Enhance your entrepreneurship knowledge and skills

Are you looking to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills or take your innovative idea to the next level? Two upcoming training opportunities in Ticino offer aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders the chance to develop practical skills, test their assumptions, and learn from experienced experts.

Organised by USI in collaboration with SUPSI as part of the federal Entrepreneurship Training Programme powered by Innosuisse, the Business Concept course and Business Validation workshop are now open for applications.

BUSINESS CONCEPT: gain both theoretical and practical skills to launch and manage a startup

Business Concept is a 10-evening entrepreneurship course combining theoretical foundations with hands-on exercises. It is designed for researchers, students, and anyone interested in developing a science-based startup project. During the sessions, participants explore the key aspects of launching and developing an innovative venture, with guidance from experienced experts and coaches.

The course is free of charge and held in English

The next edition will be held in Lugano:
Tuesdays starting 6 October 2026, 17:30 - 21:15

Application deadline: 27 September 2026
Apply here: https://www.startup.usi.ch/en/feeds/42113

BUSINESS VALIDATION: learn how to pivot your idea and build resilience

For founders who are already developing a startup, Business Validation is a two-evening workshop focused on evaluating and implementing a pivot, a strategic change in the direction of a project, while strengthening an entrepreneurial resilience mindset.

During the workshop, participants will learn to apply the “Where to Play” methodology, developed at EPFL. This strategic approach helps startups identify the most promising market opportunities, make informed decisions, reduce risk, and improve their chances of achieving product-market fit.

An experienced coach will guide participants through the methodology and its practical application to their ventures.

The next edition will take place on:
28 and 29 September 2026, 17:30–20:00

Application deadline: 28 September 2026
Apply here: https://www.startup.usi.ch/en/feeds/42100