In collaboration with lecturers from various departments, three innovative and interdisciplinary summer schools on the theme of Planetary Health were successfully held. These programs brought together 64 dedicated students from diverse ZHAW departments, along with 17 international participants from the EELISA network.
Within 2 weeks, they intensively developed socially relevant and innovative solutions for realchallenges in the areas of FoodTech, HealthTech and CircularTech, supported by 15 practice partners who provided them with field trips and clinical immersions, among other things. The supporting program included inspiring lectures by entrepreneurs, aperitifs and a morning yoga session, offering the students a diverse range of opportunities for a relaxed get-together, exchange and networking.
Highlights and projects that were created with a lot of passion
The FoodTech Summer School focused on the future of proteins. The excursions to food producers and farms as well as the Beerpreneur Event on the roof terrace of the Toni Areal, where the highlight was live music from the Taylor Swift concert at the nearby Letzigrund, left a special impression. We are looking forward to the implementation of promising projects such as the Planetary Health board game and the creation of baked goods made from Okara flour.
“The two weeks at the summer school were an unforgettable experience full of innovationand passion. I learned so much and gained new perspectives in the world of food technology. It was an enriching time that showed me how exciting and forward-looking this industry is,” concludes Patricia, a student at the SML.
At the HealthTech Summer School, students developed innovative medical devices and software solutions based on real clinical needs, such as improved diabetes treatments, optimized surgical devices and more accurate risk predictions after surgery. Despite the summer heat of 32°C, impressive results were presented on Pitching Day, which were evaluated by experts from the field and have great potential for further development.
“I have witnessed the development and growth of many start-ups and I am convinced that the spirit grows in places like the Summer School,” concludes Diana Hardie, CEO of Swiss Healthcare Startups, enthusiastically after the presentations.
The CircularTech Summer School was dedicated to circular business models in the construction and transportation sector. Creative solutions were developed to improve recycling practices and urban sustainability. Some of these projects are being continued in close cooperation with partners in the field. The circular economy does not stop at cosmetics either, as the students learned in an exciting presentation by Karin Lanz.
Dr. Helen Vogt, co-lead of the summer school, and Dr. Myra Posluschny-Treuner, project manager of the EELISA Alliance, were “impressed by how quickly the students from different countries and disciplines came together, got to grips with the challenges and developed practical solutions.”
Proof of entrepreneurship skills
By the way, as part of the entrepreneurial concept of the summer schools - from the idea tothe pitch - the students earned a microcredential in entrepreneurship for the first time. The digital badge identifies the personal entrepreneurial skillset. You can read more about microcredentials at the ZHAW here.
Next year, the entrepreneurial summer schools are taking place again. Check out our course offering to apply!
We would like to thank the organizers and lecturers of the summer schools, the practice partners, jury members, the committed students and all other contributors, without whom there would be no summer schools!
Program Founders and Co-Leads:
Carmen Burri, Klara Kehnel, Prof. Dr. Mathias Bonmarin, Dr. Jens Haarmann,Nicole Zigan, Dr. Helen Vogt, Martina Hefele.
Partner: Nathalie Christinger,Outlawz Food; Alban Muret, foodward; Emmi;Migros; ortoloco; Eduard Müller, catchfree; sallea; fenaco; Anik Thaler, FabasFoods AG, Martina Holzmann, Umwelt- und Gesundheitsschutz Zürich; Biohof KlausBöhler; Dr. Georgios Peros, Kantonspital Winterthur; Dr. Maren Schinz, Diabetes Center Berne; Zsolt Kulcsár, NicolinHainc,Patrick Thurner, USZ Neuroradiology; Baugenossenschaft Fronheim,Implenia, Stadt Zürich, Stadler.
Jury: Friedrich Witschi, Bühler; SeverinoDöbeli, ZKB; Simone Jones, Betty Bossi; Tanja Hänsli, Valora; Diane Hardy,Swiss Healthcare Startups; Blaise Jacholkowski, ehem. Zühlke; MichaelKradolfer, Ypsomed; Maja Wiprächtiger,Realcycle; Pablo Villars, Migros Pioneer Fonds; Nora Zimmerli, S2S.
Speakers: Natascha Schmid, CureAnna; Karin Lanz, Lanur; MartinHäfele, AlbApfel GbR.
Supporters: Dr. Myra Posluschny-Treuner, ZHAW EELISA; Dr. AnitaBuchli, Mirco Egloff, Thomas Bratschi, Thilo Hühn, Maya Ladner, Carla Bratschi,Sophia Graupner, Lets grow.
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