More than 200 students took part in the JEL Startup Programme 2026–2027 Kick-off Day, exploring innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. Through inspiring talks, an alumni testimonial and a Design Thinking workshop, participants gained new insights and began developing their entrepreneurial ideas. The teams are now working with their coaches to turn their ideas into concrete projects and prepare for their next pitch session in front of a jury.
The new edition of the JEL Startup Programme 2026–2027 has officially begun!
During the week of 28 September, more than 200 students gathered for the Kick-off Day, a day dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
A day full of inspiration and learning.
The launch day featured a series of talks and workshops designed to give participants the tools they need to turn their ideas into concrete projects. Participants attended a keynote by the House of Sustainability, featuring Sabrina Kohn, as well as a keynote on artificial intelligence led by Johanna Mio from Clear Thinking. Our Alumni Committee was also represented by Emma Lutgen, who shared her experience and advice with the aspiring entrepreneurs. The day continued with a workshop on innovation and Design Thinking, giving teams the opportunity to put the concepts they had explored into practice. To round off an intensive day, the teams presented their first results during a pitch session. This was their first opportunity to share their ideas, practise their presentation skills and receive initial feedback.
And this is only the beginning!
Next up: the first team pitches
The teams are now working with their coaches to develop their projects and prepare for their next major milestone: a pitch session in front of a jury.
This next stage will give participants the opportunity to present their projects, receive feedback and continue developing their ideas.
