DBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
"Produce the research that helps the next generation of startups and corporate innovators thrive"
- 3 phases · 17 modules · 2 Years programme
- Earn the internationally recognised "Dr." title
- Dissertation on a live business challenge in your organisation
- Cohort of up to 18 senior executives from 25+ countries
Duration
2 Years
Phases
3
Modules
17
Cohort
Up to 18
Credential
DBA
Delivery
Online
About This Programme
The DBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation is designed for founders, innovation directors, venture capitalists, and corporate entrepreneurs who want to ground their practice in doctoral-level research. The programme is shorter than traditional DBA routes — two years — because the dissertation is embedded in live startup or innovation lab activity.
You will study venture ecosystems, disruptive innovation theory, IP commercialisation, and startup financing — then apply rigorous research methods to a real entrepreneurial challenge. Graduates use the 'Dr.' title and their evidence-base to raise capital, influence policy, and lead corporate innovation at the highest level.
Learning Outcomes
Eligibility & Admission
- Masters, MBA, or equivalent from a recognised institution
- 10+ years professional experience
- 5+ years in entrepreneurship, innovation, or venture roles
- Research interest statement on an entrepreneurship topic
- Pitch or innovation brief (instead of traditional statement)
Programme Structure
3 phases · 17 modules · 2 Years
Innovation Research Foundations
Specialist Electives & Lab
Doctoral Dissertation
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
Founder / CEO
Equity + ₹ 30L – 1Cr+ PA
Chief Innovation Officer
₹ 50L – 1.5Cr PA
Venture Partner / Investor
₹ 40L – 2Cr PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2×
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Dr. Mihir Desai
Programme Director · DBA Stanford GSB · Serial Entrepreneur · Forbes 30 Under 30 Mentor
Prof. Karen O'Sullivan
Innovation Research Lead · PhD Trinity College Dublin · Ex-Google X Innovation Lead
Candidate Reviews
Programme Rating
Total reviews
The DBA transformed how I engage with my board. I now bring evidence, not just intuition, to every strategic discussion. The dissertation process was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Worth every rupee. The faculty are genuinely at the top of their field. My supervisor pushed me in ways that made the research genuinely original. Got promoted to Group CEO three months after defending.
Demanding programme — but that's the point. The cohort of fellow executives is itself worth the investment. The network I've built across 18 countries is invaluable.
Doctor of Business Administration
DBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Corporate Academy
Awarded on successful defence
Earn the "Dr." Title
Upon successful defence of your dissertation, you are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration — a credential recognised by leading corporations, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Add it to your LinkedIn, email signature, and board profile.
- Globally recognised 'Dr.' title
- Alumni network of 5,000+ doctoral graduates
- Eligible for academic appointments at leading B-schools
- Verified by partner accreditation bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have founded a company to apply?
No. The programme welcomes founders, intrapreneurs, innovation managers, and investors. What matters is a clear research interest in entrepreneurship or innovation — not a current startup.
Why is this DBA shorter than others (2 years)?
The dissertation is embedded within a live startup or innovation project, accelerating the research cycle. Candidates who have an existing venture or innovation initiative progress faster.
Can my startup be the research site for my dissertation?
Yes — this is actively encouraged. Your own venture provides a real-world laboratory for doctoral research, making the dissertation immediately actionable.
Talk to a DBA Counsellor
Get a personalised admissions roadmap — free of charge.
Upcoming Intakes
November 2026
Next Batch
7 seats left
January 2027
Upcoming
12 seats left
April 2027
Later
15 seats left
Sponsoring Executives?
Custom cohorts, invoiced billing, and group discounts for 3+ sponsored candidates from the same organisation.
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