Summer School in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Fit for the Business World
Entrepreneurship is multifaceted.
Ready to take your ideas to the next level and become a leader in a fast-changing global environment?
The Summer School in Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers a unique 4-week program in Switzerland that combines practical business learning with cultural exploration.
What Awaits You?
In the first module, dive into the world of entrepreneurship and pitching. Refine your business ideas, learn to craft compelling pitches, and explore the strategies needed to bring a startup to life. From understanding market dynamics to securing funding, this module equips you with the skills to turn your vision into reality.
The second module delves into the fascinating world of Swiss luxury watchmaking. Discover how this iconic industry harmonizes tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Explore smart product development, blockchain applications for authenticity, and advancements in digital tools and e-commerce. Learn how sustainable practices and the circular economy are reshaping the watch industry’s approach to ecological challenges while maintaining its legacy of artisanal craftsmanship, exclusivity, and unparalleled quality.
This program offers a unique combination of hands-on learning, industry insights, and cultural immersion in one of the most innovative countries in the world.
I am excited to bring back the creative thinking of entrepreneurship
Monique Kuhn
Summer School in Switzerland – Do something amazing!
Every year we welcome students from all over the world into our summer program. Here is a sneak peek of what to expect.
Entrepreneurship and global impact
In partnership with Le PeeL, we will work on the development and improvement of real Start-up projects.
Participants will also explore the concepts and models of building corporate purpose. They will discover the dual purpose playbook for leaders, managers, entrepreneurs; learn about different types of purpose driven organizations and the role of humane entrepreneurship. The summer school also offers a unique opportunity to work in an international environment, thanks to the different origins of the instructors and participants alike.
Objectives
- To present the different ways business ideas, startups and companies are founded and led with purpose
- To implement the knowledge and motivation acquired during the summer school in the participants' own business ideas
- To understand the economic and environmental challenges faced by the industry, and how to adapt to contemporary expectations.
- To develop knowledge of Swiss Made standards, intellectual property protection, and anti-counterfeiting strategies to uphold the integrity of luxury goods.
- To examine how digital tools, e-commerce, and smart product development are reshaping the luxury market..
Participants' profile
This program is targeting Undergraduate and Master students with excellent 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.
English skills of level B2 CEFR or higher are essential
At a glance
Degree awarded
Summer school : Certificate of completion
ECTS Credits
Applicable
Study duration
4 weeks (2 modules, 2 weeks per module)
Study start
23 June 2025 - 18 July 2025 - Entrepreneurial projects to be submitted by May 15, 2025
Study language
English
Enrollment information
Until 15 May 2025
Fees
Students from partner universities: Please contact us. Private candidates: CHF 3'500 includes all lectures, study material, cultural activities, transport to company visits and accommodation.
Place of study
HEG-FR/HSW-FR (Fribourg, Switzerland)
Summer school highlights
“The Summer school at HEG-FR gave me new perspectives and tools to look at the business Itself. It has taught me resources and ideas that I can bring back to the Brazilian environment.”
Lead with purpose. Think globally.
The summer school is a four-week intensive program designed for Swiss and international undergraduate and graduate students. It is presented in two modules:
Module I: Discovering Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Participants will experience a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship and founding a startup. Learn how to develop your business model, the different approaches in funding, branding and leadership.
Module II: Driving Change: Innovation & Sustainability in the Watch Industry
This module delves into how -for example- the Swiss watchmaking industry—renowned for its traditional craftsmanship—is adapting to contemporary global challenges.
Participants will explore how the industry is integrating sustainability and digital innovation while maintaining its high standards of quality and precision.
Participants will engage in lectures, company visits, and case studies, while immersing themselves in the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem and local culture.
Application for: Summer school : Certificate of completion
Apply nowApplication deadline: May 1st, 2024
