Doctorate in Entrepreneurship
Skill Academix’s Doctorate in Entrepreneurship is a research-led, practice-oriented doctoral degree that bridges academic theory and startup practice. Designed for founders, innovation leaders, incubator managers and entrepreneurship scholars, the program trains you to produce original research, launch scalable ventures, and shape entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Program Highlights
- 3-year doctoral program focused on entrepreneurship research and practice
- One-on-one supervision with experienced scholars and industry founders
- Flexible online delivery for working entrepreneurs and professionals
- Emphasis on applied research, real-world venture projects and ecosystem engagement
- Interdisciplinary approach: business, policy, tech, and social entrepreneurship
- Thesis and practitioner-dissertation options available
About the Program
The Doctorate in Entrepreneurship equips candidates with rigorous research skills and practical know-how to investigate pressing questions about innovation, startups, venture finance, entrepreneurial policy and social impact entrepreneurship. You’ll design and execute original research, test new venture models, and contribute to scholarly and practitioner communities.
Program Objectives
Generate Original Research
Develop rigorous, publishable scholarship that advances entrepreneurship theory and practice.
Validate Scalable Ventures
Design and test business models, pilot interventions, and translate findings into scalable products or services.
Build Ecosystem Leadership
Engage with accelerators, investors, policy makers and community stakeholders to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Advance Impact Measurement
Develop methods to measure social and economic impact of ventures and programs.
Mentor & Teach
Train to coach founders, deliver executive education, and supervise entrepreneurial teams.
Publish & Influence
Produce policy briefs, practitioner guides, and academic articles that influence practice and policy.
Eligibility
- Master’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Social Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
- Demonstrated research potential (publications, proposals) or significant entrepreneurial experience
- Proposal of a feasible research topic aligned with supervisory expertise
Program Details
| Degree Level | Doctorate (PhD/DBA equivalent) |
| Duration | 3 years (full program; part-time options available) |
| Mode | Online with scheduled residencies, workshops and supervisory meetings |
| Enrollment | Rolling admissions — research proposal required |
Curriculum Overview
Year 1 — Foundations & Research Design
- Entrepreneurship theory & literature synthesis
- Research methods for entrepreneurship (qualitative & quantitative)
- Design thinking, lean experimentation & venture prototyping
- Proposal development & ethics review
Year 2 — Deep Dive & Fieldwork
- Empirical data collection: field experiments, case studies, surveys, archival work
- Advanced econometrics / mixed methods (as relevant)
- Policy analysis, innovation ecosystems, and stakeholder engagement
- Interim report & conference-ready paper
Year 3 — Thesis & Knowledge Mobilisation
- Thesis writing, submission and defence
- Knowledge mobilization: practitioner reports, policy briefs, startup toolkits
- Public dissemination — conferences, incubator showcases, journal submission
Career Opportunities
- Founder / Serial Entrepreneur
- Academic researcher & university faculty
- Director, incubator / accelerator programs
- Policy advisor for innovation & entrepreneurship
- Senior consultant in venture capital, development finance, or impact investing
Student Feedback
“The mix of academic rigour and startup mentorship was exactly what I needed to scale my venture.”
— Kavita“My supervisor helped turn a messy idea into a publishable study and a working prototype.”
— Arjun“Great network — investors and ecosystem partners supported my fieldwork.”
— LailaFAQs
What kinds of research can I pursue?
Topics range from startup finance, innovation management, social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystems, policy interventions, to behavioural entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.
Do I need to have founded a company?
No — professional entrepreneurial experience strengthens an application, but strong academic potential or a clear research proposal is also accepted.
Is this program academic or practitioner-focused?
Both. You can pursue a traditional academic thesis or a practitioner-dissertation that combines rigorous research with actionable venture outcomes.
How is supervision arranged?
Candidates are matched with supervisors based on research fit. Regular one-on-one meetings, cohort workshops and expert seminars support progress.
How do I apply?
Submit a CV, academic transcripts, a 500–800 word research summary, and two references via the Apply page. Our admissions team typically replies within 3 business days.