A new generation of Innovators: the Minor Innovation & Entrepreneurship officially begins
How can innovative ideas create real impact? And what skills do students need to shape the future across research, business and society? These questions are at the heart of the new Minor / LAO Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Zurich. Designed for Master's students from all faculties, the Minor combines academic foundations with hands-on learning, enabling students to develop the mindset, methods and practical experience needed to tackle complex challenges and turn ideas into impact.
The new Minor / LAO Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Zurich has officially started, bringing together Master’s students from across faculties. The interest in the first edition was strong: 55 students with a wide range of academic backgrounds applied – from Computer Linguistics and Law to Economics, Informatics, Earth System Science, and Communication and many others in between.
The official kick-off took place at Impact Hub Zurich, where students, lecturers and enablers of the new Minor came together to launch the first edition of the program. Throughout the evening, participants got to know one another, gained an overview of the journey ahead and already exchanged ideas. The open and collaborative atmosphere reflected one of the core values of the Minor: innovation happens through diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary cooperation.
«The kick-off ceremony was fantastic! The speakers each managed to deliver such a powerful message in just a few minutes, really underscoring the importance of innovation and the value of having people with this kind of drive and spirit. It set an inspiring tone right from the start and I’m excited for what's ahead.»
- Renée Vercamert (Economy)
Over the coming semesters, students will explore topics ranging from innovation management and entrepreneurship to design thinking, foresight, systems thinking and market validation. Through project-based courses, experiential learning, an interdisciplinary teaching approach and close collaboration with researchers, entrepreneurs and industry experts, the Minor students will develop practical skills that prepare them to create impact in a wide variety of professional contexts.
For one of the students, David Maximilian Tschira, who brings a background in Banking & Finance, the new Minor offers an opportunity to look beyond the analysis of existing businesses and better understand what happens before a company even exists:
«In my studies I have learned how to assess cash flows, risks and multiples of existing companies. With this Minor, I want to better understand what comes before that – from identifying a real problem to developing an idea and eventually building a company. I’m particularly excited to step outside the analyst role, work with ideas that are still taking shape and experience what it means to build something from the ground up.” - David Maximilian Tschira (Banking & Finance)
The kick-off event also marked the beginning of a new community. Throughout the program, students will collaborate closely, challenge each other's perspectives and build connections across faculties while developing solutions to real-world challenges.
“What excites me most is gaining relevant knowledge from different perspectives and learning how to turn ideas into action. I’m especially looking forward to the variety of courses, where we can put theory into practice and gain real hands-on experience. After the kick-off and meeting so many smart, innovation-driven people, I’m even more excited about the journey ahead – and hope to build the skills and confidence to one day launch a project of my own.” - Yara Martinez Schuster (Strategic communication and Management)
With its first cohort now underway, the Minor Innovation & Entrepreneurship is set to become a meeting point for curious minds who want to turn knowledge into impact – whether in academia, startups, industry or the public sector.
