Ignite: A programme designed to put startup projects to the test

Have you identified a promising market opportunity and want to understand whether it can become a viable startup? USI Startup Centre launches a new eight-month programme for motivated students and recent graduates who want to validate an innovative project in a real-world context.

The initiative is designed for teams that have already identified a market opportunity, started working on a solution and are ready to validate it through direct engagement with potential customers and other market players.

What to expect?
Through targeted workshops, training and individual coaching, participants will:

• Test key assumptions and gather evidence from the market
• Refine their understanding of the opportunity and proposed solution
• Develop their project through a milestone-based validation process
• Receive guidance on governance and company incorporation
• Build a clear action plan for the next stage of the venture

By the end of the programme, participants will have an evidence-based assessment of their venture and stronger entrepreneurial decision-making skills.

Ignite is designed to run alongside study or research activities, with most sessions taking place in the evenings.

Duration: 8 months
Estimated commitment: 8-12 hours per week
Application deadline: 28 October 2026

Find out more and apply here.

For further details: Umberto Bondi, USI Startup Centre, umberto.bondi@usi.ch