Entrepreneurship at the School of Engineering
Innovative business ideas often originate from student projects and research initiatives. The School of Engineering supports the establishment of startups to further develop project results into market-ready products.
The Entrepreneurship Initiative of the School of Engineering specifically supports motivated students and staff members in founding their own startups with innovative ideas. Our goal is to create suitable conditions to nurture entrepreneurial passion to its fullest potential.
We promote entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking in teaching and research. Motivated students can deepen their business knowledge and train their entrepreneurial skills in specific modules. Students with their own business ideas receive personal support from us through a tailored mentoring program. Building on this, there is the opportunity to continue being supported by ZHAW and its mentors even after completing their studies.
Entrepreneurial Profile in the Bachelor's Programme
We educate engineers who tackle societal challenges with technical creativity, innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the expertise of lecturers who are entrepreneurs themselves, as well as guest lecturers from the startup scene. The modules are designed around the principle of ‘learning from role models’. The ‘7IN – Real Founders, Real Stories’ event series, featuring talks by successful founders, offers fascinating insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
During the first year of study, full-time students (part-time students during the second year) can now enroll in the Entrepreneurial Profile offered by the ZHAW School of Engineering.
Startup Track in the Master's Programme
Ready to take your idea further? The MSE Startup Track (SuT) helps you turn entrepreneurial ambition into real progress, alongside your Master’s studies. Combine technical excellence with hands-on startup training, mentoring from experienced founders, and the chance to develop your business idea within projects and your Master’s thesis.
Mentoring & Support
Our instructors and lecturers all bring their own experience as entrepreneurs. They provide individual support to interested students as mentors during the time leading up to (and after) the founding process through regular meetings. Mentoring can commence from the 5th semester and typically lasts for one year.
Interested students from the ZHAW School of Engineering can find more information on the intranet page.
Ecosystem
We provide a platform for exchange and networking for young entrepreneurs, founders, and those interested.
Once a year, our alumni gather for the Homecoming Dinner to exchange ideas and stay connected. In a relaxed atmosphere, experiences from established entrepreneurs are shared with the younger generation, and new insights are provided to rethink the old. Many alumni also serve as mentors or engage in teaching, contributing to inspiring, educating, and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Our Start-ups
Over the past decades, students and researchers have founded a multitude of companies, creating attractive job opportunities. This ranges from local consulting services and engineering firms to globally operating enterprises.
Team
