Entrepreneurs #GenNext: Supporting the Next Generation of Innovators

ESCP Business School takes part in the second edition of “Imprenditori #GenNext: Dai il via alla tua start-up di successo”

The second edition of "Imprenditori #GenNext: Dai il via alla tua start-up di successo" is underway in Turin. It offers 250 university students from seven universities in North-West Italy an immersive learning experience in entrepreneurship. Organised by UniCredit in collaboration with the Club degli Investitori and leading academic institutions, the programme takes place at UniCredit University over four intensive training days.

Participants explore key aspects of start-up creation, from fundraising strategies and intellectual property management to marketing and team building. Business Angels from the Club degli Investitori support students at every stage, providing strategic advice and practical guidance to help them refine their business ideas.

"UniCredit is committed to investing in young people and their future, not only in terms of education, as demonstrated by the success of the #GenNext course, but also in recruitment. To this end, we have recently launched a hiring plan across Italy that will allow us to add 700 new colleagues to our commercial network," says Paola Garibotti, Head of Region Nord-Ovest at UniCredit. "We are also proud to have helped create a social hub here in Turin where entrepreneurs, universities, and banks work side by side to build an ecosystem that places innovation and progress at its core."

Insights from Industry Leaders 

The programme features a distinguished line-up of speakers, including successful start-up founders and industry experts. Participants engage in discussions on finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship with figures such as Pierluigi Paracchi (Genenta), Luca Rossettini (D-Orbit), Chiara Ercole (Saclà), and Luisa Sala and Lara Rocchietti (Lalù). Further sessions include contributions from Mauro Musarra (Algor), Riccardo Bertolino and Manuel Odasso (Ri-generation), Valentina Vecchia (IdraWater), and Massimiliano Curto (WeTaxi).

On 10 March, Daniele Grassucci and Marco Sbardella (Skuola.net) and Paola Allamano (Waterview) will address themes related to the circular economy, product innovation, and building a strong entrepreneurial team.

The final day will see the presentation of six start-up incubators and accelerators, followed by a live pitch session where students present their ideas to business angels and investors.

"We have often asked ourselves: are entrepreneurs born or made? Entrepreneurial vocations are increasingly emerging from high school onwards, but to become real entrepreneurs, young founders must learn to develop their ideas with a view to the economic sustainability of their projects. This course provides a concrete, unique, and innovative response to these needs," says Giancarlo Rocchietti, President of the Club degli Investitori. 

ESCP’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship 

ESCP Business School actively contributes to the initiative, reinforcing its mission to foster entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking among students.
“At ESCP, we believe in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among our students. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to equip young talents with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures. We are proud to contribute to a programme that connects students, founders and investors in such a meaningful way,” states Simone Marino, Head of Blue Factory Italy.

The programme is organised by UniCredit, with the Club degli Investitori as a main partner and the participation of Università di Torino, Politecnico di Torino, Università di Genova, Università del Piemonte Orientale, ESCP Business School, Università della Valle d’Aosta, and Università di Scienze Gastronomiche.The initiative's sponsors include UniCredit Allianz Assicurazioni, Confindustria Piemonte, CCIAA Torino, CCIAA Genova, and Unioncamere Piemonte.

At the conclusion of the course, participants will receive an Open Badge certifying the skills acquired, which will add significant value to their professional credentials.

ESCP Business School continues to champion entrepreneurship and innovation through transformative educational experiences, ensuring that students are equipped to lead and succeed in the evolving business landscape.