Startup
In Lugano, there are various offerings to support your entrepreneurial idea: from courses, events, coaching and mentoring programs to a network of students and experts.
Connect, create, and achieve
Facing the process of founding a startup in Switzerland can sometimes present certain challenges, such as choosing the legal form, seeking funding, and legalization through a notarial deed.
For this reason, Lugano aims to promote various initiatives that seek to facilitate the connection between entrepreneurship enthusiasts, startup founders, and incubators. These events offer a dynamic platform for networking. Additionally, the city hosts various local Hubs that provide a stimulating environment for your entrepreneurial development.
Meet and learn. Places in Lugano to shape your ideas
USI Startup Centre supports and promotes the development of startups and innovative entrepreneurial projects. It also provides acceleration programs, mentoring, consultancy, and connections with investors and experienced entrepreneurs.
SUPSI Startup Garage is a space dedicated to students who want to give shape and substance to their ideas in a welcoming place where they can engage with peers and teachers while developing an entrepreneurial spirit.
In the support chain for startups existing in Ticino or those wishing to settle there, Agire’s mission is to ensure that promoters are informed about the opportunities offered by the Regional Innovation System and that they receive the appropriate support. Learn more about AGIRE for startup
Lifestyle Tech Competence Center is an innovation hub for companies in the lifestyle sector. The hub offers a range of services and resources to companies, including:
- Flexible and modern workspaces
- Access to a network of industry professionals
- Training and consultancy
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
Impact Hub Ticino is a non-profit association that is part of a global network supporting the construction of one’s projects, where organizations, changemakers, and all those active in the field of innovation and sustainability collaborate to develop new solutions.
New ideas? Are you looking for collaborators for your initiative?
Starting on a new path in this field is not always easy, especially if you are alone. An initiative that could help you discover new ideas, meet new people, and gain inspiration is Speakers’ Corner. Speakers’ Corner is an initiative promoted by the City of Lugano in collaboration with local universities and promotes the enhancement of student studies and research in Lugano.
Other platforms and communities to look for co-founders
Creating a startup is a real commitment: it involves building something completely new, finding funds, acquiring customers, and making all the numbers add up. But if you have a co-founder, you’ll have someone to rely on and share the tasks with. The first piece of advice, of course, is to look within your network of friends and classmates. But if that’s not enough, don’t give up. Here’s a list of platforms, events, and communities for finding co-founders and team members.
Featured initiatives
The startup week organised by USI Startup Centre is back on campus from October 2nd to October 5th with several activities that will bring you closer to the world of innovative entrepreneurship. Get to know aspiring and experienced startup founders and discover what it takes to launch a startup, where to find ideas and how you can join a startup team. Scopri di piu’
1-hour informal meeting with the USI Startup Centre staff aimed at providing first feedback to aspiring entrepreneurs at the initial stage of idea development. Learn more
This training programme divided into different modules held all over Switzerland helps you develop your startup idea. Business Ideas (Module 1) offers the opportunity to meet successful entrepreneurs and get inspired by their stories. Business Concept (Module 2) is a 10-evening course where you will acquire both theoretical and practical expertise to set up and run your own startup. These 2 modules are organised in Ticino by USI and SUPSI. Learn more
Swiss acceleration programme for early-stage start-ups. The final is in Lugano at the Palazzo dei Congressi.
Organisers: Fondazione Agire | Tecnopolo Ticino. With the collaboration of USI Startup Centre. Learn more
Startup Day of the Canton Ticino takes place on Thursday 28 March 2024. It is organised by the Department of Finance and Economy’s (DFE) Economy Division with the Fondazione Agire, in collaboration with the USI Startup Centre, Impact Hub Ticino and TiVentures, and with the support of BancaStato and the City of Locarno.
The event, now in its third edition, is held at Locarno’s PalaCinema. The main objective is to encourage the meeting between startups and investors, stimulating the culture of innovation in Ticino.
Impact Club
An incubator for impact projects, promoted by people interested in supporting and investing in innovative initiatives in Ticino.
Swiss Triple Impact
Help your company measure its contribution to the SDGs. In partnership with B Lab and SI FA!.
Business Support
Events, courses and a network of consultants to grow your impact project.
Circular Economy Incubator
An initiative of Impact Hub Switzerland to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Learn more
Learn about the regional innovation system
For a complete overview of the regional innovation system in Ticino, visit the innovation and entrepreneurship website of the Canton Ticino.
Scopri l'innovazione in Ticino:
Explore partnerships and funding for your Startup
Delve into partnership opportunities with organizations that share your values and vision. Discover innovation centers that can support the growth of your startup and find potential financiers.
Explore
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La mia esperienza
“Immersa nei suoi paesaggi panoramici, Lugano ha una vivace comunità internazionale, con la sua università che funge da hub per connessioni multiculturali. In tale atmosfera le amicizie tra accademici prosperano, diventando connessioni inestimabili che spesso fungono da pietra angolare negli sforzi professionali anche molto tempo dopo la laurea.”
Jelena Milosevic
PhD in Informatics, USI
"In Lugano, I had the opportunity to follow a high-level and very stimulating educational path that provides the necessary skills to enter the world of work. In addition to studying, the city offers many opportunities for leisure and relaxation."
Marco De Piaz
SUPSI student - MSE in Engineering and Environnement
"Lugano is more than just a small town: it is and will continue to be a diverse mecca of experiential learning, international exposure, and professional growth.”
Gabriel Bader
FUS Student
“Meeting many students from all around the world. The cultural diversity not only benefits one's personal growth but also strengthens the ability to work within intercultural environments and expands one's perspective. Studying in such an international university and in the beautiful city of Lugano was a great experience.”
Asmen Pablo Koç
USI Student
