Discovering Entrepreneurship and Innovation

About

Step into an immersive two-week programme designed to help you explore entrepreneurship and innovation through real-world practice, in the heart of Switzerland.
You will work on real business projects proposed by start-ups, established companies, or fellow entrepreneurship students, and progressively transform ideas into well-structured and viable solutions.

What distinguishes this programme is its strong emphasis on applied strategy and decision-making. You will learn how organisations create value, analyse internal capabilities and external environments, and identify key success factors that drive sustainable performance. Through practical tools such as lean start-up methods, the lean canvas, and strategic analysis, you will develop solutions grounded in real business constraints.

Pitching and communication are central components of the module. Guided by academics and industry professionals, you will refine your ability to present ideas clearly, convincingly, and strategically to different stakeholders.
Continuous feedback and personalised coaching support both your analytical work and presentation skills.

The learning experience is enriched by company visits within the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering direct exposure to innovation practices, strategic challenges, and managerial decision-making in both start-ups and established firms. Social and cultural activities complement the academic content and foster collaboration within a diverse, international cohort.

By the end of the programme, you will have strengthened your entrepreneurial mindset, enhanced your analytical and communication skills, and gained practical experience in applying business tools to real challenges — all within a truly international learning environment.

Module 1: Discovering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (June 22 – July 3)
This module focuses on entrepreneurial skills, including pitching strategies, strategic planning, and sustainable business model development. Students will tackle real-world challenges, explore the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem, and refine their ideas through expert coaching

Course leader

Georgiana Bigea; Bart Norré; Philippe Bubenzer; CEO Montblanc; Eric Mac Larren

Target group

This program is targeting Undergraduate and Master students with good academic achievements in the field of Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics, or Business Engineering. The program is especially designed for those who have an interest in setting up their own business or implementing their own ideas as development projects.

We are particularly looking for students who are motivated, dynamic, and ready to engage fully in the summer school experience. This program involves discussions with CEOs, company visits, and pitching opportunities, requiring participants to be curious, proactive, and dedicated. We need students who are eager to participate actively and bring energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of the program

Course aim

To ignite entrepreneurial passion and ambition
Engage with peers and professionals, and build the mindset needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business landscape.

To empower students with essential pitching and business development skills
Develop and refine your pitching skills through personalized coaching, helping you craft compelling business ideas that attract investors and partners. Learn the art of presenting your ideas with confidence and clarity.

To introduce students to the latest entrepreneurial strategies and innovative business models
Explore sustainable business models, with a focus on adapting to market changes and building resilience in your startup. Learn how to position your company for long-term success by understanding current economic, environmental, and digital challenges.

To offer hands-on experience with Swiss innovation and scaling strategies
Gain first-hand insights into how Swiss companies successfully scale their businesses. Through company visits, you’ll observe how leading innovators apply entrepreneurial strategies in practice and discover the keys to their success or why they had failed.

To master strategic planning and competitive market positioning
Learn to evaluate market opportunities, design actionable strategies, and effectively position your business to gain a competitive edge

Fee info