On 20-22 November 2024, the University of Milan organized a three-day event to launch the third edition of the University Diploma awarded by Sorbonne University and offered in collaboration with Charles University, Heidelberg University, University of Geneva, University of Milan and University of Warsaw.
The bootcamp of the 4EU+ Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Project Management University Diploma took place on the premises of Fondazione Unimi, and included a mix of lectures, creative workshops and team-building activities, to equip the 68 recent graduates and PhD students participating in the programme with the information and assets needed to navigate the 7-month blended programme.
A roundtable titled “Cross-sector collaboration to foster innovation for sustainability” offered thought-provoking insights on the institutional instruments and contextual conditions enabling innovation at the nexus between the public and private sectors, thanks to the participation of the 4EU+ non-academic associated partners Arexpo - the company developing MIND Milano Innovation District (where the new campus of the University of Milan is being built), the association of entrepreneurs Assolombarda and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Monza Brianza, Lodi.
The 4U+ aspirant innovators also had the chance to participate in an aperitif reception with start-up entrepreneurs in the Research and Innovation field working in Fondazione Unimi, as well as to visit the historical centre of Milan and the headquarters of the central campus of the University of Milan, the 15° century Ca’ Granda.
Dubbed the "Innovation Playground," the bootcamp created a rich environment for multidisciplinary teamwork, embodying the program’s mission to foster creative problem-solving and impactful innovation. With an emphasis on learning by doing, students worked directly with corporate partners – including SAP, Bayer, Renault, Safran, Open Quantum Institute, and LVMH – on real-world challenges. From carbon-smart agriculture to circular aviation, participants co-created solutions at the intersection of sustainability and digitalization. The bootcamp not only set the stage for an ambitious program year but also empowered participants to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions. These innovative projects will be presented before a jury at the University of Warsaw in June 2025, showcasing the students’ journey from concept to execution.
"68 enthusiastic participants representing 31 different nationalities and coming from over 20 different academic backgrounds: our diverse and multidisciplinary group reflects the key ingredients needed today to imagine, build, and implement innovative solutions to society's most pressing challenges. It has been truly inspiring to host such an exceptional group at our university, a tangible signal that working across borders is both feasible and powerful."
The participants expressed their appreciation for the unique opportunity to bridge scientific and business-oriented skills, and they are thrilled to be able to work in diverse teams to tackle the bold challenges proposed by the corporate partners.
"We are about to embark in a 7-month entrepreneurship adventure with few or no experience in the topic. The bootcamp at Milan made this beginning less scary and more fun! We had the opportunity to connect with our new peers, tutors and teachers and the diversity of nationalities and academic backgrounds made it a very rich experience! Feeling ready for this challenge with my team."
"As we are about to venture into a demanding and rewarding journey as a team, this bootcamp was ideal to create a sense of camaraderie within our cohort. It was truly a fun experience that inspired me to give my best for the months to come. Cheers to the organizers of this program and this bootcamp for the work put in all of this!"