The EU-funded research project GreenChips-EDU allows participants to complete a full Executive MBA Programme at a reduced price. This university certificate programme combines academic excellence with practical leadership skills in the context of digital transformation.
Learn about groundbreaking technologies and materials, expand your skills in life cycle assessment and circular economy in the field of microelectronics, and gain an overview of the macroeconomic and legal context in which electronics companies operate.
Cooperation
In 2026, this university certificate programme is offered in cooperation with the EU co-funded research project GreenChips-EDU.
Quick Facts
- Academic degree: Executive Master of Business Administration in Digital Leadership (EMBA)
- Duration: 18 months (3 semesters), of which 28 days are in-person classes
- ECTS credit points: 75
- Language of instruction: English and German
- Standard course fee: EUR 24,900 (VAT-free)
- Subsidized participation fee for course start March 2026*: EUR 6,500 (VAT free), this fee does not include expenses for travel, lodging or meals
*Participation is subsidized by the co-funded GeenChips-EDU research project, provided the course has a minimum of 10 participants. No separate application is required. - Minimum number of participants: 10, max. 25
- Location: Graz University of Technology and online
Curriculum: The revised curriculum will be published in June 2025.
Subsidized participation fee
Participation is subsidized by the co-funded GeenChips-EDU research project, provided the course has a minimum of 10 participants. No separate application is required. The participation fee is subsidized. For the university certificate programme starting in March 2026, the participation fee is EUR 6,500 (VAT free). This fee does not include expenses for travel, lodging or meals.
Content and emphasis
Participants will receive a scientifically sound yet action-oriented training at both the operational and the strategic level, with particular emphasis on the production of recyclable and energy-efficient semiconductors made from environmentally friendly materials.
Modules
The EMBA programme consists of the following modules (these can also be booked individually as university courses):
- Core Modules in Digital Transformation:
- Modules in Executive Leadership Development
- Modules in Green Microelectronics (Specialisation):
In addition, participants are expected to write a master’s thesis.
Teaching and learning methods
The part-time EMBA programme has a modular structure, and teaching takes place in the form of blended learning (a combination of distance learning and attendance units).
Each module consists of 3 phases:
- Online phase: In this phase, you will acquire fundamental knowledge about the subject in a self-directed manner by referring to basic literature and learning videos. Participants can access the TU Graz "TeachCenter" learning platform in order to ask questions and exchange information with lecturers and other course participants. Scope: 1.5 ECTS
- Attendance phase: In the attendance phase, you have an opportunity to discuss the acquired knowledge is discussed, reflect upon it, further deepen this knowledge, and to apply it to case study examples (an attendance block is held at TU Graz every two to three months, each time from Monday to Friday). Scope: 1.5 ECTS. Students who cannot be on site for professional reasons can participate in the lectures via the video conferencing system.
- Transfer phase: This phase is carried out individually at your own or a chosen company. In this phase, you have the opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge in the context of your company, fulfil a company task, or work to solve a company problem. Scope: 2 ECTS
Job prospects and career opportunities
Why this university certificate programme is right for you
You benefit from:
- A mixture of online and in-person teaching and learning (blended learning approach)
During the online stage of the programme, participants prepare each module independently in their own time. In the subsequent in-person stage, the knowledge gained is deepened, e.g., by working on practical case studies. - Transfer project
Participants have the opportunity to work on a business task or issue that is relevant to them and to apply the knowledge they have gained. - Customisation or tailoring of further training
Students can choose a specialisation that suits their interests and needs. Along with the part-time transfer project, they thus acquire the specific know-how needed for their everyday work. In their master’s thesis, they can address current professional challenges and develop solutions. - State-of-the-art scientific know-how
Research results from Graz University of Technology and its cooperation partners form the basis of the programme. Participants will thus have the opportunity to benefit from state-of-the-art first-hand expertise. - Networking and learning in a peer group
In targeted networking and dialogue events where real-life application and current theory are combined (e.g., onboarding conference, midterm conference), participants will have the opportunity not only to engage in technical and interdisciplinary exchanges with other participants, but also with experts.
After the master’s degree
- Graduates will understand the strategic interplay of artificial intelligence, collaboration tools and agile organisations with an increased level of self-organisation and the resulting change in the role of management.
- They will be capable of successfully managing an entire company or individual divisions ‒ both strategically and operationally ‒ in the context of digital transformation and can approach their management tasks in a holistic, networked and methodically supported manner.
- They will have the skills to design digital strategies and business models and to strategically reflect on and assess the benefits, limitations and opportunities of using technological solutions with an understanding of how to initiate and lead change and innovation projects.
- As the programme also emphasises Executive Leadership Development, they will be able to apply what they have learnt to real-world business challenges and implement new managerial skills in practice.
- They will gain a deeper understanding of semiconductor materials, design processes, and the strategic implications of adopting groundbreaking technologies, including wide-bandgap materials.
- They will understand sustainability and circular economy in microelectronics, as well as assessment methods such as life cycle assessment and social life cycle assessment.
- They will gain comprehensive knowledge of the macroeconomic and legal contexts in which electronics companies operate.
Target groups
Target group
The EMBA Digital Leadership is intended for executive personnel in a range of different industries who have several years of experience in leadership and management and who want to take the next step in their career or further develop their skills for their current position with regard to the broad field of developing and implementing digital transformation strategies (including leadership skills) against the backdrop of digital transformation.
In particular, the university certificate programme is aimed at following target groups:
- Engineers and technicians who wish to learn about sustainable production processes, energy-efficient chips, and ways of reducing e-waste.
- Environmental and sustainability experts who are looking to reduce the ecological footprint of microelectronics and/or are interested in “Green IT”.
- Entrepreneurs and start-up founders who aim to develop new business models in green microelectronics.
- Policymakers & NGO staff who are looking to promote sustainable microelectronics initiatives at a policy level.
Application and admission
Application
Required application documents:
- Completed and signed application form
- CV
- Proof of academic degrees already obtained or proof of completion of an apprenticeship or secondary school graduation certificate
- Recommendation letters and certificates
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of passport or ID card
The documents can be submitted by e-mail to: helmut.aschbacher@tugraz.at
Admission requirements
The requirements for admission to the university certificate programme must provide proof of the following qualifications:
- Graduation from an internationally recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree programme in a technical, scientific, economic or legal degree programme (min. 180 ECTS credit points) or
- several (at least 2) years of qualified professional and managerial experience
- sufficient knowledge of English as the language of instruction
Lecturers and contact information
Contact
Helmut ASCHBACHER
Dr.
TU Graz Life Long Learning
Phone: +43 316 873 4943
helmut.aschbacher@tugraz.at
Scientific head
Institute for Corporate Management and Organization
Kopernikusgasse 24/IV
8010 Graz
www.ufo.tugraz.at
Stefan Vorbach
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.techn.
Tel.: +43 316 873 7500
stefan.vorbach@tugraz.at
