February 25, 2025 · Media Releases
HWZ and Swiss Startup Association promote the start-up ecosystem
Together with the Swiss Startup Association, we are entering into a strategic partnership to specifically strengthen the Swiss start-up ecosystem. The first step in this collaboration is the launch of the new CAS Entrepreneurship HWZ. This programme imparts the key entrepreneurial skills and promotes direct exchange with the start-up community.
The Swiss Startup Association, as the national start-up organisation, represents over 1'800 members and is actively committed to improving the framework conditions for start-ups in Switzerland. With more than 2'500 students, HWZ is the largest university in Switzerland to offer exclusively work-compatible degree programmes in the field of business. Under the new leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Brian Rüeger, HWZ pursues the vision of becoming the most entrepreneurial university in Switzerland.
The partnership between HWZ and the Swiss Startup Association enables a close integration of academic theory and practical application. «A first step is the launch of the CAS Entrepreneurship HWZ, which provides participants with essential entrepreneurial skills grounded in real-world practice», explains Prof Dr. Brian Rüeger, rector of HWZ. «Our aim is to actively promote entrepreneurship and to equip founders with the necessary tools.»
In the CAS Entrepreneurship, participants engage intensively with innovation, business model development, finance, marketing and leadership – with a clear focus on transferring what they have learned into practice, complemented by case studies, coaching opportunities and networking events. The programme is aimed at founders, start-up employees and professionals from innovation-driven companies.
First joint educational initiative – with further potential
The CAS is only the first step in this collaboration. The partnership opens up numerous further opportunities for joint projects, including continuing education programmes for start-ups with certification by HWZ, joint events, workshops and networking occasions, research projects, as well as studies and white papers on relevant start-up topics. In addition, practical projects are to be initiated in which HWZ students work together with start-ups. At a later stage, a think tank for start-ups is also planned, which will develop innovative ideas to promote the Swiss start-up ecosystem.
Our close collaboration with HWZ represents an important milestone for us. Together, we can create innovative educational programmes that provide tangible support to start-up founders.
This strategic partnership combines the broad academic expertise of HWZ with the strong network and practical experience of the Swiss Startup Association.
Article on Founded.ch – Founders’ Stories from Switzerland
The news platform «FOUNDED.» regularly reports on Switzerland’s start-up ecosystem. They observe and follow start-ups over extended periods, provide behind-the-scenes insights, conduct interviews, and share inspiring success stories. Our news has also been featured by them.
