Two new cohorts launch Business Concept 2026

Business Concept 2026 has officially kicked off in Lugano and Mendrisio, welcoming 49 selected participants out of 92 applicants into the new spring cohorts. Researchers, Master’s and Bachelor’s students, and aspiring founders will now embark on an intensive journey to learn how to transform scientific discoveries and innovative ideas into viable startup projects.

Over the coming weeks, participants will explore key topics in startup development, from business model validation and intellectual property protection to financing strategies and pitching, guided by experienced instructors.

What distinguishes Business Concept is its practical format. Working in teams, participants will develop eight selected entrepreneurial projects, applying newly acquired tools directly to real ideas from within the cohort.

Two diverse and motivated cohorts

This spring two editions of the course will run in parallel: in Lugano (East Campus USI-SUPSI) and in Mendrisio (Accademia di architettura), the latter focusing on the Construction and Design sectors. The two cohorts bring together:

• 27% PhD candidates and researchers
• 43% Master students
• 30% Bachelor students
• 27% female participants
• 16 nationalities

In total, 23 startup ideas were submitted by the participants, reflecting strong entrepreneurial ambition. The projects represent a diverse mix of solutions in various sectors, from sustainability and healthcare to robotics and real estate.

The first step into entrepreneurship

Business Concept is one of the modules of the federal Innosuisse Entrepreneurship Training programme and is offered in Ticino three times per year, with the implementation coordinated by USI Startup Centre in collaboration with SUPSI.

The programme’s impact continues to grow. Starting from 2025, Innosuisse significantly increased (x3) the number of courses available in Ticino in response to strong demand, allowing more participants to benefit from this training. Across the three editions held in 2025 in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona, 68 participants were selected from 117 applications, working on 13 entrepreneurial projects.

Several alumni are continuing their startup journey, supported by further initiatives within the ecosystem, including the USI Startup Centre incubation programme, Boldbrain Startup Challenge, Innosuisse coaching and other opportunities. Others have taken their first step into the startup world by joining existing startup teams and contributing to growing ventures.

With the 2026 edition now underway, a new group of aspiring founders begins its path, expanding the local entrepreneurial community and laying the foundations for the next generation of science-driven ventures.

Besides the Business Concept course, the Innosuisse Entrepreneurship Training programme includes a wide range of events, thematics workshops and networking opportunities.

For upcoming dates and more information >> https://innosuisse-training-ticino.ch/