General Information
| Format | Block seminar, combining practical classes and panel discussions |
| Duration | 4-day intensive (corresponds to 2 semester hours/week) |
| ECTS | 3 ECTS |
| Examination | Written (scenario-based, non-multiple-choice) |
| Language | English |
| Participants | Master's students and PhD candidates in Computer Science |
| Max. participants | 75 students |
| Location | HPI Potsdam, Campus II — August-Bebel-Str. 88, 14482 Potsdam |
| Fee | None |
| Module types | ITSE: HPI-MK HPI-SSK-RW HPI-SSK-ML DE: HPI-SSK-RW HPI-DE-RWM |
Registration Deadline
28.08.2026
Summer School
31.08 – 03.09.2026
Exam Date
TBC
Description
The Summer School "How to Be a (Startup) CTO" at HPI in Potsdam Griebnitzsee, close to Berlin, is an intensive 4-day seminar designed for master's students and PhD candidates seeking to understand the multifaceted role of a Chief Technology Officer in startup and tech environments.
Participants will learn about specific tasks and responsibilities of a CTO such as technology strategy, devops, leadership, building high-performing teams, retaining talent, healthy growth, communication, lean analytics and financing tech startups.
The summer school consists of a blend of classes, panels, fireside chats and reflection sessions — not only to gain knowledge but also to engage actively with expert speakers and other participants, and to reflect on their own career path.
The course aims to shed light on three central questions: What defines the role of a CTO in a startup? How does the role change over the growth phase? And what makes a great CTO — what skills are needed and how can one acquire them?
What You Will Learn
Understand the CTO role in depth
- What defines the role of a CTO in a startup and which are the most important roles she has to work with?
- What skills does a CTO need and how can one acquire them? What is the difference between a Developer and a CTO?
- How does the role of a CTO change over the growth phases of a company?
Solve real-world challenges with expert speakers
- How does a sustainable technology strategy look like?
- How can I create a masterplan for smooth operations?
- How can I retain talent and facilitate healthy growth?
- How can I build high-performing product and tech teams?
- What does professional communication as a CTO require?
- What is my role as a CTO in investment rounds?
- How can I set clear, meaningful KPIs?
Develop an informed career perspective
- Does the role of a CTO sound interesting to me?
- Does this career option align with my interests, values and goals?
7 Core Responsibilities of a CTO
The whole course is broken up into seven central responsibilities — and the questions which come with each:
01 · Tech
Technology Strategy & Architecture
Selecting technology, testing and application architecture, including drafting the strategic vision towards an MVP. Balancing speed-to-market with technical debt and scalability concerns.
02 · HR
Hiring, Managing & Retaining Talent
Building and growing a high-performing team in today's fast-changing world. Local vs. remote strategies, budgeting for developers, and healthy team growth.
03 · Tracking
KPI Definition & Analytics
You can't manage what you can't measure. Choosing the right KPIs, ensuring transparency across the team, and using data to guide decisions.
04 · Product
Product Management & QA
Formalised product management as complexity grows. Working with a CPO, navigating the CTPO role, and ensuring quality assurance is properly owned.
05 · Operations
DevOps, Security & GDPR
Ensuring smooth operations in a DevOps era. Baking security and data protection in from day one and building a masterplan for operational resilience.
06 · Communication
Public Representation & Investor Relations
Communicating with investors, handling Tech DD, negotiating deals, and being a great public communicator who makes complex technology transparent for all stakeholders.
07 · Personal Qualifications
Staying on Top of the Game — and Staying Sane
Managing the immense demands of the CTO role while continuously learning, prioritising ruthlessly, and maintaining the mental stamina to go the distance. Building a startup is a marathon, not a sprint.
Schedule
Details to be confirmed. Agenda below reflects the planned structure.
1
Sunday, 31 August 2026
Technology Strategy & Leadership Roles
ClassTechnology Strategy
PanelRoles & Responsibilities: CTO, CPO, CEO
ClassAI-first Company Building
ClassStaying on Top of the Game
BBQ & Fireside Chat
2
Monday, 1 September 2026
People, Teams & Security
ClassRetaining Talent & Healthy Growth
ClassBuilding High-Performing Product & Tech Teams
ClassSecurity & Data Protection
PanelTransitioning from Engineer to Tech Leader: Personal Growth & Leadership Models
3
Tuesday, 2 September 2026
Operations, Communication & ELIAS Special
ClassCreating a Masterplan for Smooth Operations
ClassTalking Business — Communication for CTOs
ELIAS
Exclusive Panel: "A Shifting Mind: Transitioning from Scientist to Entrepreneur" ★ ELIAS Exclusive
4
Wednesday, 3 September 2026
Analytics & Financing
ClassLean Analytics — Setting KPIs that Matter
PanelFinancing Tech Startups — VC, Angels & Deal Terms
Examination
The course ends with a scenario-based written examination (non-multiple-choice) covering all topics. Questions are compiled by the speakers and curated by HPI. Students will be presented with real-world situations and asked to describe how they would handle them — demonstrating both conceptual understanding and practical judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle confidentiality of information shared during the program?
While we will keep all information within our support team, we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality of information leaking to the outside world. Speakers are made aware of the academic context.
How does HPI deal with intellectual property created during the course?
We do not anticipate any intellectual property created as a direct result of our program. Furthermore, HPI does not consider use of office space and infrastructure as constituting a significant use of HPI resources with regards to IP.
I am an external (non-HPI) student. Can I apply?
Yes! We offer a few places for non-HPI students. Please send your certificate of study, a current CV, and 3–5 sentences of motivation to program(at)hpi.de. Participants who do not require ECTS can apply by mail without the enrolment certificate.
What are the ELIAS-affiliated spots and what do they cover?
20 spots are reserved for ELIAS and ELLIS network participants. For these participants, travel and accommodation expenses are covered. Apply via the registration form and indicate your ELIAS/ELLIS affiliation.
What is the teaching format?
A block seminar combining practical classes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and reflection sessions. Learning happens through three dimensions: knowledge (business & project management), experience (first-hand learning from real CTOs), and networking (connecting with fellow students and field experts).
Literature
- 📘Beasly, John — The Modern CTO
- 📘Petrikhin, A. (2017) — Specifics and core functions of the CTO position and "Hidden CTOs" in the technology management processes. Dissertation, Steinbeis University of Berlin.
- 📘Devine, Rorie — The CTO | CIO Bible: The Mission, Objectives, Strategies and Tactics Needed to Be a Super Successful CTO | CIO
- 📘Ries, Eric — The Lean Startup
Registration
Ready to Join?
Registration Deadline: 28.08.2026
1
HPI students register via CAS (the standard HPI registration system).
2
Non-HPI students: send your certificate of study, CV and a motivational letter (3–5 sentences) to program@engine.hpi.de
3
No ECTS required? Apply by mail to program@engine.hpi.de without the enrolment certificate.
⭐
Apply Now →
HPI Engine Page ↗
ELIAS / ELLIS Affiliated Students: We offer 20 spots for participants from the ELLIS and ELIAS network, with travel and accommodation covered. Apply via the form and indicate your affiliation.