In this paper, the authors explore an innovative format for completing and defending a graduate thesis in the form of a startup. The presentation of the results of scientific activity in the context of a real business project reflects not only the academic, but also the professional competencies of students. This is a form of preparation and defense of a thesis, which implies a business project carried out by a student (independently or as part of a team) to develop and/or commercialize the results of research and development activities. He is able not only to increase motivation for further professional development, but also to put into practice the ideas that were created during the training process, receive expert evaluation of the developments, and see the real prospects for their implementation. However, this form of graduate thesis protection is relatively new and therefore its implementation is associated with some difficulties for both teachers and students. The authors of the study attempt not only to characterize a startup as a diploma, identify the main risks, but also to develop recommendations for successful protection and testing. A comparison is made between the traditional form of defense of a graduate thesis and a startup, and differential characteristics are identified.