Business Role Play: DeepTech in Practice

Interactive simulations for idea-stage and early-stage startups

The Business Role Play section of the Toolbox offers short, expert-led simulation games that reflect real-life challenges faced by deep-tech founders.

Step into the role of a deep-tech founder and experience realistic business scenarios.
These games simulate technology transfer and investor interactions, helping you:

• Understand business expectations in deep-tech
• Improve pitching, strategy, and decision-making
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement

The goal is not to “perform well”, but to experience real decision-making logic, receive honest feedback, and learn how expectations differ depending on context.

These role plays are serious games, designed to simulate real business situations in deep-tech:

• technology transfer discussions
• early investment conversations

Each game is played by two people who take on the roles of student/researcher and mentor.
You can play with a real business expert — but you don’t have to.

The games can also be played peer-to-peer, with participants switching roles to experience both perspectives. The key learning comes from role switching and reflection, not from formal mentoring.

Each game is adapted to two maturity levels:

• Idea stage
• Early startup stage

GAME 1: Lab to Market – Reality Check

Turning scientific innovation into market-ready value.

Version A: Idea Stage

Scenario:
You have a promising deep-tech idea based on research. No company exists yet. You meet a technology transfer expert who will assess whether your idea has commercial potential.

Your Challenge:

• Explain the problem and why it matters outside academia
• Show potential value without technical jargon
• Receive feedback openly and reflect on next steps

Game Flow:

1. Pitch your idea – 5 minutes
2. Expert questioning & discussion – 7 minutes
3. Reality verdict – 3 minutes

o 🟢 “Proceed to market exploration”
o 🟡 “Reframe idea”
o 🔴 “Too early / unclear value”

Version B: Early Startup Stage

Scenario:
You have a spin-off or startup with a prototype. An expert evaluates whether your venture is ready for structured market validation or needs a pivot.

Your Challenge:

• Define a clear customer and realistic use case
• Justify commercial focus
• Respond to critical questions professionally

Game Flow:

1. Business-oriented pitch – 5 minutes
2. Expert deep dive – 7 minutes
3. Go / Pivot / Pause decision – 3 minutes

o 🟢 “Ready for validation & support”
o 🟡 “Pivot use case / customer”
o 🔴 “Return to development phase”

GAME 2: The First Yes or No – Investor Reality Game

Understanding investor logic, credibility, and risk in deep-tech.

Version A: Idea Stage

Scenario:
You have a deep-tech concept and want to explore investment potential. An investor evaluates whether your idea could ever become fundable.

Your Challenge:

• Present a compelling long-term vision
• Discuss uncertainty honestly
• Respond to tough questions without overpromising

Game Flow:

1. Vision pitch – 4 minutes
2. Investor stress test – 8 minutes
3. Signal outcome – 3 minutes

o 🟢 “Interesting – keep developing”
o 🟡 “Conceptually weak / unclear”
o 🔴 “Not investable”

Version B: Early Startup Stage

Scenario:
You are seeking early-stage funding to move from prototype to pilot. An investor decides whether your startup deserves a second meeting.

Your Challenge:

• Balance ambition with realism
• Explain risks clearly
• Show that the team understands investment logic

Game Flow:

1. Focused pitch – 4 minutes
2. Investor pressure round – 8 minutes
3. Investment signal – 3 minutes

o 🟢 “Proceed to due diligence”
o 🟡 “Come back later”
o 🔴 “No – too risky / unclear”