In 2011 the University of Pisa launched the "PhD plus", a program aimed at completing the excellence of the studies of PhD students and post-docs through a training activity aimed at spreading the entrepreneurial spirit, the exploitation of research results and hopefully the creation of new businesses. The program in just two years, while achieving the expected learning outcomes, was able to bring out the extraordinary creative potential of Pisa academic environment, contributing to the creation of 11 spin-offs of young PhD students, which have distinguished themselves in national and international competitions dedicated to the creation of innovative companies.

The 2013 edition of the program, which ended last May 15th , introduced important changes compared to the previous editions: from a training course dedicated to the development of entrepreneurial skills and primarily directed to PhD students and postdocs, the Phd plus became an organic path which put together the various experiences conducted in the University in the field of innovation, research, creativity, enterprise creation and career development.

The ultimate goal was to enrich the highest level of academic education with a range of skills and tools, and with a deep knowledge of the regional, national and international eco-system, which revolves around the creation of start-ups and university and company spin-offs.

The program, which involved about 90 students, consisted in a series of lectures given by national and international speakers from academia, public and private companies.

The main topics were related to patenting, business creation, enhancement of scientific ideas, innovation management, communication and self-promotion.

Besides the seminars, students were, and still are, involved in a coaching activity, carried out with the support of the regional tech parks, to help them with the business plan and the promotion of their ideas. A selected group of students also participated in the Entrepreneurship module of the MBA of the University of Pisa.