A Week of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
#USA Trip 2.0
Exploring Opportunities in New York City and Bethlehem
Once again, five DLAB students had the opportunity to travel to the U.S., explore New York City, and take part in Lehigh’s Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) Week. It was an intense and inspiring experience, filled with international teamwork and hands-on innovation.
From Dortmund to New York City
The journey began with a weekend in New York City where the DLAB students spend time viewing iconic sights such as the Manhatten bridge, the Times Square and a Broadway Musical. It was also a deep dive into entrepreneurship. A conversation with the general manager from Bridgetown Research, a growing AI startup, provided valuable insights into into the startup’s growth strategy, challenges, and future vision. At the German House, they discussed entrepreneurial ecosystems, internationalization, and the transition from research to industry.
From NYC to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
On Sunday, the DLAB students traveled to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for Technical Entrepreneurship Week at Lehigh University. One of the TE students gave a tour of the stunning Lehigh campus, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead. The first evening was all about getting to know each other over a shared dinner - including delicious mango sticky rice from a startup founded by one of the TE students.
Monday marked the start of an intense, hands-on program. The students were divided into three interdisciplinary teams, working with existing technologies from NASA or Lehigh University such as oil-free lubricants, printable electronics, and biosensor chips. The goal was to commercialize these technologies by developing viable business models. Each day, students tackled tasks created by Prof. Lehman of Lehigh University from intellectual property (IP) analysis to prototyping and business model development, learning and adapting in real time. The week concluded with final presentations to an expert jury, where each team showcased its commercialization strategy.
Throughout the week, DLAb students attended an expert lecture on licensing deals and engaged with the investor Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Discussions with founders from Mussel Polymers, Soltech, and Zaffrus provided real-world insights, while visits to local innovation hubs like Venture X and PI expanded their understanding of the regional startup ecosystem.
But TE Week was about more than business - it was about building lasting connections. Evenings were filled with social activities, strengthening friendships beyond the project work.
From Bethlehem Back to Dortmund – Conclusion
As the DLAB students returned to Dortmund, they reflected on an unforgettable experience. TE Week was more than just an entrepreneurship program - it was a unique opportunity to step out of personal comfort zones, collaborate across cultures, and develop innovative business solutions. The experience of working in international teams, networking with industry professionals, and exploring new perspectives has left a lasting impact on all of them. The DLAB students returned not only with new knowledge and skills but also with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
This is what our DLAB participants think about their trip to Lehigh University
“From the fast-paced life in New York city to the intense work of TE week at Lehigh university, this trip was a great and valuable experience. I met new people and their backgrounds beyond my own "bubble" and applied new techniques working on the challenges of TE Week. These are my main takeaways which offered important lessons and broaden my horizon.” - Colin
This is what our DLAB participants think about their trip to Lehigh University
“Visiting New York City and Lehigh University in Bethlehem was very exciting and enriching. It was great to learn more about entrepreneurship in NYC while also taking in some iconic sights. TE Week was intense, pushing us to apply the 80/20 rule, navigate high-pressure teamwork, and learn valuable lessons about international collaboration. I’m very grateful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone ready to grow, connect, and be inspired!” - Eva
This is what our DLAB participants think about their trip to Lehigh University
“Visiting Bethlehem with DLAB was such a unique experience. TE week was an immersive experience providing valuable insights into innovation, intellectual property, and business applications in a real-world context. Collaborating across cultures and perspectives made this journey even more inspiring, opening our eyes to the power of teamwork, creativity, and global innovation. I am very grateful for this unforgettable and enriching experience and I highly recommend it to all DLAB participants!” - Naya
This is what our DLAB participants think about their trip to Lehigh University
“The TE-Week was an incredibly educational and eye-opening experience. I learned a great deal not only from the structured activities but also from my group mates. One of the most valuable lessons for me was embracing the 80-20 approach and shifting my mindset. From focusing on why things might not work out to thinking about how to make them work. Beyond the classroom, the week was filled with fun and engaging moments, making it an unforgettable experience both academically and socially.” - Toby
This is what our DLAB participants think about their trip to Lehigh University
“The trip to the USA was so overwhelming and motivating. I had always heard about how ambitious and passionate people are in the entrepreneurial ecosystem there but to actually experience that energy was surreal. It gave me new perspectives and ideas in life. I loved the exchange of cultures and learning from such a diverse group and learned the power of networking.” - Urvashi
If you want to know more about TE-Week and the projects our DLAB students did in the US, check out our LinkedIn profile