The University of Utah has announced a major international expansion of its Master of Business Creation (MBC) program, a founder-focused graduate degree offered through the David Eccles School of Business. Starting August 2026, entrepreneurs living in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands will be able to enroll in the program without moving to the United States.
This move highlights how far the MBC program has evolved since its launch in 2019 and reinforces the university’s growing influence in global entrepreneurship education.
Building on the MBC Global Model
The European expansion builds directly on the MBC Global pathway introduced in fall 2024. That initiative first welcomed founders from Africa, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. It later expanded into Ontario, Canada, and now Europe—while additional regions are actively being explored.
By steadily widening its reach, the MBC program is positioning Utah as a hub for international startup education, connecting founders across continents through a shared academic and entrepreneurial framework.
How the Master of Business Creation Works
Unlike a traditional MBA, the Master of Business Creation is designed specifically for active founders. It is a one-year, accelerator-style graduate degree where participants work on their own companies in real time.
Key features of the program include:
- Hands-on coursework focused on company building
- Dedicated mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
- Cohort-based learning with other founders
- Continuous progress on a real startup, not simulations
The program is jointly operated by the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, a major driver of Utah’s broader startup ecosystem.
Demand Driving Global Expansion
Program director Jeff Davis says the expansion reflects strong demand for an academic model that blends theory with execution.
According to Davis, the goal is to create the world’s leading “accelerator plus graduate degree” for serious entrepreneurs. The continued global growth, he notes, proves that the MBC structure is both effective and scalable.
European Partnership and Leadership
The European rollout is being launched in collaboration with Aureus Ars & Scientia, a Luxembourg-based philanthropic organization.
The partnership is led by:
- Olivier Van Regemortel, Chairman
- Jacques Mahaux, Board Member
- Amélie Madinier, Executive Director
Madinier will also serve as Regional Director for MBC Global Europe, overseeing founder recruitment, mentorship coordination, and regional partnerships.
Van Regemortel described the MBC as one of the most distinctive and valuable degree programs available to entrepreneurs worldwide and encouraged eligible European founders to apply early.
Admissions, Scholarships, and Key Dates
Admissions for the European MBC cohort are expected to be highly competitive. Scholarships will be available for top applicants who submit their applications before January 31, 2026.
The expansion has been made possible with significant backing from the Lassonde Family Foundation, whose support has been central to shaping the MBC program and other entrepreneurship initiatives at the university.
A Truly Global Founder Network
Although MBC Global is delivered entirely online, founders are organized into regional cohorts and connected to a rapidly growing international network of alumni, mentors, and faculty. This structure allows entrepreneurs to benefit from both local relevance and global collaboration.
Applications are currently open for founders in the United States, Africa, Canada, and Europe for the August 2026 intake. Program pricing is standardized across regions to ensure accessibility for both early-stage and scaling startups, but space is limited.
