USI Startup Centre

We aim to create a favourable environment for the development of science-driven entrepreneurial initiatives originating from academia, equipping researchers and students with the tools and knowledge required to pursue entrepreneurial pathways.

Our team organises a wide range of initiatives structured around three key pillars:

Startup incubator

Through our incubation programme, we focus on increasing the market and investment readiness of high-potential, science-driven projects at the pre-seed and seed stages, originating from USI, SUPSI, and affiliated research partners. Selected startup projects follow a structured development roadmap covering the key areas required to advance project development and reach subsequent milestones, supported by dedicated coaching.

Entrepreneurship education

We anticipate the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs by providing essential knowledge and practical skills to launch and grow successful ventures. Our educational offering spans multiple topics and addresses different levels of expertise, through both workshops organised directly by USI Startup Centre and programmes delivered within the framework of the Innosuisse Entrepreneurship Training initiative. In addition, through active interaction with the university’s teaching activities, we help students acquire practical skills and apply them to real startup challenges.

Community engagement

We build and nurture a vibrant network of aspiring and active entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and innovation stakeholders. These activities contribute to strengthening entrepreneurial activity within the academic ecosystem in Ticino and encouraging the creation of new startups and spin-offs. Furthermore, our team works closely with a wide range of partners, both within the university and beyond academia.