Marzo 9, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
Roundtable Event – March 25, 2026 | Hotel de la Paix, Lugano, In collaboration with Orienta, Lead your Future
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, professionals, executives, and business leaders will gather at Hotel de la Paix in Lugano for a thought-provoking roundtable organized by HR Ticino titled “The Superpower of Networking.” Taking place from 18:00 to 19:30, the event aims to explore networking not simply as a social activity, but as a strategic capability that drives professional growth, innovation, and collaboration.
Supported by leading organizations, the event is designed to promote a networking mindset and culture, offering participants both strategic perspectives and practical tools. Through an interactive discussion format, attendees will gain insights into how meaningful professional relationships can generate tangible opportunities and long-term value.
Particular attention will be given to the connection between personal branding and reputational capital, highlighting how professionals can intentionally cultivate credibility and visibility within their networks. The discussion will also examine the strength of professional ecosystems through stakeholder mapping, emphasizing the importance of understanding and nurturing relationships with key actors across organizations and sectors. In addition, the event will explore the role of LinkedIn as a professional showcase, illustrating how digital platforms can amplify networking efforts and strengthen one’s professional presence.
Among the featured participants is Cristina Saporiti, Director of Operations of the USI Executive MBA and a senior professional in the design and management of executive education programs. With more than 25 years of national and international experience, Saporiti has developed extensive expertise in innovation, operational processes, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of collaborative ecosystems linking universities, companies, and institutions. Her contributions to the regional professional landscape were recognized in 2022, when she was included among the “101 Successful Women in Ticino.”
Through the exchange of experiences and perspectives among experts and participants, “The Superpower of Networking” aims to demonstrate how strategic relationship-building can become a powerful lever for career development, organizational growth, and innovation. The roundtable format will encourage dialogue and reflection, ensuring that attendees leave with practical insights they can apply immediately in their professional environments.
The roundtable will also feature Fulvio Besseghini, Chief Operating Officer of Lombardi SA in Switzerland and civil-environmental engineer with more than twenty years of international experience in large infrastructure projects across the energy and water sectors, and Richard Bortoletto, PMP project manager, entrepreneur and certified board member with extensive expertise in governance, organizational processes and public administration, currently Head of Citizen Services for the City of Lugano. The discussion will be moderated by Marco Vigini, HR executive, networking expert and founder of BNet2Connect, who has spent over two decades working on talent development, organizational growth and the promotion of networking culture across companies, institutions and leading universities.
By combining strategy, mindset, and actionable advice, the event highlights a simple but powerful idea: in today’s interconnected world, networking is not just a skill—it is a superpower.
Marzo 3, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
EMBA Class 12 | Field Visit | Infrastructure & Sustainability
Class 12 had the privilege of visiting the Marti Group’s construction works at the Gotthard highway tunnel doubling — southern lots — in Airolo. What unfolded was far more than an engineering spectacle. It was a masterclass in strategy, coordination, and sustainable thinking at scale.
A century of building excellence
Founded in 1922 as a small family business, the Marti Group has grown over a century into one of Switzerland’s leading construction conglomerates, today comprising more than 80 affiliated companies and over 6,000 employees operating across Switzerland and internationally. From the Bern train station reconstruction in 1958, to the Felsenau bridge in 1972, CERN in 1980, and the Prime Tower in Zurich in 2011, Marti has left its mark on the landmarks that define modern Switzerland.
What has remained constant throughout this remarkable growth is the group’s federal structure: independent subsidiaries, each expert in their field, strengthened by central coordination. This model allows Marti to deliver fully integrated solutions — from initial concept to final handover — without relying on external partners for critical workstreams.
The project: a second tube through the Alps
The Gotthard Road Tunnel, open since 1980, is a vital artery in Europe’s north-south transport corridor. After four decades of intensive use, the original tube requires a comprehensive refurbishment — a task impossible to carry out while it remains open to traffic. The solution: build a second parallel tube, open it by 2030, and only then undertake the renovation of the first.
