HWZ and Swiss Startup Association establish partnership

(CONNECT) The Zurich University of Applied Sciences and the Swiss Startup Association are entering into a strategic partnership to strengthen the Swiss startup ecosystem, the HWZ announced in a press release. The university only offers part-time degree programs and aims to "become the most entrepreneurial university in Switzerland", the statement continues. The Swiss Startup Association has more than 1800 members and uses its network to represent the interests of the Swiss startup scene.

As a first step, the two partners want to launch the CAS Entrepreneurship HWZ part-time degree program. In the press release, HWZ Rector Brian Rüeger explains that it will teach participants "important entrepreneurial skills with a strong practical focus". "Our aim is to promote entrepreneurship in a targeted manner and provide founders with the necessary tools." The new course will be offered for the first time from September 19, 2025.

Further projects are to follow. Among other things, the press release mentions further training programs for start-ups with certification by the HWZ as well as research projects on relevant start-up topics. A think tank for start-ups is also planned. "The close cooperation with the HWZ is an important milestone for us," explains Raphael Tobler, President of the Swiss Startup Association. "Together, we can create innovative educational programs that help start-up founders in concrete ways." ce/hs