📌 Key facts
- When: Applications open now!
- How to Apply: Send an email (see below) with your CV, grade report, and a research proposal as one PDF file
💡 Background
AI is transforming the startup landscape, allowing founders to enhance productivity, make data-driven decisions, and compete with established players. In 2023, the global startup ecosystem saw exponential AI adoption, with founders seeking tools for automation, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. This thesis explores which AI tools provide the highest value, examining case studies, user feedback, and market data. The study aims to support startup founders by identifying key tools across essential categories—productivity, marketing, analytics, and customer experience—illustrating how AI can reduce operational burdens and accelerate scaling.
🦾Who We Are
The Chair of Strategy and Organization is committed to impactful research that explores emerging digital trends, AI in startups, and business model innovation. Our focus areas include topics like digital transformation, Agile methodologies, and AI-driven strategy—aiming to prepare leaders for the future of work and organizational growth.
🧠 Topics of Interest
- AI in startup operations and decision-making
- Trends in AI adoption among startups
- AI-driven tools for customer engagement and analytics
- Comparative studies on productivity tools and automation
- Case studies on successful AI applications in startups
- Data-driven insights on founder preferences for AI tools
🎓 Expectations
Work closely with our team on data collection, including surveys and interviews with startup founders, and analyze AI’s impact on productivity and growth. Skills in data analysis, content analysis, and qualitative research are ideal. Knowledge of AI tool applications and startup dynamics is a plus.
📚 Further Reading
Consider exploring recent articles on AI in entrepreneurship and reports on AI-driven startup ecosystems.
📝 How to Apply
Please submit your application with the following in a single PDF to welpe@tum.de: your CV, transcript, and a one-page research proposal. Include your research questions, 10 key references, a brief hypothesis, and your preferred statistical approach. Indicate your preferred start date as well.
Contact Isabell Welpe (welpe@tum.de) for questions.