The new tunnel stretches 7.8 km on the southern section alone and involves excavation through some of the most geologically challenging terrain in the Alps.
Engineering at the frontier: the tunnel boring machine
The centrepiece of the southern operation is a tunnel boring machine (TBM) measuring 128 metres in length, with a cutting head diameter of 12.36 metres — roughly the width of a four-lane motorway. Transporting this machine to the Airolo site required multiple special convoys, meticulous logistical planning, and close coordination across several cantons.
Once assembled and launched from the consolidated southern portal — where specialist piles installed by Marti Bern have already secured the tunnel entrance and the first 100 metres of launch tunnel have been excavated — the TBM will advance at an estimated pace of 20 metres per day, with breakthrough planned for 2027.
The project’s greatest geological challenge lies approximately 4.9 km from the southern portal: a 340-metre disturbance zone known as “de Guspis”, where the rock is particularly friable. This zone will be crossed and secured under the main lot 341, requiring careful sequencing and pre-consolidation measures.
For an EMBA cohort trained to think in systems, the visit offered a rare opportunity to see systems thinking in action. The Gotthard project is, at its core, a study in managing complexity: multiple lots running in parallel, a multi-company consortium operating under shared accountability, real-time decision-making under geological uncertainty, and a constant need to balance regulatory, environmental, and community stakeholder demands.
A special thank you to EMBA Alumnus Roberto Zanoli, Project Manager at Marti Tunnel.
The second Gotthard tube is scheduled to open to traffic in 2030. For those who had the privilege of seeing it from the inside — in every sense of the word — it stands as a reminder of what becomes possible when engineering ambition, organizational discipline, and genuine commitment to sustainability converge.
Febbraio 18, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
EMBA Talks | Wednesday 4 March 2026 | 12:30 PM (Online)
Why do organizations that know they need to transform so often fail to do so? And what does it take — personally and professionally — to navigate new processes, disrupted supply chains, and regulations that arrive too late?
These are the questions at the heart of this upcoming online event, featuring two USI EMBA alumni who will share their first-hand experiences from the front lines of organizational change.
Speakers
Valerio d’Ettorre is Head of Production and Client Consultant at Witschi & Ritz Crossmedia AG, a printing and packaging company based in Nidau, Bern. The company serves a diverse range of clients — from luxury watch brands such as Swatch and Omega, to winemakers (Vinum) and medical device companies (STAAR Surgical) — working with a network of 12 production partners across Europe.
His talk will focus on the soft skills the EMBA helped him develop — courage, self-confidence, trust in yourself — and the broader shift in mindset that, as he puts it, goes well beyond the classroom.
Thomas Hutter, Senior Manager of Global Supply Chain Programs & Analytics at a leading life sciences company at BD, Becton Dickinson, Vaud, leads a team of 30+ data scientists, developers, and solution architects. His work spans the full supply chain — from planning and sourcing to delivery — and he has hands-on experience building analytical capabilities, implementing Lean Six Sigma practices, and driving change in large, complex organizations.
The event will be opened and moderated by Prof. Paulo Gonçalves, Professor of System Dynamics and Management at USI and Director of the Humanitarian Operations Group. A PhD graduate of MIT Sloan and Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, Prof. Gonçalves studies how managers make decisions under pressure — making him the ideal host for a conversation about organizational capability, supply chain resilience, and the human side of change.
Febbraio 10, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
Early Bird Discount – Limited Time Offer
The USI Executive MBA is offering an exceptional early bird discount of CHF 10,000 for candidates who enroll by May 31st, 2026. This is your opportunity to invest in a world-class executive education while benefiting from significant savings.
Why Choose USI EMBA?
