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.
Novembre 24, 2025 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
The Boldbrain Startup Challenge 2025 has entered its final stage. After three months of acceleration, coaching, and pitching, the Regional Jury has selected ten finalist projects that will take the stage at the Award Ceremony on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano.
Boldbrain—organised by Fondazione Agire in collaboration with the USI Startup Centre—is Ticino’s leading accelerator for early-stage startups, designed to turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses through workshops, tailored coaching, and direct exposure to investors and the regional innovation ecosystem.
The ten Boldbrain 2025 finalists
Selected on the basis of innovation, market potential, sustainability, and entrepreneurial capability, the finalists (alphabetical order) are:
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Alceberg
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CC Cardio
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Green Targets
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MethyIX
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OOVIE Studios
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POWSH
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SwissVeritas
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Tellus GreenTech
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Vocalhum
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WindtracX
These ten teams will pitch live in front of an audience of entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and innovation enthusiasts. The evening will also include an Audience Award, voted by participants in the room.
The USI EMBA Full Scholarship: awarded to the Boldbrain winner
One of the most prestigious in-kind prizes of Boldbrain is the full scholarship to the USI Executive MBA. The scholarship is granted to the overall winner of the Boldbrain Startup Challenge, as a way to support founders who are ready to accelerate not only their startup, but also their leadership and business skills.
Our USI EMBA is an 18-month, part-time international programme for executives and entrepreneurs. It combines strategic management foundations, electives, hands-on workshops, and a study tour, giving founders the tools to scale their ventures with confidence and clarity.
Join the Award Ceremony
The Boldbrain 2025 Award Ceremony is open to the public, free of charge, with mandatory registration. It’s a unique chance to discover the best emerging startup ideas in Ticino, network with founders and partners, and witness the announcement of this year’s winners—including the startup that will receive the USI EMBA full scholarship.
Novembre 18, 2025 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
The fourteenth edition of the Executive MBA of the Faculty of Economics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) officially started on 14 November, opening a new chapter in the University’s long-standing commitment to developing responsible, future-ready leaders. The new cohort was welcomed during a rich and engaging Orientation Day, followed by the first days of the Leadership module, creating an atmosphere filled with curiosity, ambition, and a desire for transformation.
Orientation Day
Led by Professor Paulo Gonçalves, the Orientation Day encouraged participants to introduce themselves through creative storytelling using images, symbols, and personal narratives.Participants shared visual metaphors of their professional and personal journey revealing the motivations, values, and ambitions they bring to the EMBA. These first exchanges set the tone for a programme that is not only academically rigorous but also profoundly personal, reflective, and connected to the real experience of leadership.
Learning from Experience: Keynote Speeches by EMBA Alumni
A special highlight of the inaugural day was the session with two distinguished EMBA alumni, whose testimonies offered participants a vivid insight into how the USI Executive MBA shapes careers, mindsets, and leadership trajectories.
Nicola Roberto Tettamanti (EMBA8),
CEO of Tecnopinz SA and President of Swissmechanic,
shared how the EMBA equipped him with strategic thinking, confidence in decision-making, and the ability to steer organisational innovation. He emphasised how the programme strengthened his capacity to guide teams through change and fostered a more structured approach to leadership challenges.
Karolina Frischkopf (EMBA1),
CEO at HEKS/EPER (Swiss Church Aid),
offered a powerful reflection on how the EMBA supported her transition toward executive responsibility in the humanitarian sector. She highlighted the programme’s impact on her leadership identity, her ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments, and her commitment to ethical and sustainable organisational development.
Their stories provided an inspiring introduction to the transformative potential of the EMBA experience, resonating strongly with the aspirations of the EMBA14 class.
A Diverse and International Cohort
The EMBA14 class brings together 11 professionals with significant work experience and diverse roles across industries such as business, technology, public service, non-profit organisations, and international development.This heterogeneous group enriches the programme by fostering a dynamic exchange of perspectives, generating fertile ground for peer learning, and cultivating a collaborative mindset essential in today’s interconnected world. Participants share a common objective: developing advanced organisational and leadership capabilities while embracing innovative tools to navigate a global market undergoing continuous transformation.
A Swiss Perspective with a Global Outlook
The programme maintains a strong connection to the Swiss economic landscape and its values—precision, reliability, sustainability—while offering an international perspective that broadens professional horizons. Lugano serves as both a familiar reference point for local professionals and an international gateway for participants joining from abroad.This blend of local grounding and global exposure is a defining feature of USI’s Executive MBA.
Commitment to Ethics, Sustainability, and Responsible Leadership
As in previous years, the EMBA continues to strengthen its focus on ethics, sustainability, and responsible leadership. The programme seeks to develop leaders who can generate positive impact, combine analytical rigor with strategic vision, and guide organisations with integrity. This commitment is expressed through an international faculty, personalised teaching methods, and learning experiences that integrate theory with real-world application.
