June 23, 2025 · Campus

Launch Control x HWZ: When Ideas Become Start-ups

Diolinda Qazimi and Loris Heller, HWZ students, are taking the leap into self-employment. As part of the Launch Control x HWZ support programme, the two are developing their start-ups with the help of coaches, a network, and entrepreneurial spirit. They share the conviction that founding a business is more than just a project – it is a personal learning journey, a social responsibility, and the first step towards making a real impact. Find out what motivates them and what they are working on in the article.

The new partnership between HWZ and Launch Control – the start-up support programme – opens up exciting opportunities for HWZ students and staff: members of HWZ can take part in Launch Control’s “Bring Your Idea to Life” programme with their own business ideas. In doing so, they benefit from the expertise and network of an experienced incubator, enabling them to optimise their business plan and prepare for initial discussions with investors. Through this cooperation, HWZ aims to position itself as a centre of excellence for entrepreneurship.

Two HWZ students have taken the leap and are currently developing their start-up ideas with the support of the Launch Control programme. What motivates them? What challenges must they overcome? And how does the programme help turn a vision into a viable business model?

Two paths, one direction: founding with conviction

Founding a business requires courage – and above all, responsibility. Diolinda Qazimi, a student on the MAS Real Estate Management programme at HWZ, and Loris Heller, a student on the Bachelor in Business Administration at HWZ, are both convinced of this. Both were accepted into the Launch Control x HWZ support programme with their ideas and have since been working on developing their start-ups.

Digital clarity in the property market: Diolinda Qazimi & IMMODICO

“For me, founding a business means not waiting for perfect conditions, but starting, listening, and persevering. It is about understanding real problems and boldly developing solutions that prove themselves in practice,” says Diolinda Qazimi, a student on the MAS Real Estate Management programme at HWZ. During her bachelor’s dissertation in facility management at ZHAW, she identified a recurring pattern in the property sector: a lack of digitalisation, unclear processes, and no central point of contact for guidance.

What began as an idea for a defect reporting app soon evolved further: “There are many digital tools available, but hardly any overview and rarely any independent guidance,” she explains. This insight led to the creation of IMMODICO, a navigation and advisory solution for small and medium-sized property management companies (SMEs), cooperatives, as well as property owners. Her vision is to make digital decision-making in the property sector simpler, more informed, and more transparent. The market offers countless tools, but many SMEs do not know which tool best suits their processes. “At IMMODICO, we do not sell tools; we provide orientation and, in doing so, create a growing toolkit.”

And all this alongside a demanding daily routine: balancing a full-time job, a degree programme and a start-up at the same time requires incredible discipline. At the same time, it is precisely this variety that Diolinda finds enriching.

During my studies at HWZ, I am able to apply what I learn directly to my professional practice. I continue to grow in my career every day, and through developing IMMODICO, I am creating something of my own that is intended to have a real impact.

“Of course, free time becomes more limited. But the drive to create something meaningful makes many things easier and shows just how much is possible when you are truly committed,” she says. Launch Control not only provided her with structure, but also the rare opportunity to refine an idea under real conditions, with honest feedback, experienced coaches, and a network that opens up new perspectives.

I found the hands-on workshops and interviews with dedicated experts particularly enriching, as well as the group coaching sessions led by Raphael Tobler. His guidance provided us with important impetus throughout the process.

Studying at HWZ has also broadened her strategic perspective on the real estate industry and sharpened her entrepreneurial thinking.

For me, studying is not a separate world, but a source of inspiration. Many ideas from the classes can be applied directly to our project. It is a rare opportunity to connect theory and practice so closely.

For Diolinda, one thing is clear: founding a business means making an impact, persevering – and, above all, having the courage to embrace uncertainty. “Young people in particular bring new perspectives, fresh questions and often the courage to think differently. Those who start their own business not only learn about markets and business models, but also about themselves, about failure, and about persistence.”

Clear thinking, clear drinking: Loris Heller & The Clean Boost

Loris Heller is also convinced by the idea of entrepreneurship. He is in his sixth semester studying business economics at HWZ and works as a transaction manager in corporate finance at UBS.

For me, founding a business means taking responsibility – for an idea, for a team, and ultimately for the impact I want to make in the world. It is the most honest way to find out whether what I think and feel can truly stand the test of the market.

He too was accepted with his start-up idea. His concept: a functional ready-to-drink boost. A beverage that sharpens focus, without sugar, artificial stimulants or empty promises. The formula is based on high-quality, evidence-based ingredients that promote mental clarity and sustained energy.

However, the beverage brand is intended to be just the beginning: Loris has the vision of creating a holistic lifestyle brand that helps people to realise their full potential – in everyday life, during sport, and while sleeping – with subsequent products focused on regeneration, fitness, and cognitive performance. Instead of relying on short-term stimulation like traditional energy drinks, his product is based on scientifically proven, synergistic active ingredients that have a lasting effect. Free from sugar, artificial flavours, or aggressive stimulating effects.

It is not just about a drink, but about a movement: moving away from harmful consumption towards smarter, more purposeful self-optimisation. While many brands focus on either taste, effect or image, I bring all three elements into harmony.

The reality of balancing a job, studies and a start-up is demanding, but also motivating. For him, managing everything means: “Setting clear priorities, planning with discipline and following through, even when motivation is lacking.”

Launch Control provides Loris with a solid foundation for successfully realising an idea with a clear and structured approach. HWZ gives him the sense that he is not alone in putting his plans into action, but can rely on a network that supports him with his ideas. The teaching offers him the essential fundamentals, such as legal aspects and entrepreneurial thinking, to ensure he does not get stuck in his own project and can set the right course.

Founding a business is more than just a career path; it is a school for life. Young people should take the step, as it teaches them to take responsibility, make decisions, and deal with uncertainty. In addition, self-employment offers the opportunity to bring about real change, rather than simply operating within existing structures. Those who found a business play an active role in shaping the future.

Launch Control: Structure Meets Network

Diolinda Qazimi and Loris Heller both emphasise how valuable the support from Launch Control and HWZ has been for their entrepreneurial journey. The combination of theory and practice – for example, through strategic assignments during their studies or exchanges with coaches – creates an environment for both in which innovation is not only conceived, but also put into practice.