The USI Executive MBA, starting in November 2026, is designed for ambitious professionals ready to take their careers to the next level. The program brings together ethical leadership, international networking, and academic excellence in a flexible weekend format.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible Weekend Format: Attend classes one asynchronous day plus two consecutive days in Lugano (Saturday-Sunday) each month over 14 months, plus an international study tour to Boston
- International Community: Join a diverse cohort representing over 25 nationalities
- World-Class Faculty: Learn from internationally renowned professors from top business schools and strategic consulting firms
- Lasting Network: Access an exclusive alumni community that continues to generate opportunities long after graduation
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Two letters of reference
- Demonstrated leadership experience
Don’t miss this opportunity
With limited spots available and the early bird deadline approaching, we encourage you to begin your application process today. Take advantage of this CHF 10,000 discount and join the next generation of ethical leaders shaping the global business landscape.
Application Deadline for Discount: May 31st, 2026
Ready to transform your career? Contact us today or submit your application to secure your place in the USI EMBA Class of 2026.
Gennaio 30, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
Invest in yourself. Invest in connections that last a lifetime.
In today’s interconnected business world, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know and how effectively you can leverage those relationships. The USI Executive MBA 15 program understands this fundamental truth, making networking not just a component of the experience, but a cornerstone of your professional transformation.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Relationships That Matter
Starting in November 2026, EMBA 15 offers more than a prestigious degree. Over 18 months, you will join an exclusive community of ambitious professionals who will become your colleagues, collaborators, and lifelong connections.
The program’s unique structure—14 monthly modules spanning two on-site days (Saturday and Sunday) in Lugano, plus an international study tour to Boston—creates natural opportunities for meaningful relationship building. During lunches, class breaks, and social events, you will connect with fellow participants from diverse professional backgrounds and cultures, expanding your worldview while strengthening your professional network.
A Network That Spans Generations
One of EMBA 15’s distinctive features is its cross-generational approach. Two elective courses are shared with the previous and upcoming cohorts, creating a unique in-class networking experience across three generations of participants. This means your network doe not just include your immediate classmates—it extends to professionals who came before you and those who will follow.
Community Beyond Business
At USI EMBA, we recognize that networking is not confined to business cards and LinkedIn connections. We actively organize events that involve EMBA community members and their families, fostering genuine relationships that transcend professional boundaries. These occasions create the foundation for authentic, lasting connections.
Joining an International Alumni Network
As a future USI alumnus, you will gain access to an exclusive and extensive international network. Our alumni are passionate ambassadors who remain actively engaged with the program, readily available to share their experiences and insights. This is not just a network—it’s a community that continues to support your growth long after graduation.
Your Journey Starts Now
The EMBA 15 admissions process itself is designed to build relationships. From your initial manager consultation through the “BE AN EMBA” half-day class experience, you will connect with faculty, current students, and alumni who can offer insights into the transformative power of this program.
With a rolling admissions process and limited class sizes, we encourage early application. Your investment in EMBA 15 is an investment in yourself—and in a network that will support your ambitions for years to come.
Program at a Glance:
- Degree: Executive Master in Business Administration – 60 ECTS
- Duration: 18 months (November 2026 – May 2028)
- Format: Hybrid learning with monthly weekend modules
- Locations: Lugano, Switzerland | Boston, United States
At USI EMBA, we firmly believe that networking is a key driver of business success. Your network will become one of your most valuable assets—professionally and personally.
Ready to expand your horizons and your network?
Visit our website to learn more about admissions and start your journey toward EMBA 15.
Because the best investment you can make is in yourself—and in the connections that will shape your future.
Dicembre 9, 2025 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
The 2025 edition of Boldbrain concluded this evening at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano with a record-breaking awards ceremony, and USI’s Executive MBA (USI EMBA) took center stage thanks to one of the most significant prizes of the night: a CHF 56,000 scholarship for the Executive Master in Business Administration at the Università della Svizzera italiana. The scholarship was awarded to CC Cardio, winner of the first prize, underlining USI EMBA’s role as a strategic partner for high-potential startups ready to scale with strong managerial and entrepreneurial skills.
