All episodes

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) and Professor at the University of Stuttgart. As one of Europe’s most influential figures at the intersection of applied research, industrial innovation, and entrepreneurship, Bauernhansl offers a rare inside look into how deep tech is translated from laboratories into real-world impact.

The conversation explores why applied research and entrepreneurship are two sides of the same coin—and why separating academia from the market is, in Bauernhansl’s words, a fundamentally flawed idea. Drawing on...

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Prof. Dr. Jan Brinckmann, one of Europe’s leading thinkers at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and venture building. As Professor at ESADE Business School—one of the world’s most international and practice-driven institutions—Brinckmann offers a rare inside look into how he develops entrepreneurial talent and why ESADE consistently ranks among the top universities in the Redstone University Startup Index.

Together, they explore how entrepreneurship education has evolved from traditional lectures to case-based learning and now to fully immersive, real-world project work. Brinckmann explains why the desire to act,...

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Bruno Bouchard, President of Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, one of Europe’s most dynamic mid-sized universities and recently ranked number one in efficiency across the continent. As the first Dauphine alumnus to lead the institution, Professor Bouchard offers a rare inside look into how he and his team are transforming the university into a model for innovation, interdisciplinarity, and entrepreneurial education.

Together, they explore how Dauphine balances academic excellence with agility, cultivating a culture of collaboration across disciplines—from mathematics and management to AI and the social sciences....

This episode features Nico Valenti Gatto, Operating Director of Bocconi for Innovation (B4I), in conversation with Michael Brehm: Learn how Bocconi bridges academia and entrepreneurship to support groundbreaking startups. Gain insights into leadership strategies for fostering innovation and a culture of ownership. Discover how programs like B4I are turning ambitious ideas into market-ready realities.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, we’re excited to feature Marion Debruyne, Dean of Vlerick Business School, in conversation with Michael Brehm. Together, they explore the power of culture as a differentiator for high-performance organizations and the competitive advantage companies gain by partnering with universities. They tackle critical questions such as how culture drives organizational success, the strategic role of academic-business partnerships, and Vlerick’s unique approach to fostering entrepreneurial leadership. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators dedicated to shaping high-impact, future-ready organizations.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Leon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, in conversation with Michael Brehm. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of business education and leadership, discussing critical questions such as how to prepare students for a rapidly globalizing market, the value of international experience, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. This episode offers deep insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

In this episode, we're honored to have Chas Bountra, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford. He talks about the unique ecosystem and the rising challenges we are facing, while giving exclusive insights and personal solutions.

In this episode, we're honored to have Prof. Dr. Thomas Hofmann, president of TUM, the entrepreneurial university. Besides the exceptional performance of many student founded startups, TUM is also known for their own Day 1 approach. Together we discussed how the future of education in times of AI will look like and how universities need to change so they remain relevant in todays world.

In our inaugural episode, we're honored to have Prof. Dries Faems from WHU, the leading European university in fostering entrepreneurship. With a record of excellence in terms of efficiency in creating startups, WHU stands out among over 450 organizations across 34 countries. Prof. Faems will share insights into his journey, WHU's unique approach to education, and the innovations driving success in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship.