform after you have successfully completed the final module exam and then uploaded it to the platform
Evaluation of your work during the semester
II. semester
If you are working in a team the evaluation of your business idea will be conducted by your educational institution at the conclusion of the second semester. Successful approval will be required to proceed with the completion of the HSUP course. Conversely, for those not working in a team, completion of the semester will be contingent upon achieving a minimum grade of 2 in the final module tests.
Demo day - The introduction
II. semester
Teams distinguished as the most outstanding following the evaluation will be granted the opportunity to present their projects. This event will provide a platform to showcase your innovative ideas and diligent efforts, allowing you to pitch your business concept to key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, including incubators and investors. Additionally, there may be opportunities to secure further funding or other types of support to advance your project.