With more than 850 entries—and overall participation surpassing 860 projects, forcing the organizers to introduce a waiting list—this eighth Boldbrain Startup Challenge final confirmed itself as one of Ticino’s most important innovation events of the year. Over 600 people attended in person, including representatives of politics, academia, and business, while another 300 followed via live stream on Fondazione Agire’s digital channels.
The national jury, chaired by Thomas Billeter (SICTIC), evaluated the ten finalist projects and selected five winners, assigning CHF 174,000 in prizes, plus services and strategic consulting to support project development. The audience award of CHF 10,000 went to MethyIX, whose pitch strongly resonated with those in the hall.
Awards and prizes
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1st Prize – CC Cardio: CHF 40,000 cash prize plus the USI EMBA scholarship worth CHF 56,000, along with additional partner prizes.
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2nd Prize – MethyIX: CHF 30,000, also winner of the Audience Prize (CHF 10,000).
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3rd Prize – OOVIE Studios: CHF 20,000.
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4th Prize – Tellus GreenTech: CHF 10,000 plus a desk for one year at Tecnopolo Ticino.
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5th Prize – Windtracx: CHF 10,000.
Beyond cash awards, the winning teams gain access to major partner growth programs, including Swiss Economic Award and MassChallenge Switzerland, supporting startups in the scale-up phase.
Fondazione Agire will also provide a one-year desk at Tecnopolo Ticino (POWSH co-working space) to POWSH, SwissVeritas, and Tellus GreenTech. A further special prize from HemarGroup went to Vocalhum, enabling the team to develop or refine its prototype with HemarGroup’s technical support.
For the first time, Boldbrain introduced the Press Start Award, created by the Corriere del Ticino Group and dedicated to a finalist from last year’s edition. Following a readers’ vote, Gota Energy (finalist 2024) won communication services worth CHF 10,000.
Institutional voices
Christian Vitta, Director of the Department of Finance and Economy, emphasized how Boldbrain reflects the vitality of Ticino’s startup ecosystem and the effectiveness of cantonal measures supporting innovative entrepreneurship, noting that this dynamism strengthens Ticino’s national and international profile.
Stefano Colombo, new President of Fondazione Agire, highlighted the region’s growing talent and innovative capacity and reaffirmed Boldbrain’s mission to provide teams with tools, networks, and vision to build credible, competitive ventures.
The winning startups (summary)
CC Cardio – 1st Prize + USI EMBA scholarship (CHF 56,000)
Develops UniFlow, a minimally invasive heart pump for patients with a single functioning ventricle. The system optimizes circulation through real-time adaptive algorithms synchronized with the heart’s rhythm, aiming to reduce complications and improve long-term quality of life.
MethyIX – 2nd Prize + Audience Prize
Creates next-generation cancer therapies using mini-antibodies to target previously “undruggable” transcription factors, leveraging vulnerabilities linked to methylation. A first candidate (MX-1) is patented with promising preclinical results.
OOVIE Studios – 3rd Prize
Produces immersive real-time video animations blending music, cinema, and AI. Performances evolve live with musicians and audience interaction, creating unrepeatable artistic experiences already praised internationally.
Tellus GreenTech – 4th Prize + Tecnopolo desk
Builds rapid diagnostic tests for early crop disease and stress detection by analyzing greenhouse drainage water. Their automated, passive, real-time monitoring boosts yields and reduces pesticide use.
Windtracx – 5th Prize
Develops autonomous wind propulsion for ships using a high-altitude rigid kite sail guided by drones, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Patented design targets up to 15% fuel savings.
POWSH – Tecnopolo desk
An AI chat assistant for pet owners to manage appointments, therapies, and wellbeing data, with an empathetic AI engine developed with IDSIA.
SwissVeritas – Tecnopolo desk
A plug-and-play factory quality inspection platform for luxury brands, combining hardware, AI dashboards, and blockchain authentication.
Vocalhum – HemarGroup Prize
Restores speech for people who lost their voice by converting breath into words with real-time algorithms on any microphone-equipped device, reconstructing a natural voice aligned with the user’s vocal identity.
