With Launch Control to your own start-up: in conversation with Diolinda Qazimi

Dear Diolinda, first of all, congratulations on having your project accepted for the Launch Control programme “Bring your Idea to Life” – it’s fantastic that you are taking this bold step! What motivated you to take this step towards starting your own business?

The idea arose during my bachelor’s dissertation in facility management at ZHAW. In discussions with staff from administrative departments and with tenants, a recurring pattern became apparent: a lack of digitalisation, unclear processes, and no central point of contact for guidance.

Originally, I pursued the idea of a defect reporting app. However, through discussions with experts, particularly as part of Launch Control, it became clear that the problem runs deeper. There are many digital tools available, but there is little overview and rarely any independent support.

This led to the development of a new approach. The aim is to help small and medium-sized administrations, cooperatives and property owners gain digital clarity – in a way that is clear, structured and practical.

What is your business idea – and what exactly do you want to change or improve with it?

With IMMODICO, we are developing an independent navigation and advisory solution for small and medium-sized property management companies (SMEs), cooperatives, and property owners. Our vision is to make digital decision-making in the property sector simpler, more informed, and more transparent.

The market offers a wide range of technical solutions, from ERP systems and tenant portals to specialised tools. However, many organisations lack reliable guidance: which tools are truly suited to their own structure, working processes, and budget? This is precisely where IMMODICO comes in.

Our approach combines independent consultancy with an intelligent, continually expanding toolkit. We support you not only in selecting digital solutions, but also in their gradual implementation, ensuring they can be realistically integrated into everyday working life without causing overload or slowing down operations.

What, in your view, makes your idea special or different from existing solutions?

What sets IMMODICO apart is its independent, systematic approach: we do not sell tools; we provide guidance. While many providers either market their own software or limit themselves to ad hoc consultancy, we consider the entire decision-making and implementation process. IMMODICO combines digital needs analysis, vendor-neutral tool comparisons, and practical implementation support within a scalable system.

This not only enables consultancy on an equal footing, but also creates a growing toolkit that can be applied in a standardised and scalable way over the long term. Our strengths lie in our neutrality, practical orientation, and our ability to make complex digital topics understandable and practically applicable.

Studies, job and start-up – how do you manage to balance it all?

Pursuing studies, a full-time job and a start-up simultaneously is undoubtedly challenging, especially when you set high standards for yourself in all areas. For me, this means working with focus, planning well, and sometimes investing evenings or weekends. At the same time, it is precisely this variety that is also 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 together with Zgjim Ramnabaja, we are building IMMODICO—creating something of our own that is intended to have a real impact.

We share responsibility, contribute different perspectives, and complement each other as a team. Admittedly, free time becomes more limited. However, the motivation to create something meaningful makes many things easier and demonstrates how much is possible when you are truly committed.

How did you become aware of the Launch Control programme?

I became aware of the programme through HWZ. As part of my MAS in Real Estate Management, the offer was introduced via email from Launch Control, and I immediately knew: this is an opportunity I want to take. The combination of entrepreneurial thinking, professional coaching, and a clearly structured support programme convinced me. It was exactly the right environment to further develop a practical idea in a targeted way.

What opportunities do you see arising from the Launch Control programme?

Launch Control offers the rare opportunity to refine an idea under real-world 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, as well as the group coaching sessions led by Raphael Tobler, particularly enriching. His guidance was an important source of impetus for us throughout the process.

The combination of entrepreneurial sparring, a structured approach, and exchanging ideas with other founders showed me that good ideas require a solid foundation—and this is precisely where Launch Control provides support.

What does the support of HWZ mean to you on your entrepreneurial journey?

For me, the support of HWZ provides valuable momentum at a crucial stage. The combination of entrepreneurial practice and academic rigour creates a strong foundation, both professionally and strategically. I particularly appreciate that entrepreneurship at HWZ is not only taught in theory, but is actively encouraged.

The fact that a university supports its students on the path to developing their own ideas is encouraging and demonstrates that entrepreneurial thinking is possible alongside both work and study.

To what extent does your degree programme influence your start-up idea or your entrepreneurial thinking?

The programme broadens my strategic perspective on the real estate sector and sharpens my entrepreneurial thinking. Through the MAS Real Estate Management at HWZ, I learn to understand the complex interrelationships within the industry in a holistic way, from market mechanisms and investment decisions to the management of real estate portfolios.

What I find particularly valuable is the direct practical relevance: working on business plans, case studies and strategic issues helps me to further develop IMMODICO in a fact-based, market-oriented and future-proof manner.

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 link theory and practice so closely.

Why should more (young) people take the step towards self-employment or founding a start-up?

Young people in particular bring new perspectives, fresh questions and often the courage to think differently. Those who start a business learn not only about markets and business models, but also about themselves, about failure and perseverance. It takes courage to keep going, to recognise real problems and to develop a viable solution step by step.

However, I am convinced that both are needed: entrepreneurial individuals who develop new solutions, and dedicated employees who achieve great things within existing structures. Both deserve respect and have the potential to make a real impact.

What are the next steps on your journey with the start-up?

With IMMODICO, we aim to implement initial projects with small and medium-sized property management companies, cooperatives, and private owners. Our goal is to test our digital toolkit under real-world conditions, further develop it, and integrate it into existing workflows in a practical manner. At the same time, we are deepening our engagement with interested organisations and decision-makers from the field, in order to incorporate specific needs into the solution at an early stage.

Our aim remains to provide independent and effective guidance for the digital transformation in the real estate sector—practical and forward-looking.