The ZHAW’s summer schools promote an entrepreneurial mindset
In 2024, ZHAW entrepreneurship ran three summer schools on the topic of planetary health. A total of 64 students from various ZHAW Schools took part, as well as 17 participants from the EELISA (European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance) network.
The ZHAW entrepreneurship programmes take place annually and are a good example of practice-oriented education. Under the theme of planetary health, students worked together in interdisciplinary teams to develop business ideas and product concepts for companies. They also launched start-ups in the fields of health, nutrition and circular economy. These promising projects will continue to be pursued after the completion of the summer schools.
FoodTech, HealthTech and CircularTech
How can a sustainable global protein supply be ensured? This question was at the heart of the FoodTech Summer School. To address this challenge, the participants developed ideas for alternative protein sources. Excursions to producers and interactive events helped to align theory with practice. The HealthTech Summer School offered a unique opportunity for exploration and exchange to enthusiasts of medical technology and software development. The students created innovative solutions that were based on real-world challenges, ranging from optimised surgical instruments to improved diabetes treatments. The programme culminated in the presentation of the results to a panel of experts. Meanwhile, the CircularTech Summer School delved into aspects of the circular economy. In collaboration with industry partners, the participants developed models aimed at making recycling more efficient, with some of the ideas having already been implemented.
Strengthened exchange with European partners
The ZHAW’s summer schools provide students with more than just specialist knowledge. By integrating teaching, research and professional development with practical and entrepreneurial experiences, they foster the entrepreneurial mindset as an essential transferable skill – aligning with the ZHAW’s vision of an Entrepreneurial University.
The summer schools are co-funded by EELISA. This year, another 17 participants from EELISA partner universities attended the programme. This collaboration strengthened an interdisciplinary exchange at European level. The summer schools in 2025 are already being planned!